Teaching sovereignty: Iloilo institutionalizes WPS education
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ILOILO CITY—The Iloilo Provincial Government has institutionalized the teaching of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue in schools after Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. signed the “I Love WPS” Ordinance.
The Iloilo Legislative Ordinance for Values Formation through Education on the West Philippine Sea provides a province-wide framework for including WPS topics in basic education. The ordinance recognizes the issue as a national concern with long-term civic impact.
Fourth District Board Member Rolando Distura authored the ordinance, which directs schools to promote patriotism, nationalism, and civic responsibility. Lessons will include the history, legal context, and international rulings supporting Philippine rights over the West Philippine Sea.
The ordinance encourages public and private elementary and secondary schools in Iloilo Province to include WPS topics in Araling Panlipunan, Social Studies, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Sibika at Kultura, Philippine History, and Contemporary Issues.
Schools are also encouraged to hold co-curricular activities, including essay-writing contests, poster-making competitions, quiz bees, debates, and other educational programs to support classroom lessons.
The ordinance establishes a Technical Working Group to oversee implementation and curriculum support. The governor will chair the group, with the chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education and the Iloilo Schools Division Superintendent as vice chairpersons. The group will develop learning modules and instructional materials in Hiligaynon to help more students understand the lessons.
The ordinance designates West Philippine Sea Day every Wednesday of the second week of September, in line with the national observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month.
Provincial officials said the ordinance places Iloilo among local governments addressing national sovereignty issues through education. They said the measure will help keep discussions on the West Philippine Sea ongoing and accessible to students in the coming years.
