DND to broaden depth on continental shelf

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) will broaden the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s strategic depth to project Philippine forces up to the furthest limits of its exclusive economic zone and extended continental shelf in the West Philippines Sea (WPS), Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said yesterday.

Teodoro made the statement in support of President Marcos’ declaration in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday that the Philippines cannot yield nor waver in its bid to protect its territory.

He said that the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) being implemented by the DND aligns with Marcos’ directive.

“As expounded by the President, we are relentless in pursuing the modernization of the AFP, with our efforts to further developing our own capabilities as well as partnering with like-minded states to enhance our interoperability and promote regional stability,” Teodoro said.

“All of our undertakings under the CADC to build and sustain a credible defense posture – from the capability upgrade to international partnerships – will ensure that we can protect our territorial integrity and uphold our jurisdictions. We cannot compromise our rights and the future of our country, especially in the WPS,” he added.

The South China Sea is a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce.

Aside from the Philippines, China has overlapping claims with Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea.

‘Include West Philippine Sea in basic education curriculum’

Lessons on the WPS and the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s claims should be integrated into the basic education curriculum of the Department of Education, according to Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr.

“To ensure that the spirit of patriotism and our commitment to sovereignty endure, it is crucial that we educate our young citizens from an early age,” Bordado said.

“I call on President Marcos to make it mandatory for all Filipino students to learn about the West Philippine Sea, starting from Grade 1,” he added.

During his July 22 SONA, Marcos vowed to protect the WPS.

Incorporating lessons on territorial rights and national sovereignty into the basic education curriculum would cultivate a “generation of informed and patriotic Filipinos,” Bordado said.

Administration lawmaker Rep. Margarita Nograles also made the same suggestion earlier.

“Educating our youth about the significant issues surrounding our territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea is crucial for fostering a well-informed citizenry and cultivating a sense of national pride and responsibility,” she said.

Sen. Sonny Angara replaced as education chief Vice President Sara Duterte, whose resignation took effect on July 19.

Nograles supports Angara’s appointment.

“The 2016 UNCLOS arbitral ruling is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, affirming our sovereign rights over our territories that are being claimed by China. It is imperative that this landmark decision and the territorial disputes are comprehensively taught in our schools,” Nograles noted.

“Our young Filipinos should be aware of the legal and historical context of our territorial claims to better appreciate the efforts of our government and diplomats in defending our sovereignty,” she added. – Delon Porcalla