China’s continuous reclamation through construction of artificial islands causes widespread destruction of West Philippine Sea’s (WPS) biodiversity and damages its ecological balance. The Philippines should be greatly concerned about China’s massive reclamation since it is a great threat to our country and other claimant nations. Their possession of the shoals and islets also affects Filipino fishermen who have relied on the sea for ages for their livelihood.
Our very own West Philippine Sea is one of so many hurdles our country has to face that we seriously needed to address as soon as possible. China is obviously abusing the natural resources inside Philippine territory. They are using all their might to get what they believe they own.
Are we letting China exploit our territory? Are we giving up on them? Can we have armed forces modernization to stop China’s aggressiveness and to strengthen our capabilities to protect our people and our territory? Isn’t the West Philippine Sea worth fighting and dying for? — CHRISTIAN ABUELO, Environmentalist, Baguio City