DepEd to include West Philippine Sea issues in grade school curriculum
The Department of Education is working on a new curriculum covering issues on the West Philippine Sea for elementary students, set for implementation next academic year.
The initiative, a collaboration of the National Task Force for the WPS and DepEd, is part of the efforts to debunk China’s disinformation regarding its unfounded territorial claims in the South China Sea.
“Right now, we are formulating the curriculum adjustment for the Grades 4, 6 and 10 that would already include the West Philippine Sea as part of their curriculum,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the WPS, during a press conference at the University of Nueva Caceres.
“Even at a young age, they would know about the West Philippine Sea and understand its significance for future generations,” he added.
Tarriela added that the NTF-WPS-produced comic book The Stories of Teacher Jun will be the official reference for the curriculum for students in Grades 4, 6, and 10.
The 40-page comic book discusses maritime zones, international laws, and the importance of safeguarding Philippine marine resources. It was launched in February, aiming to inspire and raise awareness about the ongoing maritime dispute among the youth.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that the Philippines has the exclusive sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. It voided Beijing's sweeping claims in the region, saying they had no basis under international law, a decision China rejects.
Despite the ruling, China has continued asserting its claim over the WPS, including taking aggressive measures to expel Philippine vessels in the disputed waters.
“That is why we engage our youth today, to help them understand that the responsibility of fighting for the West Philippine Sea is one they must continue in the years to come," Tarriela said.
