Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Central Luzon, in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NYC), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Tarlac State University (TSU), recently held the Kilos Kabataan Para sa West Philippine Sea forum to empower the youth and combat the spread of misinformation surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
PIA Director-General Katherine Chloe De Castro emphasized that the event was more than just a symposium. It was a platform to deepen the youth’s understanding of the WPS issue and teach them the importance of verifying information in the fight against fake news.
“Recent events highlight that the battle against misinformation is far from over. We cannot allow falsehoods to prevail. We must ensure that every Filipino understands the truth,” De Castro stated.
PIA Regional Head William Beltran reiterated the agency’s commitment to partnering with various groups to inform the public about the issue. He stressed that protecting the WPS should not be the government’s sole responsibility but a collective effort of all Filipinos.
PCG Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela urged Filipinos to trust the country’s claim over the WPS, emphasizing that defense of this claim starts with public support. “As Filipinos, we must believe in our rightful claim over the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said, highlighting the importance of educating the youth about the issue.
NYC Assistant Secretary Karl Josef Legazpi challenged students to reflect on their role in defending the country, emphasizing that the future of the Philippines depends on their actions today. “What we do now will define our country’s future. If we remain silent, we surrender,” he declared.
PIA Assistant Regional Head Carlo Lorenzo Datu reminded students that they have a key role in responsible information sharing. “As communicators, we must verify information before sharing it. Truth empowers, and what we share shapes public sentiment,” he explained.
TSU President Arnold Velasco expressed gratitude to PIA for selecting the university as the event’s venue, recognizing the importance of helping students understand and uphold the nation’s rights over its territorial waters.
“This event will broaden our knowledge and inspire meaningful discussions about our rights and responsibilities over the West Philippine Sea,” Velasco said.
The forum served as a call to action for the youth, empowering them to critically assess information, engage in informed discussions, and contribute to defending the nation’s rightful claims over the West Philippine Sea. (PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
