The West Philippine Sea (WPS) is not a myth, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday, as he called for the strengthening of national consciousness on the issue and the need to impart it to the next generation of Filipinos.
“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas,” President Marcos said in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa.
“Pagtitibayin at palalaguin natin ang kamalayan at kaalaman ng buong bansa, at titiyaking maipapasa natin ito sa ating kabataan at ating susunod na mga salinlahi. Laws on Maritime Zones and Archipelagic Sea Lanes will make sure that this intergenerational mandate or duty will firmly take root in the hearts and minds of the Filipino people,” he said.
In the face of challenges to the nation’s territorial sovereignty, the government will assert its rights and interests through proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order, the President said.
The Philippines will continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with its counterparts without compromising its position and principles, he said.
The President said peace and community-building will always be the nation’s clarion call, especially when it serves as chair and host of the ASEAN Summit in 2026.
The Philippines cannot yield and waver, Marcos pointed out. He promised to continue to strengthen the nation’s defense posture, both through developing self-reliance and partnerships with like-minded states.
President Marcos also thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the fishermen in the WPS for their sacrifices.
“Tanggapin ninyo ang taos-pusong pasasalamat ng buong bansa, dahil sa inyong ginagawang pagmamatyag at sakripisyo,” he said. PND
