University News

PIA-Led Youth Forum boosts factual awareness of West PH Sea among PUPians

Trixie Mae Del Rosario, News, Communication Management Office

Amid the ongoing maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) partnered with multiple government agencies to host the “West Philippine Sea Youth Forum” on March 28 at PUP’s Bulwagang Balagtas. The event was spearheaded to highlight the youth’s critical role in understanding and addressing the issue.

Organized in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency - National Capital Region (PIA-NCR), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), and National Youth Commission (NYC), the forum sought to deepen students’ awareness of the WPS.

“Right now, we’re explaining what’s happening in the West Philippine Sea, but in perspective, it broadens our outlook. That’s the bigger benefit students gain from this activity,” said PIA-NCR Regional Director Emver Cortez in an interview.

The forum featured talks by government representatives and a photo exhibit, “Pag-asa sa Gitna ng Kalayaan,” presented by the National Library of the Philippines Cartographic Collection. It showcased historical maps and vibrant images of marine life in the WPS.

The Power of information
PIA emphasized the dangers of fake news and its impact on public perception of national issues like the WPS. PIA Director-General Katherine Chloe De Castro underscored the youth’s influence in the digital age and its potential to safeguard national interests.

“Kung mali at mapanlinlang ang impormasyon, maaari itong magdulot ng hindi pagkakaunawaan at pagkasira ng tiwala sa institusyon,” she warned.

(If information is false and misleading, it can cause misunderstanding and damage trust in the institution.)

To equip students with the tools to navigate the digital landscape, PIA-NCR conducted a Media and Information Literacy session.

“Media today is vast—beyond print and mass media, we now have digital media. It’s powerful, so we must be cautious. Not everything we encounter is true,” explained PIA-NCR Information Officer Jimmyley Guzman. She outlined the differences between misinformation (false information shared unintentionally), disinformation (false information spread deliberately), and malinformation (fabricated information), while offering strategies to identify them.

Guzman also stressed responsible sharing: “Media and Information Literacy isn’t just about fact-checking. It’s about accessing, analyzing, and thoughtfully sharing accurate information with others.” Students were encouraged to extend this knowledge to other generations, particularly older individuals who may struggle to distinguish credible information online.

WPS as an ‘Intergenerational Issue’
The Philippines’ Sovereign Rights and Maritime Security in the West Philippine Sea, PCG and WPS Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela emphasized the need for Filipinos—especially young people—to be well-informed about the territorial dispute.

“The only way to awaken their sense of patriotism is for them to see, hear, and understand what’s happening,” he said.

Tarriela argued that an informed public can unify the Philippines’ stance on the WPS, sending a clear message globally and countering China’s aggressive actions. “We want the world to know there’s a country that disregards international law, bullying smaller nations with its military and economic might,” he stated.

He further described the WPS dispute as an “intergenerational issue,” one that future generations will inherit. “This problem will pass to the next leaders—our youth. You will face this fight. That’s why it’s vital for you to understand what we’re fighting for and why,” Tarriela urged.

The discussion reminded the PUPian student attendees, majority from the College of Political Science and Social Public Administration, about the West Philippine Sea issue and its relevancy as students. Learning events such as this enhance community engagement and awareness on pressing issues that affect the nation – a commitment PUP is willing to take in pursuit of its vision and mission.

_{(Note: English translation generated from AI.)}