Erwin Tulfo Pushes WPS Sovereignty Education in PH School Curriculum

Sen. Erwin Tulfo has renewed his call for the immediate passage of Senate Bill 1625, known as the West Philippine Sea Education Act, urging the integration of lessons on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and Philippine sovereignty into the country’s basic education curriculum.

The push comes amid renewed tensions following claims by Chinese scholars that the island province of Batanes is a 'natural geographical extension' of Taiwan. Tulfo described these assertions as part of a broader pattern of disinformation that the education measure aims to counter through factual, law-based instruction starting at an early age.

“Before, they claim that the West Philippine Sea is theirs, now Batanes is also their territory? What’s next? Palawan? Zambales? Cagayan?” Tulfo said, highlighting the escalating nature of the claims that coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ landmark victory at the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

The senator emphasized that knowledge of the country’s maritime boundaries and sovereign rights is essential not only for patriotism but also for equipping citizens to protect national resources and territory. “We have to act fast in ensuring that Filipinos are not easily swayed by these kinds of claims. As early as Basic Education, Filipinos must be equipped with knowledge about the Philippine sovereignty”, he remarked.

If enacted, Senate Bill 1625 would require the Department of Education (DepEd) to incorporate age-appropriate instructions on the West Philippine Sea into learning materials. These lessons would be anchored on internationally recognized facts, Supreme Court decisions, Philippine laws, and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated China’s expansive nine-dash line claim.

The bill also mandates training programs for teachers and educators to ensure accurate delivery of WPS-related content. Tulfo views the legislation as a proactive defense against disinformation campaigns that seek to undermine Philippine territorial integrity.

This educational initiative aligns with broader efforts to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling. Sen. Anna Theresia 'Risa' Hontiveros, whose Akbayan party-list group has long highlighted Chinese actions in the WPS, hailed the 2016 decision as a historic stand against a powerful neighbor.

“Ten years ago today, the Philippines showed the world what it means to stand up to a giant, and win. The 2016 Hague Ruling still stands, affirming that China’s nine-dash line has absolutely no basis in international law", Hontiveros stated.

She stressed the importance of continued vigilance, noting that China has not ceased its claims despite the tribunal’s findings. Recent assertions regarding Batanes, according to Hontiveros, represent a 'grave insult' to Ivatan residents and all Filipinos, illustrating the depth of propaganda’s influence.

“China’s disinformation campaigns are exactly why the Arbitral Award matters, not only as a landmark ruling etched in the annals of history, but as a shield against those who systematically spread lies", she added.

The convergence of Tulfo’s legislative push and Hontiveros’ commemorative statement underscores a unified senatorial stance on defending Philippine sovereignty through both diplomatic remembrance and domestic education reform.

Tulfo’s bill positions education as a strategic tool in national defense. By embedding factual information about the WPS arbitral award and related Supreme Court rulings into school curricula, the measure aims to foster informed citizenship from a young age. Students would learn about the historical, legal, and geopolitical dimensions of the West Philippine Sea, including the significance of the 2016 ruling that affirmed the Philippines’ rights over its exclusive economic zone.

Also Read: PCG, DepEd Train Teachers To Promote Philippines' Maritime Rights

Proponents argue that such knowledge is particularly vital in coastal and island communities where maritime resources directly impact livelihoods. Understanding legal boundaries and sovereign rights can empower future generations to participate meaningfully in national discourse on territorial integrity.

The timing of Tulfo’s renewed advocacy is significant. The 10th anniversary events, including ceremonies in areas like Masinloc, Zambales, have brought renewed public attention to the arbitral victory. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and local officials participated in commemorative activities, displaying symbolic items to mark the occasion.

Critics of Chinese actions in the region have pointed to continued incursions and rhetorical escalations as evidence that legal victories must be supplemented by sustained domestic awareness and policy measures.

Tulfo concluded that baseless territorial claims should not be entertained and must be countered across multiple fronts, including education. “We will continue to stand firm, defend our territory, and protect what rightfully belongs to the Filipino people”.

The proposed West Philippine Sea Education Act represents a long-term investment in national resilience. By ensuring that Philippine laws, international rulings, and historical facts form part of standard learning materials, the bill seeks to build a citizenry that is both knowledgeable and steadfast in matters of sovereignty.

As deliberations on Senate Bill 1625 proceed, stakeholders from education, defense, and foreign policy sectors are expected to weigh in on implementation details, teacher training modules, and the development of appropriate instructional resources.

The measure adds to ongoing legislative efforts addressing disinformation and national identity, positioning education as a pillar of Philippine foreign policy defense in the West Philippine Sea.