SECRETARY DEL ROSARIO DELIVERS LECTURE ON WEST PHILIPPINE SEA ISSUE, ENCOURAGES YOUTH TO BE PATRIOTS 12 March 2014 – As part of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA’s) public diplomacy efforts to educate young Filipinos about the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario delivered a lecture before Grade 7 and 4th-year high school students of De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) last March 10, held at the DSLZ Sylvia P. Lina Theater in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC, DLSZ President and High School Principal welcomed the DFA Delegation and exhorted the student body to understand the crucial issue that the country is facing today. Secretary Del Rosario began his lecture by introducing the students to the three pillars of Philippine Foreign Policy, namely: the preservation of national security, enhancement of economic diplomacy, and the protection of Filipinos overseas. He pointed out that defending the national territory falls under the first pillar. The Secretary then explained the full extent of Philippine territory, emphasizing the inclusion of the maritime zones defined by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “Now we go back to our question, what is the extent of Philippine territory? It is the Philippine archipelago, other lands or islands which we own and govern, such as the Kalayaan Island Group (Spratly Group of Islands) and Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal), and also include our maritime zones that we just discussed. All these comprise Philippine territory,” Secretary Del Rosario underscored. He also stressed the importance of preserving freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, noting that about 40% to 60% of world trade passes through it. The Secretary focused his discussion on China’s claims over Recto Bank and Bajo de Masinloc and maintained that China’s expansive nine-dash line claim has no basis in international law. Secretary Del Rosario emphasized the mandate from President Benigno S. Aquino III to pursue a peaceful resolution to the dispute. Secretary Del Rosario said, “We are, in fact, committed to undertake all that is possible to cultivate positive relations with China in spite of this issue in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea.” The students were likewise enlightened about the political, diplomatic and legal tracks that constitute the Philippines’ rules-based approach to the issue. The Secretary described the legal track to be the “last resort” and expressed belief that it is “ a durable and lasting solution to settling the disputes.” He also explained the concept of a “minimum credible defense posture” and how the Philippines has been working with its international partners to achieve it. In closing, Secretary Del Rosario urged the students to take a strong stand for the country and “defend what is rightfully ours.” “This is a collective call for all Filipinos to unite as one. This is a call for you to be a patriot,” the Secretary concluded. Following the lecture was a lively Q&A session. More than 700 students, DLSZ administrators and faculty members, and DFA officials were present during the lecture. This was the first time that a member of the Cabinet spoke about the West Philippine Sea Issue in DLSZ. The lecture was a project of the DLZS Grade School Student Representative Coordinating Council, led by its President, Sean Dominique L. Brago, with the support of the DLZS administration, headed by DLZS President and High School Principal Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC, Grade School Principal Ruby P. Ramos, and High School Vice-Principal Agnes B. Panaligan. END
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 05:45:42 +0000
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