Two Senate proposals would make lessons about the West Philippine Sea a permanent part of school education.
Almost every day, Filipinos see news about Chinese ships, Filipino fishermen, and confrontations in the West Philippine Sea. But many people still do not know which waters belong to the Philippines, what Filipinos have the right to do there, or what the 2016 international ruling actually decided.
Two senators want schools to teach these questions clearly. Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 577, while Senator Jinggoy Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 1424.
Their proposals would add lessons about the West Philippine Sea to public and private schools. Students would learn about its history, the laws covering the area, its natural resources, and the experiences of Filipino fishermen.
Some schools have already started teaching parts of the subject. The proposals would make sure the lessons continue nationwide, even when the people running DepEd change.
Here are five things to know.