By Nimfa Estrellado March 5, 2023 Participants to the CSO Summit for WPS. (Photo from Jay Lim,Program Officer at Tanggol Kalikasan) LUCE...
March 5, 2023
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| Participants to the CSO Summit for WPS. (Photo from Jay Lim,Program Officer at Tanggol Kalikasan) |
LUCENA CITY - For the first time, fisherfolks from all over the Philippines came together to develop a unified action plan to protect the West Philippine Seascape (WPS), which provides a ecosystem services and biodiversity to Filipinos.
During a three-day summit of civil society organizations for the conservation of the WPS in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on March 1-3, more than a hundred representatives from fisher associations and advocacy groups signed a joint statement to protect the WPS.
The participants who deliberated, agreed on their basis for unity, and developed their coordinated action were led by Atty. Grizelda Mayo-Anda of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, Atty. Ma. Ronely Bisquera-Sheen of Tanggol Kalikasan, and Dr. Allaine Baaco, vice president for research development and extension at Western Philippine University.
The summit's theme, "Para sa Buhay at Kabuhayan (For Life and Livelihood): Harnessing the Voice of the CSOs to Protect WPS," focuses on the critical issues affecting the fisheries resources of the WPS and the creation of workable solutions.
The groups' "assertion of sovereign rights" over the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone in the disputed waters is outlined in a statement, as is their pledge to defend the "highly diverse coastal and marine area," which provides the Filipino people with a variety of food and livelihood possibilities.
The statement added, “Each organization has different backgrounds and capabilities that can contribute to the enrichment and attainment of the unified vision for WPS. We commit to have an inclusive, sustained approach towards mobilizing resources and building broader strategic influence in the governance of WPS.”
The unity statement was signed by nearly 50 civil society organizations, including municipal fisherfolk people's organizations, fishers and community leaders from the Kalayaan Island Group, commercial fishing associations, environmental advocacy groups, and academic institutions.
In the statement, there is a call to action to educate fishermen, local stakeholders, and youth about the importance of WPS. It also enables them to effectively participate and represent themselves in governance activities and address WPS concerns such as foreign intrusions and other threats.
When asked on the idea behind the convening of civic groups, Atty. Mayo-Anda shared “This is the first time CSOs get together after challenging years. It is gratifying to see that there are so many initiatives and good practices related to West Philippine Sea and the stories shared in the summit provide us hope and strength.”
The following CSO members and academe that attended the summit: CSO members and academe that attended the summit held on March 1-3 include Tambuyog Development Center Inc., Conservation International Philippine Foundation Inc., C3 Philippines, Impl. Project, Environmental Legal Assistance Center, Tanggol Kalikasan, Forest Foundation Philippines, Western Philippines University, Palawan State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Pangasinan State University, Siliman University, De La Salle University, Kalayaan Palawan Fisherman/ Farmers Association, PANGISDA, KKAMPI, Kalayaan Tourism Agents Cooperative, Punta Baja Fisherfolk Association, Fisherfolk Organization in Quezon, Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka at Magingisda, Sisiman Fishing Operators Association Inc.
PH is still protesting China's 'illegal' presence in WPS
According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza in a recent interview, the Philippines filed a total of 77 protests against China throughout President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s presidency, including 10 this year.
“The Philippines continues to protest China’s persistent and illegal presence in the Philippine waters, including those near Ayungin Shoal,” Daza said in a message to reporters.
In order to demonstrate to China that the Philippines "would never stand down," Senator Risa Hontiveros has asked the DFA to negotiate security arrangements with other countries.
Hontiveros stressed that the country should not rely solely on its Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States to protect its sovereign rights because comparable agreements can be reached with other nations seeking peace and stability.
She underlined the significance of making immediate efforts to assist Filipinos who have been impacted by China's actions, particularly fishefolks and coast guard members.
On February 6, a Chinese security vessel in the WPS, about 20 kilometers from Ayungin Shoal, is accused of targeting a Filipino patrol boat with a military-grade laser.
Marcos summoned the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, to Malacaang to address Beijing's "increasing frequency and intensity of activities" against the Philippine Coast Guard and Filipino fishermen in Ayungin Shoal.
China dismissed the claims and said that the Philippine ship had "intruded" into its territorial waters.
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