Akbayan honors WPS frontliners ahead of Day of Valor
Military exercises in Aborlan, Palawan near West Philippine Sea.
MANILA, Philippines — The Akbayan Partylist has recognized the efforts of maritime frontliners from various government agencies “for defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting Filipino fishers” in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), ahead of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).
In a statement on Tuesday, Akbayan Partylist, along with Atin Ito Coalition, honored representatives from the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
READ: West Philippine Sea `Atin Ito’ to launch third civilian mission in May
“As we commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan, we are reminded that heroism lives on—not just in history, but in those who continue to defend our sovereignty,” Akbayan Partylist president and Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David said.
“The women and men we honor today represent the modern-day heroism our country needs,” she added.
WPS in school curriculum
Aside from honoring these officials, Akbayan and Atin Ito reiterated their call for integrating WPS education into the national curriculum to foster patriotism and awareness among youth and to establish a WPS Institute to protect and sustainably manage resources within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
They also renewed their call to declare July 12 as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day and modernize the Navy, PCG, and BFAR to boost their security efforts in WPS.
Next month, Akbayan, through Atin Ito, scheduled a third civilian mission in WPS.
In May last year, Atin Ito conducted its second civilian mission. The team delivered “crucial provisions, including fuel and food, to Filipino fishers working in the area.
Their efforts resulted in the distribution of 1,000 liters of diesel and 200 food packs, even with a Chinese Navy ship shadowing them.
The first-ever supply mission of Atin Ito was conducted in 2023, wherein one of their resupply boats managed to get past Chinese vessels and reach Lawak Island on December 11 of the same year.
They brought gifts for those who are based in BRP Sierra Madre and other people in the WPS’s eight other maritime features.
