At the recent National West Philippine Sea Summit in Pasay City, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. delivered a powerful message about the necessity of national unity in protecting the Philippines’ sovereign rights. As the nation observed the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award—a landmark victory that affirmed the country’s maritime entitlements—Teodoro shifted the focus toward the Filipino people. He argued that the defense of our waters is not merely a task for the military or high-ranking government officials; rather, it begins with every ordinary citizen recognizing these maritime territories as an inseparable part of the national identity, an inheritance that must be understood and protected by all.
During the summit, Secretary Teodoro took a firm stance against the growing trend of “disinformation” emanating from China. He specifically addressed recent claims by Chinese scholars suggesting that Batanes belongs to China—an assertion he dismissed as an “outlandish narrative” fueled by a controlled political environment. Teodoro warned that these falsehoods are not merely academic missteps but are calculated signals of a broader, more ambitious geopolitical agenda to exert control over the Pacific. By framing these claims as a manifestation of a “closed society” attempting to rewrite history, he highlighted the danger of ignoring such rhetoric, noting that it serves as a litmus test for China’s ultimate plans for regional dominance.
To counter these external pressures, Teodoro proposed a transformation in how Filipinos perceive their maritime domain. He emphasized that the West Philippine Sea, the Kalayaan Island Group, and the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone should not be viewed as abstract geographical spaces on a map, but as vital extensions of the Filipino home. He coined a deeply human approach to this cause, moving beyond simple “ownership” to the concept of pagyakap—to embrace. This philosophy, he explained, carries the weight of parental responsibility: just as a parent nurtures and protects a child, Filipinos must embrace their seas with a sense of stewardship, ensuring that these resources are preserved for the dignity and survival of future generations.
The Defense Secretary’s vision is one of deep, granular education. He urged that information regarding our maritime rights must be cascaded down to the grassroots level so that it becomes part of the shared psyche of every “Juan and Juana de la Cruz.” By fostering this internal solidarity, the nation creates a collective strength that cannot be easily swayed by outside propaganda. For Teodoro, this is a long-term investment. He argued that the sacrifices made today—investments in defense, diplomacy, and public consciousness—are not for personal gain but are a commitment to those who will inherit the Philippine islands long after the current generation has passed.
Beyond our borders, Teodoro underscored that the Philippines does not stand alone in its struggle for a rules-based international order. He highlighted the critical importance of forming alliances with like-minded nations who value international law over the selfish ambitions of unilateral power. He framed these partners as “co-actors” and “co-investors” in the shared goal of regional stability. By working together, these nations serve as a bulwark against attempts to reshape global standards to favor the interests of a single, aggressive leadership. This collaborative spirit, he believes, is the only sustainable way to resist external pressure and maintain a balance of power.
Ultimately, the summit served as a clarion call for a shift in the Philippine national mindset. Secretary Teodoro reminded us that while the 2016 Arbitral Award provided the legal foundation for our claims, the true power lies in the resilience and awareness of the Filipino people. By embracing the sea as an extension of ourselves and standing firm, arm-in-arm with global allies, the country can move forward with confidence. The protection of our maritime rights, as defined by Teodoro, is a testament to our character as a nation—one that is committed to the rule of law, the defense of our heritage, and the promise of a secure future for the children of tomorrow.