by: 1LT LADY STEPHANIE G BERNARDO PAF (TOW West)
The West Philippine Sea (WPS) is more than just a body of water—it’s our lifeline, a source of livelihood, a reservoir of rich biodiversity, and a vital part of our shared future. Its waters fuel local economies through fishing, tourism, and other industries, while its vast natural gas reserves hold potential for bolstering the country’s energy security. Protecting the WPS means safeguarding our environment, economy, and the prosperity of future generations.
With our creativity, energy, and drive, we have a unique opportunity to contribute to its protection. By becoming more engaged in the conversation and taking active steps toward conservation and advocacy, we hold the power to safeguard the WPS to ensure that its resources remain abundant and its beauty preserved for generations to come. We can be a Sentinel. But what does it mean to be a sentinel? In the dictionary, a sentinel is defined as a guard or a lookout, someone who watches over and protects a particular place. They are the vigilant defenders, ensuring that what they protect remains secure. As sentinels of the West Philippine Sea, we can take on this role, watching over and defending our seas for the sake of future generations—and for the future we want to leave behind for ourselves and the people we care about.
Today’s youth can rise to this challenge by becoming SENTINELS of the West Philippine Sea, embracing their role as protectors and advocates through this meaningful acronym:
S – Study and Stay Informed Understanding is the foundation of advocacy. Hindi tayo #MEMALANG. We must equip ourselves with knowledge about the West Philippine Sea, its significance to the Philippines, and the issues surrounding it. Staying informed will allow us to speak confidently about why the WPS matters—not just as a national issue, but as a personal responsibility to the nation. The more we know, the stronger we speak. Let’s use our voice to spread facts, not fake news.
E – Engage in Environmental Actions/Advocacies The WPS is one of the Philippines’ greatest natural treasures. Let’s protect it! How? Start small: join coastal clean-ups, raise awareness about sustainable fishing, or support campaigns for marine protection. By engaging in these actions, we can contribute to the preservation of the sea’s natural beauty and resources for generations to come. “You did—good for the planet, good for the gram! #SEAFIES.”
N – Network with Others Advocacy grows stronger when done collectively. “Kapag Sama-Sama, Kayang-Kaya” as they say. It’s all about connecting. Whether through school, social media, or community groups, find like-minded people who care about the WPS. Build that network, and let’s amplify our voices! With collective effort, we can move mountains (or should I say… seas?).
T – Talk About the Issues Start the conversation. No need to be all serious—talk about the WPS casually in your group chats, social media, or even with your family. Share the cool facts you learn. Ask questions. Make it a topic of discussion. You never know who you’ll inspire! Let’s spread awareness #MARITESWPS-style. P.S. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on Facebook and other platforms for all the latest WPS-related information to #Marites on!
I – Innovate and Inspire We are the generation of creativity, and that is a powerful tool. From multimedia projects, art, and music to social media campaigns, we can inspire others to take part in the cause. By using innovation to present the WPS issue in engaging and fresh ways, we can reach wider audiences and motivate others to act.
N – Navigate Social Media Responsibly Social media is powerful, but let’s use it wisely. We’ve all seen fake news spread like wildfire, but we can change that. Let’s share accurate information and raise awareness responsibly. When we start promoting truth, we can start influencing more people in the right way. Imagine this: Your post about marine protection in the WPS could inspire someone else to get involved. #TruthMatters
E – Educate Others We can become teachers within our communities, educating friends, families, and peers about the West Philippine Sea. Whether through formal presentations, casual discussions, or online posts, we can spread knowledge and raise awareness to help more people understand why this cause is important. Again, #MARITESWPS-style.
L – Live the Advocacy To truly make a difference, we must live out our commitment to protecting the West Philippine Sea in everything we do. It’s not just about words—it’s about action. Living the advocacy means making everyday choices that protect our environment, supporting efforts that safeguard our seas, and standing up for our maritime rights. Every small action, from joining coastal clean-ups to using platforms to raise awareness, can have a positive impact. Through our passion and dedication, we can inspire others to join us to ensure that together, we protect our seas and secure a better future for everyone.
The Role of the Youth as Sentinels The protection of the West Philippine Sea is not just a responsibility of the government; it requires the participation of all Filipinos, especially us, the youth. By becoming SENTINELS, young people can play a crucial role in preserving our seas, securing our rights, and shaping a brighter future for our nation. Through the efforts to Study, Engage, Network, Talk, Innovate, Navigate, Educate, and Live the advocacy, the youth can make a lasting impact. We are not just the future of the country—we are the protectors of its sovereignty and natural wealth today. Let us stand together and lead the way in securing the West Philippine Sea—our seas, our rights, and our future.