TABACO CITY — To highlight the importance of protecting the country’s maritime resources, a free documentary screening of Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea was held yesterday, September 11, at Ayala Malls Legazpi.
Directed by Baby Ruth Villarama, the documentary captures the experiences of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in delivering supplies to remote military outposts in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) while facing harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).
The film also sheds light on the daily struggles of Filipino fisherfolk, many of whom are driven away from Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc—a crucial fishing ground within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Following the screening, an open forum was held with regional officials including Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol Regional Head Ramil Marianito, Naval Forces Southern Luzon RD Lt. Col. Loreen Cabaliw, PCG Bicol Lt. Jay Rico Saballo, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol Chief Junalin Barcellano. The panel engaged with audience questions, creating a meaningful discussion on sovereignty, livelihood, and public awareness.
Reinnard Balonzo of Rappler commended the film for humanizing the struggles of fishermen and coast guards, underscoring the need to defend the country’s sovereign rights.
“We should join the fight for the West Philippine Sea and appreciate the stories of those affected,” Balonzo said.
For Joanne Longasa, a fourth-year journalism student, the film serves as both an information source and a wake-up call for the youth.
“It showcases the sacrifices and real-life struggles of our fellow Filipinos, highlighting how even the simple act of food delivery has become a symbol of their love and bravery for the country amidst tensions in the West Philippine Sea,” Longasa said.
A fisherman from Camarines Norte also emphasized the WPS’s importance to their livelihood and called on fellow fisherfolk to continue asserting their rights as “guardians of the sea.”
Marianito said the event also sought to counter disinformation and educate the public about the real challenges in defending the country’s maritime zones.
“China uses fake information to destroy us. We want to share the truth with the next generation. Let Filipinos know that there’s a real battle here—and as Filipinos, as individuals, we need to respond,” he said.
In a video message, Commodore Jay Tariella clarified that the WPS covers 200 nautical miles of the country’s EEZ, including the Luzon Sea, Bajo de Masinloc, and the Kalayaan Island Group. He emphasized the distinction between the West Philippine Sea and the broader South China Sea, urging Filipinos to stand firm on the country’s sovereign rights.
“The West Philippine Sea is ours and will remain ours as long as our beloved country, the Philippines, lives on,” Tariella said.
Villarama, in her message, expressed hope that the film would inspire unity and strengthen public resolve.
“Let us not give up—to love and fight for our dreams, for a better life, and a better future,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced plans to integrate WPS lessons into the Araling Panlipunan curriculum for Grades 4, 6, and 10 starting School Year 2026–2027. The move aims to raise awareness among young Filipinos and empower them to protect the country’s maritime rights.
Through a 40-page comic book, “The Stories of Teacher Jun,” students will learn about maritime rights, the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, and defending sovereignty. This effort, led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, will shape a generation that knows, defends, and takes pride in the country’s WPS.
The block screening was organized by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in collaboration with the PCG, PIA and Naval Forces Southern Luzon, as part of the Marcos administration’s efforts to promote transparency and education on the West Philippine Sea.| Hannah Franchezka Boragay
Photos by PIA 5
