Learn About West Philippine Sea in Nat'l Library Lectures

(SPOT.ph) The West Philippine Sea has been hogging headlines lately as China has been growing more aggressive in its incursions into Philippine territory. It has blocked resupply missions, hosed and rammed Philippine vessels,  at one point severing a Filipino soldier’s finger.

These actions are contrary to the spirit of the July 12, 2016 ruling that favored the Philippines’ case against Chinese encroachments in the disputed waters. It lost in court eight years ago, yet it has been unrelenting in asserting its claims.

To help Filipinos better understand why the West Philippine Sea is ours, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) are hosting a lecture series and exhibit that promises to give audiences a deep dive into the lingering dispute.

The double-feature, which marks the eighth anniversary of the Philippines’ victory against China before the international arbitral court, is set on July 5 at the National Library on T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila. It’s open to the public for free.

A double event

The commemoration includes “Story of our Seas: The West Philippine Sea from a Historical and Political Perspective,” which is part of the NHCP Museo El Deposito’s “Kwentubigan” 2024 lecture series.

It will feature retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, a staunch advocate of the Philippines’ rights to waters, who will give a presentation on "Philippine Island Territories in the West Philippine Sea," offering invaluable insights into the legal dimensions and territorial rights of the Philippines.

Atty. Fretti Ganchoon, Senior State Counsel of the Department of Justice, will, meanwhile, delve into “South China Sea Arbitration: Procedure, History, and Importance,” to shed light on the complex legal proceedings and their significance.

Complementing the lectures is the photo exhibit “Pag-Asa sa Gitna ng Kalayaan (Hope Amidst Freedom),” featuring stunning images from the Pag-Asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group in Palawan, shot by documentarian Paul Quiambao. In tandem with these contemporary photographs, the exhibit will showcase cartographic treasures from the National Library of the Philippines. These rare maps provide a historical perspective, illustrating how our understanding and claims of the West Philippine Sea have evolved over centuries.

To attend, sign up via this link as there are only 150 slots available. Check out the NHCP’s Facebook page to know more.