Atin ang West Philippine Sea Forum at TSU Promotes Media Literacy and Maritime Security

Report by Mandie Asejo | Photos by Joaquim Umali and Leanna Kayle Manuel

Central Luzon’s Atin ang West Philippine Sea Forum took place on last March 18, 2025, at Tarlac State University (TSU) Main Gymnasium, aiming to enhance awareness of media literacy and maritime security among Central Luzon residents.

The event was hosted by the TSU Department of Communication and the TSU Communicators’ Guild in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Office and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 3 wherein the forum aimed to raise awareness about media literacy and maritime security.

Ms. Chloe Katherine De Castro, Director General of PIA, delivered the opening message, highlighted the need for Filipinos to develop media literacy skills to discern accurate information and combat disinformation.

Moreover, Mr. Carl Lorenzo J. Datu, Assistant Regional Head of PIA, emphasized the role of media literacy in the digital age.

“Dealing with information is like dealing with a dangerous weapon. When used correctly, it benefits society, but in the wrong hands, it becomes a destructive tool.” he said.

Mr. Datu also highlighted how social media platforms have empowered citizens to become information sources yet warned that these same platforms have also become breeding grounds for misinformation. To counteract this, he introduced the S.P.O.T. method (Source, Purpose, Ownership, Time) as a tool for verifying information.

Assistant Secretary Karl Josef Legazpi, Commissioner-at-Large of the National Youth Commission, discussed the vital role of youth in nation-building and protecting national interests.

He emphasized patriotism, saying, “People protect what they love.”

Assistant Secretary Legazpi encouraged young Filipinos to take responsibility for national concerns, particularly in safeguarding the rights of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, PCG Spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea and the Special Staff of the Commandant on Issues concerning the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela, delivered an in-depth discussion on maritime security and the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, He stressed the Importance of accurate information in protecting national interests, stating,

“The only way we can counter all of this fake news is for the national government to consistently address and debunk misinformation.” CG Commodore Tarriela said.

CG Commodore Tarriela also provided a historical and legal overview of the Philippines’ claim over the West Philippine Sea.

He also addressed the ongoing harassment of Filipino fishermen by Chinese vessels. To emphasize the real-life impact, he discussed the challenges faced by fishermen from Zambales and Pangasinan.

In the afternoon session, a press conference was held where Commodore Tarriela answered questions from local media. He was joined by Asec. Legazpi and TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco. Various local media outlets from Tarlac actively participated, raising concerns regarding maritime security and misinformation.

The "Atin ang West Philippine Sea" Forum successfully fostered meaningful discussions on media literacy and maritime security, equipping attendees specially communication students with knowledge to combat misinformation and advocate for the nation’s sovereignty.