Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged Filipinos to “embrace” the West Philippine Sea and remain united in protecting the country’s maritime rights for present and future generations.
Speaking during the National Peace Walk commemorating the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral victory, Teodoro said Filipinos across the country were celebrating the landmark ruling affirming the nation’s rights over its waters, despite efforts to undermine them through competing narratives.
“Simple lang po ang ating mensahe ngayong araw na ito,” Teodoro said as he greeted participants in Batanes, Pag-asa Island, Jolo, Sabah and communities along the Philippines’ eastern seaboard.
He also thanked local government units that declared the occasion West Philippine Sea Victory Day, as well as the Philippine National Police, the National Capital Region Police Office, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government for supporting the peace walk.
Teodoro said he had reflected on the attitude Filipinos should adopt toward the West Philippine Sea and arrived at the word “yakap,” meaning “embrace.”
“Kailangan yakapin natin ang West Philippine Sea,” he said.
According to Teodoro, people embrace what they consider valuable. Embracing the West Philippine Sea also means caring for it, protecting it, and serving as its steward, he added.
“Hindi lang sa atin ipinaglalaban ang West Philippine Sea, kundi lalong-lalo na sa susunod na henerasyon—ang mga musmos ngayon at ang mga hindi pa ipinanganak,” he said.
Teodoro warned that delaying action to assert the Philippines’ rights would only allow the country’s rivals in the disputed waters to grow stronger.
“Kung tayo ay hindi masigasig sa pagtutulak para sa ating karapatan sa West Philippine Sea, ano pa kaya bukas?” he said. “Araw-araw na pabayaan natin ’yan, araw-araw na matulog tayo diyan, ay mayroon tayong mga hamon na hindi natin puwedeng pabayaan.”
The defense chief said the gathering would give courage to Filipinos in coastal communities who depend directly on the West Philippine Sea for their livelihoods.
He cited the plight of fishermen from Masinloc, Zambales, who have faced difficulties fishing in Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.
“Ito pong lakad na ito ay nagsisilbing lakas-loob nila upang, tulong-tulong tayo, makapaglayag sila uli, hindi lang sa Scarborough Shoal kundi sa lahat ng mga lugar kung saan may karapatan ang Pilipinas,” Teodoro said.
He stressed that protecting the country’s waters requires a whole-of-government approach and stronger national knowledge and capabilities to properly use and preserve the marine resources entrusted to the Philippines.
Teodoro said the campaign for the West Philippine Sea has also helped Filipinos understand the importance of the country’s entire maritime domain, its marine resources and its contribution to the national economy.
He also underscored the global importance of Filipino seafarers and freedom of navigation for international trade and peace.
“Hindi po natin puwedeng pabayaan ang mga karapatang pangkaragatan natin,” he said.
Teodoro described the activity not only as a peace walk but also as a demonstration of national unity. He said internal peace and solidarity were necessary for the Philippines to confront aggressors, oppressors and other threats to society.
“Ito pong peace walk, hindi lang po sa karagatan, hindi lamang po sa katahimikan, ngunit lakad sa pagkakaisa—hindi lang po ngayon, kundi sa ating kinabukasan,” he said.
Under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Teodoro said the Department of National Defense would continue to build a credible defense posture and protect Philippine territory and maritime rights.
“Hindi po tayo titigil sa pagtatatag ng matibay na depensa at pagprotekta sa ating teritoryo at mga karapatan saan man dito sa Pilipinas at ang mga karagatan nito,” he said.
Teodoro acknowledged that the task would not be easy but said it was necessary for future generations.
“Hindi bukas, kundi kahapon pa. Hindi natin puwedeng ibalik ang kahapon. Kaya pursigido tayo ngayon. Ngayon natin gagawin,” he said.
He said the participation of Filipinos in the peace walk signaled their commitment to stand together “para sa kabutihan laban sa kasamaan.”