The Department of Education (DepEd) will institutionalize the teaching of Philippine sovereign rights and territorial integrity over the West Philippine Sea in the curriculum of next school year, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Friday.

In collaboration with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the DepEd will officially institutionalize the teaching of the West Philippine Sea within the Araling Panlipunan curriculum for Grades 4, 6, and 10 starting school year 2026.

According to the Bureau of Curriculum Development, Araling Panlipunan or Social Studies is a "distinct learning area in the K to 12 Curriculum which intends to develop among Filipino learners the socio-civic competencies i.e. cultural tolerance, respect for diversity, upholding human dignity and rights among others which are significant in developing patriotic, nationalistic, and global-oriented Filipinos who are capable and committed in serving the nation".

"It likewise seeks to engender among Filipino learners critical understanding on historical, geographical, socio-political, and economic issues of the Philippines, taking into account the international and global contexts, allowing them to become productive citizens of the country and of the world," the department said.

The PCG noted that educating students about the country's sovereign rights and territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea will instill deeper appreciation of the Philippine maritime heritage to future generations.

"This undertaking will accentuate the pursuit of President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. in initiating a landmark move, aimed at instilling a deeper appreciation for our maritime heritage, educating students on our sovereign rights and territorial integrity in the WPS," it stated. Robina Asido/DMS