A proposed measure in the House of Representatives aims to make education on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) mandatory in both public and private schools, seeking to equip Filipino students with a clear understanding of the country’s maritime rights, history, and legal standing under international law.

House Bill No. 1625, or the West Philippine Sea Mandatory Education Act of 2025, authored by Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno and co-authored by fellow party-list lawmakers, calls for the integration of WPS-related lessons into the national curriculum. The proposal comes amid continuing maritime tensions and reported harassment incidents involving China in contested waters.

Diokno emphasized the importance of educating the youth on the issue, saying, “We need to prioritize the passage of this proposal to ensure that future generations are equipped with factual knowledge about the West Philippine Sea, including the Philippines’ sovereign rights and our 2016 legal victory against China.”

Under the measure, students will learn about the historical background of the WPS dispute, the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the landmark ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague.

“This will ensure that students fully understand the significance of the PCA ruling, the Philippines’ right to protect its territorial jurisdiction, and the implications of China’s refusal to recognize the ruling,” the bill’s explanatory note added.

If enacted, the Department of Education (DepEd) will be required to develop age-appropriate teaching modules and instructional materials in coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and civil society groups, ensuring that lessons are factual, balanced, and grounded in international law.