As part of the West Philippine Sea Transparency Group Initiatives, the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) welcomed Rear Admiral Jay Tristan Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson on West Philippine Sea issues, on November 12, 2026, for an information campaign aimed at engaging university students and faculty in understanding the country’s maritime rights and sovereignty. The event was held at the SSB Hall, ISAT U Iloilo City Campus.
The engagement seeks to provide timely and accurate information, strengthen community engagement, particularly among academic institutions, and raise public awareness on the importance of protecting the country’s maritime rights.
During his talk, Tarriela highlighted two primary objectives of the initiative: first, to ensure that Filipinos are equipped with correct and reliable information about the West Philippine Sea; and second, to gain support from the international community for the Philippines’ position on maritime issues.
He also discussed various government efforts and actions addressing concerns related to maritime security, sovereignty, and the protection of the country’s marine resources. While recognizing the government’s continuing efforts, he underscored the need for stronger action and greater transparency to safeguard the Philippines’ national interests.
Emphasizing the importance of engaging the academic community, Tarriela pointed out that educating university students is vital to sustaining the country’s efforts to defend its sovereignty. He stressed that the West Philippine Sea issue is an intergenerational concern that will not be resolved in the coming years and that its implications will extend to future generations.
For Tarriela, the youth must understand why the country continues to stand firm in defending the West Philippine Sea. He emphasized that the next generation must be informed and aware of the issues at stake, as the country’s ability to sustain its position in this long-standing challenge depends partly on how well the youth understand and support the cause.
Through this engagement, ISAT U shows the importance of informed citizenship, critical awareness, and active participation in national issues, recognizing the role of higher education institutions in shaping a generation that is knowledgeable about and committed to protecting the country’s sovereignty and national interests.
