Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela engaged with students, faculty, and other stakeholders in the symposium, “West Philippine Sea: Ano ’to? Atin ba ’to?” held at the Palawan State University Amphitheater on February 23, 2026.
Organized by the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), the event gathered students and educators from institutions such as Holy Trinity University, Western Philippines University, Fullbright College, and Palawan State University.
Puerto Princesa City councilors – Mr. Karl Dylan N. Aquino, SK Federation President, and Atty. Herbert S. Dilig, President of the PCL – opened the program. They emphasized that the civic duty of every Filipino, especially the youth, is to remain informed and responsible regarding the nation’s maritime rights.
Commodore Tarriela, a leading voice on geopolitical issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), explained the legal and historical frameworks that assert the Philippines’ rights to the WPS. He reframed the territorial dispute as a “collective fight” for national dignity and underscored the pivotal role of the youth. In particular, he urged the students to fight misinformation, especially on social media, and stand firm on national sovereignty.
Commodore Tarriela expressed that moving from awareness to advocacy reinforces the idea that defending the WPS is not just a legal battle, but an essential mission for the future of the Filipino people. Commodore Tarriela answered every question from the students to explain the pressing issues surrounding our rights to the West Philippine Sea.
The symposium ended with Commodore Tarriela issuing a direct challenge to the youth – to elect and support leaders who will defend the nation’s borders.
