01/09/2026
WPS IS OURS 🌊🇵🇭 | PH Navy Highlights Maritime Awareness, Youth Role in Safeguarding West Philippine Sea
The Philippine Navy emphasized the importance of maritime domain awareness, environmental stewardship, and youth participation in safeguarding the West Philippine Sea during the “Safeguarding Our Seas: Multi-sector Dialogue on Stewardship and National Duty” held on August 28, 2026, at the Gabaldon Room, Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent T Trinidad PN (Ret)(Res), AFP Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, served as a discourse panelist during the high-level strategic forum, which brought together government officials, armed forces representatives, youth leaders, civil society advocates, and maritime experts to discuss national security, territorial defense, and environmental stewardship.
During the discourse, Rear Admiral Trinidad PN(Ret)(Res) highlighted the importance of maritime domain awareness (MDA) in understanding and protecting the country’s maritime spaces. He also discussed the environmental pressures facing the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing that efforts to safeguard the country’s maritime domain must also consider the protection and sustainability of its marine environment.
Rear Admiral Trinidad PN(Ret)(Res) further underscored that the measures being undertaken today are ultimately intended to secure the country’s maritime future for generations to come. He also highlighted the need to address misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the maritime domain, through greater public awareness, responsible information sharing, and informed engagement.
He likewise emphasized the power and potential of the youth in advancing maritime awareness and contributing to efforts to protect the country’s maritime interests. Their participation, he noted, is vital in ensuring that the responsibility of safeguarding the seas continues beyond the present generation.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban Jr. and Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro Jr. were among the speakers during the dialogue, which provided a platform for stakeholders from various sectors to exchange perspectives and strengthen a whole-of-nation approach to safeguarding the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine Navy remains committed to strengthening maritime awareness, protecting the country’s maritime interests, and fostering cooperation among government, the military, civil society, the youth, and other maritime stakeholders toward a secure and sustainable maritime domain.
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