By: Dante M. Salvaña, Alex Q. Galang
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Philippine Army’s 69th Infantry (Cougar) Battalion is intensifying its efforts to educate coastal communities, fisherfolk, and the youth about the West Philippine Sea issue as part of its evolving role in safeguarding national sovereignty and security.
Speaking during the Talakayan sa Freeport Media Forum held at the Terrace Hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on June 18, Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Ruelos, Commanding Officer of the 69th Infantry Battalion, said the Army has successfully completed the first phase of its West Philippine Sea Awareness Drive in the northern municipalities of Zambales and is now preparing to expand the program to the southern coastal towns.
According to Ruelos, awareness campaigns have already been conducted in the municipalities of Masinloc, Candelaria, and Santa Cruz, where coastal residents and fisherfolk participated in discussions aimed at providing accurate information about the country’s maritime rights, sovereignty, and the realities surrounding the West Philippine Sea.
“The first step in protecting our people from misinformation is education,” Ruelos emphasized. “When communities understand their rights and the importance of protecting our sovereignty, they become active partners in safeguarding our national interests.”
The next phase of the campaign will cover the southern municipalities of Zambales, including Subic, Olongapo City, San Antonio, San Narciso, and neighboring coastal areas, with special attention given to fisherfolk communities that are directly affected by developments in the West Philippine Sea.
Beyond coastal communities, the Army is also strengthening partnerships with educational institutions through a series of Youth Leadership Summits aimed at promoting civic responsibility, patriotism, and awareness of national security concerns among young Filipinos.
The program, which began in Candelaria, will continue in various municipalities across the province and culminate in a province-wide Youth Leadership Summit later this year. West Philippine Sea awareness sessions form a key component of these leadership activities.
The 69th Infantry Battalion is likewise coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to bring information and awareness campaigns directly to schools.
Ruelos noted that the Philippine Army’s role extends beyond traditional military operations. With Zambales’ coastal municipalities now enjoying stable peace and security conditions, the Army has begun shifting part of its focus toward external security concerns while sustaining gains in internal peace and security efforts.
“We are not only soldiers on the battlefield,” Ruelos said. “We are also partners in educating communities, protecting our fisherfolk, and helping strengthen public understanding of issues that affect our nation.”
In addition to awareness campaigns, the Army is collaborating with government agencies and community organizations to support livelihood opportunities for local sectors, including fisherfolk. Through partnerships with various national government agencies and civil society organizations, community groups are being connected to programs that can help improve economic opportunities and resilience.
Ruelos underscored that the Army continues to work closely with the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, local government units, and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea to ensure a unified approach to protecting the country’s maritime interests while empowering communities through information, education, and development initiatives.
The initiative reflects the Philippine Army’s broader commitment to national defense, community engagement, and the promotion of informed citizenship in coastal communities across