OCT 06
The students from the five campuses of O.B. Montessori Center (OBMC) participated in the first General Assembly of the Youth Empowerment Seminars for the West Philippine Sea and Other Maritime Security Challenges (#YESWPS). Organized by the Philippine Navy (PN), this event carried the theme, “The Youth: An Indispensable Partner for Maritime Security and Development.“ The assembly was held last September 30, 2023, at the Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. #YESWPS is a proactive initiative that aims to raise the consciousness of the Filipino youth about the Philippine Navy’s mission of safeguarding the country’s territorial waters, particularly the West Philippine Sea (WPS). It also aims to empower the youth as partners in advocating for maritime security. Students and teachers from OBMC Fairview, Greenhills, and Sta. Ana interacted with fellow youth leaders and personnel of the PN. Meanwhile, thirty students from OBMC Angeles and Las Piñas participated in the assembly online.
During the assembly, Undersecretary Edmund S. Tayao of the National Coast Watch Council and Attorney Jay L. Batongbacal from the UP College of Law encouraged the students that, at an early age, they can embrace their role as one of the stakeholders in the country’s territorial waters. Being a stakeholder entails learning the state of the WPS, sparking discourse with family and friends, as well as participating in other initiatives of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). With that, students actively took part in discussions about issues on the WPS. They also enjoyed the exhibits, games, and food booths prepared by the sponsors of the general assembly. As a culminating activity, the students went onboard one of the Navy’s multi-purpose fast attack crafts to view Manila Bay.
Moving forward, the students sealed their commitment to spread awareness and to protect the WPS by sticking their colorful handprints on the #YESWPS Commitment Wall. If you’re interested to know more about #YESWPS, message us here.
