BFAR launches ATIN-WPS, concerns fishermen as bearers of truth on PH claim in West Philippine Sea
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has launched a national campaign to empower Filipino fishermen as experts in fact-based information and responsible public discourse regarding the Philippines’ claim to the West Philippine Sea.
Called the Alliance of Truthful Information and Narratives on the West Philippine Sea (ATIN WPS), this effort affects Filipino fishermen by recognizing their direct connection to development in conflict waters, which are among the most affected by Chinese attacks in the area.
BFAR launched the program in an event that brought together more than 80 fishermen leaders across the country, as well as leaders from BFAR, the Local Government of Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the National Security Council (NSC), and other partner agencies. Together, they form a united force to strengthen the role of coastal communities in promoting truth, marine awareness, and responsible information sharing.
In remarks during the launch, BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig emphasized the important role of Filipino fishermen in asserting the country’s claim to the West Philippine Sea despite growing conflicts.
“Our fishermen navigate the West Philippine Sea every day, ensuring our food security while strengthening our nation’s presence in these turbulent waters.” With ATIN WPS, we recognize their role as the true guardians of our ocean,” said Mr.
“By equipping them with accurate information and empowering them to combat misinformation, we transform our fishing communities into honest voices of truth.” This is an important step to protect not only our marine resources, but the integrity of our national narrative,” he added.
The director of the National Security Council, Romeo Racadio, on the other hand, highlighted the importance of protecting the information space near the country’s maritime base.
“As important as protecting our territory, we must protect the truth.” Inaccurate and disrespectful information poses serious challenges to national interests, and truth-based narratives are essential to improving public understanding of the West Philippine Sea. This is where our fishermen play an important role,” said Mr. Racadio.
As part of the ATIN WPS, fishermen received technical training that sought to equip them with authentic, evidence-based, and legally-based information on the West Philippine Sea, allowing them to resist misinformation and disrespect as reliable sources in their communities.
The training included lectures on the legal and historical foundations of the West Philippine Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Award in favor of the Philippines’ claims against China, maritime rights, maritime ethics, and practical ways to identify and deal with misinformation and disrespect.
It highlighted the important role that fishermen play in ensuring that accurate and reliable information reaches coastal communities across the country.
The ATIN WPS is part of the Philippines’ nationwide approach to protect the West Philippine Sea by ensuring that coastal communities are active partners in developing an authentic narrative.
This initiative is supported by the Right to Fish Project of the United States Embassy in Manila, which shows the commitment shared with BFAR to strengthen public dialogue, encourage information sharing, and encourage the use of accurate information about the West Philippine Sea.
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