Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela speaks during a press conference at the launch of Atin Ito Coalition’s Cebu Caravan at the Golden Prince Hotel in Cebu City on April 15, 2026. Joining him at the panel are Akbayan President Rafaela David, economist and professor Cielo Magno, and political analyst Ronald Llamas. (Courtesy: West Philippine Sea Transparency Group)

The ‘Atin Ito’ Coalition launched on Wednesday an educational campaign in Cebu in efforts to battle disinformation surrounding West Philippine Sea (WPS).

During a press conference on April 15, the group introduced its campaign involving a network of civil society groups, youth leaders, and various organizations, who are pushing for a “whole-of-nation” approach to defending the country’s maritime rights in solidarity with civilians and the government.

According to Akbayan President Rafaela David, the initiative emerged in response to growing concerns over militarization and disinformation surrounding the WPS.

“Siguraduhin natin na ordinaryong mamamayan ‘yung may access sa West Philippine Sea at ito po ay recognition din na alam nating mahalaga ang role ng gobyerno (Let’s ensure that ordinary citizens have access to the West Philippine Sea. We also acknowledge the important role of government),” said David.

This year’s campaign carries weight as the country marks the 10th anniversary of its landmark arbitral victory under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which invalidated China’s expansive nine-dash-line claims in waters that fell within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

Since the coalition’s civilian-led visit to the WPS in 2023, David added that they will be having their fourth mission, “Balik Pagasa,” a mission to the Kalaayan Island Group.

The mission will take place on April 30 until May 5, which will gather volunteers, members of the youth, and fishermen to sail from Manila to Pagasa Island. They will bring essential supplies for the Island’s fisherfolk, who are also directly affected by the ongoing fuel crisis in the country.

The coalition’s Cebu Caravan marks the expansion of its campaign into the Visayas, reinforcing that the WPS is a national concern regardless of geography. The caravan includes dialogues with civil society groups, media engagements, and campus tours.

“We’re also building our roots for this campaign here in Cebu — in the Visayas,” David said.

“Parte din po ito ng mga objective ng Cebu Caravan natin to make sure that sa buong Pilipinas ang kampanya, pero pati ang ordinaryong mamamayan merong pagtataya at kasama sa kampanyang ito,” she added.

(That is also part of the objectives of our Cebu Caravan to make sure the campaign reaches the entire Philippines. Ordinary citizens have a stake and are part of this campaign.)

For Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, the effort is about building national unity.

“Regardless [of] where you are from… obligasyon natin lahat bilang Pilipino na tindigan ang issue ng (every Filipino has an obligation to stand for the) West Philippine Sea,” he said.

Beyond campaigns and missions, the coalition is pushing for a more lasting solution by embedding the West Philippine Sea issue into the country’s education system to counter disinformation.

“The only way na magkakaisa tayo (for us to unite) is when we provide the right information. We want everybody to understand what we’re fighting for and why we’re fighting for it,” said Tarriela.

— Rex Espiritu