Good day, everyone.

I am Patricia Aniñon and I am standing here today, to talk about one of

the biggest issues in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and China on the West Philippine Sea. As we
all know, the West Philippine Sea is a naturally rich region that is claimed by many Southeast Asian
countries, including the Philippines and China.

The West Philippine Sea has been a point of contention between the Philippines and China for
years. Both countries claim sovereignty over the area. China is expanding its presence in the region,
building artificial islands, and deploying military equipment, despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent
Court of Arbitration that gave China a nine-dash line claim regarding the South China Sea, including
the West Philippine Sea was invalid. On the other hand, the Philippines has always maintained its
sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, which is supposedly the legal basis for United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. However, China refused to recognize UNCLOS and
instead, opted to assert its historical and cultural ties to the region.

Understanding the implications of this issue as students and its impact on our society can enlighten
us with the support of our government that providing us necessary actions and steps to protect our
sovereignty. Also, advocating for a peaceful solution to this issue is what we need. We must call on
our leaders to undertake transnational efforts, resolve the conflict, and avoid tensions that could lead
to violence.

In Conclusion, the ongoing dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea
is a critical issue that can affect our country’s future and the livelihoods of our fellow citizens. We also
know that the West Philippine Sea is a common heritage of mankind, that is why, it is our
responsibility to be informed and support a peaceful resolution to this conflict. So, let us support the
efforts of our fishermen and other citizens who depend on the West Philippine Sea for their livelihood
and pray for our country's future.

Thank you.
 Good day, everyone. I am Patricia Aniñon and I am standing here today, to talk about one of
the biggest issues in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and China on the West Philippine Sea. As we
all know, the West Philippine Sea is a naturally rich region that is claimed by many Southeast Asian
countries, including the Philippines and China.

China and the Philippines has been at odds over the West Philippine Sea for years. Both
countries claim sovereignty over the area. Despite a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that
declared China’s nine-dash line claim involving the South China Sea, including the West Philippine
Sea to be illegal, China is nevertheless increasing its military presence in the region, building artificial
islands, and deploying troops. On the other hand, the Philippines has always maintained its
sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, which is supposedly the legal basis for UNCLOS or United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, China refused to recognize UNCLOS and
instead, emphasize its historical and cultural ties to the region.

With the support of our government, which offers us the required actions and steps to protect
our sovereignty, we as students can become more knowledgeable about the ramifications of this
issue and its impact on our society. Also, advocating for a peaceful resolution is what we need. We
must call on our leaders to resolve the conflict, work across international borders, and avoid tensions
that could lead to violence.

The ongoing dispute between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea is a serious
matter that could have an impact on our country’s future and the livelihoods of our fellow citizens. We
also know that the West Philippine Sea is a heritage of mankind, so it is our duty to educate
ourselves and advocate for a diplomatic settlement of this dispute. Therefore, let us pray for the
future of our nation and support the efforts of our fishermen and other individuals who rely on the
West Philippine Sea for their sustenance.

Thank you.