DFA turns to celebs, social media to spread word vs China bullying
THE reclamation activities of China in Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), has progressed in a few months, latest satellite images showed.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is turning to the power of television, celebrities and social media to spread the word of China’s bullying in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
PHOTOS: China’s reclamation in the South China Sea as seen from space
Three 20-minute episodes of the documentary series titled “Kalayaan” (Freedom) will be aired on PTV-4 starting June 12 to coincide with the 117th anniversary of the Philippine Declaration of Independence.
The series is hosted by popular television celebrities Lourd de Veyra and Jun Sabayton and directed by RA Rivera Jr.
“The objective of our information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign is to raise the level of awareness of our people on the very important issue of the WPS, and to rally their support behind the Philippine government’s policies and actions,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said in an email statement.
Aside from being aired in television, the documentary will also be shared on the official websites and social media accounts of the Philippine government including the Office of the President, DFA, and the Department of National Defense.
READ: Philippines, US to set up South China Sea defense line
The documentary focuses on the Philippines’ claims in the WPS. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea as part of its territory.
China continues to dominate the seas around the Spratly Group of Islands, using force to turn away Filipino fishermen from the area and conducting island reclamation projects on the reefs there.
The three episodes will tackle the economic, historical, and legal arguments against China’s nine-dash line claim.
READ: US to China: Stop island reclamation now
A preview of the first episode, titled “Karapatan sa Karagatan” (rights in the seas) which looks as the economic angle, was shown to members of the media during the regular press briefing at the DFA.
Philippine has an ongoing arbitration case against China questioning its claims in the South China Sea. KS
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