<\/p>\n
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has launched a national initiative empowering Filipino fisherfolk as champions of fact-based information and responsible public discourse on the Philippines\u2019 claim within the West Philippine Sea.<\/span><\/p>\n Called the Alliance of Truthful Information and Narratives on the West Philippine Sea (ATIN WPS), the hassle taps Filipino fishermen in recognition of their direct connection to developments within the disputed waters, being amongst probably the most affected by Chinese incursions in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n BFAR launched the initiative in a ceremony that gathered over 80 fisherfolk leaders from across the country, together with leaders from BFAR, the Local Government of Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the National Security Council (NSC), and other partner institutions. Together, they formed a united front to strengthen the role of coastal communities in promoting truth, maritime awareness, and responsible information sharing.<\/span><\/p>\n In remarks in the course of the launch, BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig underscored the indispensable role of Filipino fisherfolk in asserting the country\u2019s claim to the West Philippine Sea within the face of escalating tensions.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOur fisherfolk navigate the West Philippine Sea daily, ensuring our food security while anchoring our nation\u2019s presence in these tense waters. Through ATIN WPS, we recognize their role because the true frontline guardians of our sea,\u201d said Mr. Salilig.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBy equipping them with accurate knowledge and empowering them to counter misinformation, we’re transforming our fishing communities into credible voices of truth. This is a crucial step in safeguarding not only our marine resources, however the integrity of our national narrative,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n National Security Council Director Romeo Racadio, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of protecting the data space alongside the country\u2019s maritime domain.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cJust as crucial as protecting our territory, we must protect the reality. Misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges to the nation\u2019s interests, and fact-based narratives are essential in fostering public understanding of the West Philippine Sea. That is where our fisherfolk play a key role,\u201d said Mr. Racadio.<\/span><\/p>\n As a part of ATIN WPS, fisherfolk underwent technical training that sought to equip them with factual, evidence-based, and legally grounded knowledge on the West Philippine Sea, enabling them to counter misinformation and disinformation as trusted sources of their respective communities.<\/span><\/p>\n The training included lectures on the legal and historical foundations of the West Philippine Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Award that favored the Philippines\u2019 claims against China, maritime entitlements, responsible conduct at sea, and practical approaches to identifying and addressing misinformation and disinformation.<\/span><\/p>\n It highlighted the necessary role that fisherfolk play in ensuring that accurate and verified information reaches coastal communities across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n ATIN WPS is an element of the Philippines\u2019 whole-of-nation approach to protecting the West Philippine Sea by ensuring that coastal communities are lively partners in advancing truthful narratives.<\/span><\/p>\n The initiative is supported by america Embassy Manila\u2019s Fish Right Project, demonstrating a shared commitment with BFAR to strengthen community engagement, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage the responsible use of accurate information concerning the West Philippine Sea.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Highlight is BusinessWorld\u2019s sponsored section that permits advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld\u2019s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Site. For more information, send an email to\u00a0[email\u00a0protected]<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n Join us on Viber at\u00a0https:\/\/bit.ly\/3hv6bLA<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld\u2019s titles and get exclusive content through\u00a0www.bworld-x.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has launched a national initiative empowering Filipino fisherfolk as champions of fact-based information and responsible public discourse on the Philippines\u2019 claim within the West Philippine Sea. Called the Alliance of Truthful Information and Narratives on the West Philippine Sea (ATIN WPS), the hassle taps Filipino fishermen in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":373062,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[54323,15115,22990,6146,23727,2241,1901,2965,3947,9121,1883],"class_list":["post-373061","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","tag-atinwps","tag-bearers","tag-bfar","tag-claim","tag-fisherfolk","tag-launches","tag-philippine","tag-sea","tag-taps","tag-truth","tag-west"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n