Local fisherfolk joined an indignation rally alongside Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) students and faculty, calling for governmental unity in the face of escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

During the TayôTayo: An Indignation Rally Against the Aggression in WPS, President of the Barangay Hizon Fisheries Association Sonny Intia called on Philippine leaders to demonstrate the same unity seen among ordinary citizens as tensions over territorial disputes in the WPS  continue to rise.

“Tungod sa nagkadaiyang political analysis, mga idea, nag samok-samok pud na sila… kaning peaceful nga rally nato, peaceful na panagtapok, usa ni nga susi nga diin mapukaw ang mga nag gunit sa rindas na pagamhanan sa gobyerno na magkahiusa sila kay gani kita na mga gagmay na lungsoranon nagkahiusa gani ta,” Intia stated.

The fisherfolk highlighted that despite many years of ongoing territorial disputes in the WPS, little progress has been made in addressing their concerns, expressing his hope that this rally would serve as a wake-up call for the government to recognize the urgent needs of fishermen and citizens alike.

“Daghan na kaayong katuigan na kana, gi-awayan, gi-lalisan, apan wala pa gihapon hangtod karon nasulbad. So mag hinaot ta sa ingon ani nga pamaagi, ing ani nga programa, mapukaw nato ang mga nag gunit sa pagamhanan na tabangan ta, supportahan ta, ug ilang iduso na mahatag gyud sa ato katong atong gipangandoy,” Intia asserted. 

Representatives from various Ateneo universities, including Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier University) and Ateneo de Zamboanga, also came together to share their sentiments and stands during the rally advocating for the protection of the West Philippine Sea and patriotism in the face of escalating maritime tensions.

The President of El Consejo Atenista of Ateneo de Zamboanga University Via Mariz Espejo urged the government to take immediate and clear steps in protecting the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing that this issue impacts not only the country’s sovereignty but also the livelihoods of countless Filipinos.

“We call on our government to take decisive and transparent action. Protecting the West Philippine Sea isn’t just a responsibility; it is a duty to every Filipino. Now is the time to take concrete steps to defend our people and our resources,” Espejo asserted.

Meanwhile, President of the Central Student Government (CSG) of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan Kyle Chester Cotacte urged voters to select leaders and lawmakers who will prioritize supporting fisherfolk and safeguarding the country’s territories.

“Ang pagpili og mga lideres sa umaabot na eleksyon, nga musuporta sa atong pagprotektar sa atong kinaiyahan og ginaampingan na teritoryo sa West Philippine Sea, from leaders who will fight to support our fisherfolks, to lawmakers who will strengthen to fund our navy, it is crucial that we must cast our vote for those who will genuinely represent us,” said Cotacte.

Department of Campaigns and Advocacies (DCA) Internal Affairs Head Aleah Nisha Carungay also emphasized that the essence of democracy lies in the people’s right to select their leaders, encouraging voters to carefully consider candidates who will genuinely serve the people, especially in addressing issues that affect the fisherfolk and the country as a whole.

“It is upon us to vote who we really think is really deserving of this because the power of this seat grants a person is too much and it must be handed to the person who will matter not only to our fisherfolks, but the Filipino masses as a whole,” Carungay said.

Psychology Department University Professor Hadji Balajadia also read the brief statement by Secretary Eduardo M. Año of the National Security Council (NSC) which was released on October 4, regarding the recent actions of Chinese maritime authorities following an attack on Vietnamese fishermen near the Paracel Islands on September 29. 

Balajadia expressed that we should not tolerate traitors in our government, highlighting the importance of holding leaders accountable for their commitments across various sectors to protect the West Philippine Sea.

“Huwag po tayong maging makapili at huwag nating hayaan ang makapili sa ating Pamantasan… sa panahong ito napakaimpotante na bigyang diin ang mga paninindigan ng ating mga namumuno ng mga sektor na naninindigan sa West Philippine Sea,” Balajadia stated.

The TayôTayo indignation rally was held on October 9, 2024 at the Finster main entrance of the University.