Renz Nathaniel Luyao’s Post

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EarthEcho International and WWF-Philippines Environmental Youth Leader | Communications | Award-Winning Visual Storyteller | Advocate for Sustainability and Climate Action

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA. In these challenging times for our sovereignty amidst external pressures, one source of our optimism is the belief that we Filipinos will steadfastly defend our rights and ultimately prevail. It is ingrained in our culture that Filipinos are resilient, defined as the ability to adapt, be flexible, and shape-shift as needed. Water is integral to Filipino culture and identity. Born in an archipelago of over 7,641 islands, we Filipinos are surrounded and shaped by water. Rivers, lakes, and seas are part of everyday life, from the baptism of Christian Filipinos to the lifelong aquatic existence of the Badjao in the southern seas. From a young age, we interact with water in significant cultural rituals. Circumcision, or tuli, often takes place by a stream, where boys immerse themselves after the procedure, marking their passage into manhood. Water also brings life to our fields, signaling the end of the dry season and the beginning of growth and abundance. Historically, we Filipinos have been a waterborne people, with early settlements established along rivers and coasts that underscored the vital role of water in community life. This deep-rooted connection is evident in our language, where words like 'tubig' (water) and place names like 'Taguig' and 'Pasig' are steeped in aquatic references. In the West Philippine Sea (WPS), we Filipinos hold exclusive rights to fish, construct artificial islands, conduct marine scientific research, and safeguard the marine environment. Despite the real tensions in this region, it is crucial that we approach these challenges through peaceful dialogue and legal channels. Our actions must be guided by principles of justice, respect for humanity, and preservation of our environment. The West Philippine Sea, an integral part of our national territory, holds historical and cultural significance for us Filipinos. This body of water is not only a source of livelihood but also a symbol of our sovereignty and heritage. We have a deep-rooted connection to these waters, reflecting our resilience and determination to protect what rightfully belongs to us. PS: Litrato na kinuhanan ko sa bayan ko. #WestPhilippineSea #AtinAngPinas #Philippines

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