- September 1, 2024
Defending Sovereignty: West Philippine Sea Territorial Issues discussed in ASEAN Lecture on SDG 16
On September 11, 2024, Mr. Clemen John P. Tuala, Head of Operations at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna’s Mapúa Institute of Aviation (MIA), delivered a compelling lecture as part of the ongoing ASEAN Lecture Series, organized by the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages (OERGL) in celebration of the 57th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). His talk centered on the territorial integrity issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea, this discussion aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
In his lecture, Mr. Tuala provided an in-depth analysis of the West Philippine Sea’s disputed territories, focusing on the long-standing tensions between the Philippines and China. He traced the historical context of the territorial dispute, outlined the geographic scope of the contested areas, and highlighted the implications of the ongoing struggle for control.
One of the key aspects of the discussion was the economic significance of the West Philippine Sea, particularly the untapped oil and gas reserves in the region. Mr. Tuala detailed the current state of the Philippines’ energy sector, referencing the imminent shutdown of the Malampaya gas facility and how it could impact national energy supplies. He emphasized that China’s continued interest in the West Philippine Sea is largely driven by the potential access to these critical energy resources, making the dispute not only a question of sovereignty but also one of economic survival.
Following the lecture, an engaging question-and-answer session took place, where students eagerly participated and raised pertinent questions. Mr. Tuala responded enthusiastically, sparking a lively discussion that deepened the students’ understanding of the issues at hand. As a gesture of appreciation, he distributed exclusive MIA merchandise to the attendees.
The event concluded with Ms. Pearl Stephanie Ulep, Director of the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagements (OSPGE), presenting Mr. Tuala with a certificate of recognition for his valuable contribution to the ASEAN Lecture Series.
