The 1st Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines under the Operational Control of the Northern Luzon Command, AFP in collaboration with the Tarlac Police Provincial Office (TPPO) and Burot Integrated School conducted an Information Education Campaign to over 200 students from Grades 10, 11, and 12 of Burot Integrated School to take a stand on the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) at Barangay Burot, Tarlac City on March 21, 2025.
The activity dubbed as “Making Waves: Empowering Youth for West Philippine Sea” aims to empower students with knowledge about the WPS and raise awareness of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) recruitment efforts, helping them make informed decisions for the future.
The campaign’s main focus is the discussion about the AFP Communication Plan Mulat, which aims to educate the public—especially the younger generation—about the truth behind the blatant lies, disinformation, and hostile influence operations of the People’s Republic of China. It also highlights the fact that the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Philippines are under threat and that the Filipino people must band together and take collective action.
Topic about Criminality against Women in line with the 2025 National Women’s Month was also discussed by PLT HILDA V DURAN, WCPD Officer of the TPPO to educate the community especially the youth about their rights and responsibilities in preventing and addressing gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, schools, and online platforms. It also aims to promote respect, equality, and a safe environment, empowering the people to stand against harassment and foster a culture of dignity and inclusivity.
Students actively participated throughout the series of lectures provided by the resource speakers and they were also educated with valuable career insights and guidance to help them understand their interests, unlock their potential, and explore suitable career paths.
Mr. Jose Angel D Zaballa, an Araling Panlipunan Teacher and Youth Formation Focal Person of Burot Integrated School emphasized the importance of the activity to inform the youth on the present situation of the country and to enhance their patriotic mind-set and develop their potentials in protecting our territory.
“Ang mga ganitong gawain ng ating pamahalaan sa pagtutulungan ng ating Department of Education at ng ating Armed Forces of the Philippines ay naipapakita ang kahalagahan ng ating soberanya sa ating mga kabataan at para malaman ng mga kabataan ang kahalagahan ng ating National Territory at the same time maenhance lalo natin ang kanilang pagmamahal sa bayan. Sa mga ganitong aktibidad na isinasagawa ng ating Hukbong Sandatahan ay lalo nating nailalapit ang kaalaman sa ating mga kabataan at naihahanda natin sila sa ating misyon na mahalin at protektahan ang ating bayan.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Mamerto L. Ragel Jr., the principal of Burot Integrated School expressed his heartfelt thanks to the AFP and its partners for their unwavering commitment and dedication in outlining the security situation, safeguarding communities and maintaining peace and stability in the country.
“Nagagalak po kami sa mga kasundaluhan sa pagsasagawa ng ganitong inisyatibo para sa ating mga bayan. Kami po ay buong pusong nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataon na ito na ibinigay sa amin upang mas lalong maimulat pa natin ang ating mga kababayan lalo na ang mga kabataan tungkol sa kahalagahan ng ating ipinaglalaban sa WPS para sa seguridad at kapayapaan ng ating bansa”
The NOLCOM under the sterling leadership of LTGEN FERNYL G BUCA PAF remains steadfast in internal and external security operations and committed to upholding the country’s territory and sovereignty through imparting reliable information and performing its mandate as Defenders of the North towards lasting peace and development.
