West Philippine Sea Lessons to Be Taught in Schools by 2026

Parents often ask what their kids are actually learning in school—and soon, it will go beyond history and civics. Starting School Year 2026–2027, Filipino students will also explore one of the country’s most important national issues: the West Philippine Sea.

By including these lessons in the Araling Panlipunan curriculum for Grades 4, 6, and 10, DepEd aims to help children understand the significance of their country’s waters, why they matter for communities and resources, and how they can become informed citizens from a young age.

The initiative, developed with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), aims to ensure young Filipinos grow up understanding the nation’s rights and challenges in contested waters. 

To make the lessons engaging, DepEd is turning to creative materials like The Stories of Teacher Jun, a 40-page comic book launched at the National Library earlier this year. It simplifies maritime law, sovereignty, and exclusive economic zones through the story of a teacher guiding his students. 

Lawmakers are backing the effort with the proposed West Philippine Sea Mandatory Education Act of 2025, which would make these lessons required in both public and private schools. The measure also highlights how the issue ties to food security, fisherfolk livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.