‘Pinagdudugtong tayo ng dagat’: A scientist rallies Filipinos in defense of the West Philippine Sea

“West Philippine Sea, atin ’to!” But what exactly are we fighting for?

Ten years after the Philippines’ landmark victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration over disputes in the South China Sea, tensions remain high. Yet the fight for the West Philippine Sea is not only about territory. It’s about food security, livelihoods, biodiversity, and the future of millions of Filipinos.

We sit down with marine scientist Dr. Deo Onda of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute to unpack the significance of disputed waters. From coral reef connectivity to the role of offshore ecosystems in feeding coastal communities, Dr. Onda explains how scientific research reveals what is truly at stake.

Reporter and host: Lilian Tiburcio

Producer: Tricia Aquino

Audio editor: Anthony Tobias

🎧 Listen on Spotify

🎧 Watch on YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.