Pinoys can't be complacent on WPS issue – RM awardee

It's a mistake for ordinary Filipinos to go about their lives in complacency, thinking that the country's problems with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) does not affect them at all.

- By MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN — With Ghio Ong

This was according to fisherfolk leader and Ramon Magsaysay Award (RMA) recipient Roberto "Ka Dodoy" Ballon in an interview with The STAR on board the MV Kapitan Felix Oca en route to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea carrying volunteers from the Atin Ito coalition.

"It's our dignity or rights and sovereignty that we should not surrender as this is what we will pass on to our next generations. It's about our dignity and rights as Filipino people, especially for us fishermen," Ballon said.

The Kapitan Felix Oca was carrying activists, environmentalists, as well as local and foreign artists and musicians. One of the activities of the civilian mission was a concert at sea for "peace and solidarity."

"We're having a concert at sea for peace, but more than that, this is also a concert at sea for fish," he said.

Ballon said the WPS problem with China affects and threatens not only the livelihood of fishermen but also the country's food security, economy, businesses and nutrition.

He said every Filipino should understand that at least one-third of the country's fish supply comes from the WPS.