Which party are you attending: Christmas or Year-End? Listening to TV for news and events, and even co-workers or students are busy talking about the special occasions that they are soon to attend or have attended, the party which everyone knows about. During the early days, it was simply called Christmas Party, because it held before the school break for Christmas holidays. However, as time passed by, the party’s name was gradually changed. It is now referred to as Year-End Party, and sometimes with “and Thanksgiving Party.” But why the change, and what are the differences between the two names which refer to the same party, in essence? According to one explanation the HTW found in the internet, “A Christmas party; specifically refers to a celebration focused around the Christmas holiday, while a “year-end party” is a broader term encompassing the end of the year, which could include Christmas but is not limited to it, making it a more inclusive option if not everyone celebrates Christmas.” There, clearly, “if not everyone celebrates Christmas”, meaning if not all attendees are believing in Christmas- the Birth of Jesus Christ, or they are not Catholics. Connecteam.com, meanwhile, said “Christmas party is a workplace celebration at the end of the year, held around or near Christmas days, to commemorate the season.” It also added, “It can also be combined with a year-end company review, bonuses, gifts, and other forms of company reflection or employee recognition.” Evidence of these are the wrapped gifts at the stage of the party venue, the big and surprise prizes waiting to be claimed by raffle and games winners. And of course, the exchange gifts, wherein to remember the three kings that offered gifts for the newly born Child Jesus. A year-end party is a social gathering to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of the next one. They are often held by businesses, organizations, schools, or social groups. eduTinker said, the purpose of a year-end party is to bring people together to celebrate the end of the year and to reflect on the events and experiences of the past 12 months. It can be formal or informal, and they may be held in a variety of locations, including homes, restaurants, hotels, or other venues. The size and scale of a year-end party will depend on the group organizing the event, the budget, and the number of people attending. Christmas Party or Year-End Party both have the same purpose, to be happy for the coming Christmas season. And no matter how one celebrate: as year-end party or as the traditional Christmas Party, is basically not an issue anymore. As long as the people attending the party carry in their heart the essence of camaraderie, love and support for the company, organization or school they belong, the true meaning of all shall always be for the Lord, God we praise and adore. Hear’s To Watch is greeting every one Merry Christmas. May our Year-End be worth our hardship and perseverance to accomplished our goal for the year.

  SBMA opposes PNR railway project in Subic Last month, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) celebrated its 132nd Anniversary with a presentation of its upcoming projects that would expand and maximize the potentials of the railway system in boosting the economy of the country. One of the particular projects that PNR Chairman Michael Ted Macapagal highlighted during his speech was the proposed integration of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Corridor (SCMB), a cargo train component, with the existing North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project. Also known as the Clark–Calamba Railway, the NSCR is primarily designed to transport 800,000 passengers daily across its 147-kilometer stretch from New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, to Calamba, Laguna. It would cut the travel time from Clark to Calamba from four hours to only two hours. The Clark-Valenzuela phase of the project is expected to finish in 2027. As for Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Corridor (SCMB), Chairman Macapagal, who is the son of the former Olongapo City mayor Atty. Teddy Macapagal, described the project as one that would revolutionize the transportation system of products and people across Luzon. According to the young Macapagal, SCMB which will begin construction in 2027 with a budget of US$3.2 Billion, is expected to provide the commuters and producers reliable, fast, efficient, but affordable cargo system. Hear;s to Watch: While the government is supporting the SCMB-NSCR, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the management of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, is rejecting the entry of the railway into its territory. This was announced on Thursday by a senior official of the SBMA during a media briefing “Talakayan sa Freeport” which was also attended by the SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño and other senior officials. SBMA Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Atty. Martin Kristoffer F. Roman explained why the Authority is refusing or rejecting the proposed SCMB railway system to enter into the port areas of Subic. According to him (Atty. Roman), if the railway was allowed to be constructed in Subic Freeport it would mean cutting trees, there will a need to reclaim and destroy the healthy biodiversity of large mangrove areas. The proposed railroad will also disturb the serenity of the residential areas which is the major reason why it is a favorite among vacationers and retirees. Another main concern is that, the railway will traverse through the industrial parks, disrupting the operations of many industries and businesses. Instead, SBMA is proposing to construct the SCMB station at Barangay Mabiga in Hermosa, Bataan, or somewhere near but outside of the Freeport. When asked about the reaction of the government, especially the PNR and the Department of Transportation for objecting the railway to Subic, the SBMA official said that they understand the SBMA position, and they accepted it. This is a classic example of a debate between environment conservation and economic development. Let’s see what result the future will show us about this SCMB project.

In unity of the typhoon victims, a little slash in party budgets will go along way The Christmas Season is very fast approaching. Many municipalities and cities had already held their Christmas tree lighting events. The employees and schools, and other organizations and corporate world are noticeably excited talking about their plans for the Christmas parties, although other sectors opted to use “year-end party” to avoid, escape or delete the use of Christ in this very special event of the year. In some big corporations, private or government, event organizers plan fabulous parties allocating millions of pesos for Christmas parties: hotel and resort accommodations, sumptuous foods and drinks, big raffle prizes and surprises, parlor games, bonuses, and entertainment packages, and take-home packages. Others, those in the middle-class offices, suffice themselves partying in the offices with simple but exciting games and prizes, concluding with exchange gifts. But these excitements and grand planning had yet to be “dream comes true” as not-so-expected typhoons visited the country in the least expected months: October, November, and probably December! And unfortunately, these downpours entered the country in almost the same path: Bicol Region, and northern Luzon. According to PAG-ASA, in September, Tropical Cyclone “Julian” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and delivered so much rain water causing communities to flood and crops destroyed. However, haven’t have enough rest, people was to endure another disaster with the entry of Tropical Storm “Kristine” as it entered the PAR in October 25 until Oct. 25 severely affecting the province of Isabela, and the rest of Region II, IV and V. TS Kristine was immediately followed by Super Typhoon Leon which passed near Batanes Group of Islands. And With almost without a break to breath, on November 7, TS Marce with wind speed equal to Signal #4 devastated Northern Cagayan, Babuyan Islands (again!). And worse, Aurora and Northern Luzon was again soaked in by TC Nica on November 11. TS Ofel followed immediately in Nov 12, and was immediately turned super typhoon by Thursday, November 14, before hitting Cagayan at 1:30 p.m., while being reinforced another TS Pepito. The full extent of the damage or impact of the multiple storms is still to be determined as they are still ongoing. The NDRRMC reports that more than 207k houses were damaged across 17 out of the 18 regions in the country. Damage to infrastructure has reached US$179 million (PHP10.56 billion) however the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reports that field validation is still needed. While most of the critical lifelines have been restored access may be impeded by the incoming storm. The occurrence of seven typhoons in less than two months had brought millions of Filipinos to, seemingly, helplessness ground. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as of 14 November, more than nine million people or around 2.4 million families were affected by the storms, displacing more than 600,000 people, of which 160,000 people still remain in evacuation centers (EC). The “storm train” damaged at least US$119 million (PHP 7 billion). Reports said that the province of Camarines Sur incurred the highest agricultural damage estimated at $39 million (PHP2.3 billion), damaging 33,145 hectares, and affecting 34,260 farmers and fisher folks. Hear’s To Watch. President BongBong Marcos, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, appealed to the Filipinos, especially the government agencies and offices “to refrain from having a grand Christmas celebration this year, following the onslaught of multiple typhoons in the country.” The call is in empathy, compassion and solidarity with the millions of Filipinos, directly and indirectly affected and continues to grieve over lives, homes and livelihoods lost during the typhoons that pounded us in a span of less than a month” The call is very timely, and indeed reasonable. It is time to be sensitive to the feelings of those suffering. And in the spirit of Christmas, maybe the government agencies may consider donating even a tiny part of their allotted budget for the party to the victims of the recent storms. Also, Hear’s To Watch is inviting everyone to pray for the souls of those who perished.(HTW)

SBMA is Ph’s “Most Sustainable Investment Hub” – WBO Magazine What better news to write about the premier Freeport in the country before the year ends than it being recognized and awarded the Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines. Just recently, World Business Outlook Magazine conferred the “Most Sustainable Investment Hub” award to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for the continuous effort of the Authority to maintain its status as the best investment place in the country since it was converted into an industrial hub from a former US naval facility. SBMA has maintained its thrust in developing the Subic Bay Freeport Zone a sustainable investment hub in the world. The award was received personally by the SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engineer Eduardo Aliño during the 2024 World Business Outlook Awards held on November 2, 2024 at the Marriott Marquis Queens Park in Bangkok, Thailand. The good chairman was accompanied by his equally deserving officers of SBMA including Director Teodoro Del Rosario, Business and Investment Group for Leisure Manager Josephine Ivy Ferrer and General Business and Investment Officer-in-Charge Cleofe Espinelli. In a statement from the Authority, it was quoted CHAD (short for Chairman and Administrator) Aliño as saying, “It is with profound honor that we accept this distinct accolade from the World Business Outlook award-giving body for being the Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.” CHAD also encourage the attendees and global economic leaders to engage in innovative practices, promote green technologies, and ensure that our commitment to sustainability remains at the forefront of everything we do. Thus, the official, who also owns a big company in the Freeport, noted that by helping and working together, they will continue to pave the way for responsible investment practices, ensuring a thriving planet for future generations. But, it is also a good opportunity to mention that SBMA is also a recipient of other prestigious awards. In April 2023, former SBMA CHAD Wilma T. Eisma has won Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards “Thought Leader of the Year” for her Covid-19 contingency plans for the Subic Bay Freeport that paved the way for businesses inside the Freeport to endure the effects of the pandemic. During her term, the agency has implemented measures that ensured, not only for businesses to thrive but the safety and security of the stakeholders in the Freeport as well. Eisma is now a director of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). In January 2022, SBMA was awarded “Best in Tourism Practice During the Pandemic” among 12 finalists during the 22nd National Convention of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP). Then in July of the same year, Subic Bay Freeport was conferred as the No. 1 tourist destination in Central Luzon by the Department of Tourism (DoT), while also ranking 5th among the most visited places in the country. SBMA also continue its commitment in contributing to the economic development of its neighboring municipalities by distributing revenue shares derived from the gross income of the Freeport. In February this year, SBMA distributed a total of P178.7-million revenue shares due to the municipalities of Subic, Castillejos, San Marcelino, and San Antonio in Zambales; Dinalupihan, Morong and Hermosa in Bataan, and Olongapo City. Revenue shares which are computed according to population (50%), land area (25%), and equal sharing (25%) are released twice a year—August for the first semester, and February of the following year for second semester. Hear’s To Watch. The award- “Most Sustainable Investment Hub”- given to SBMA does not only represents the excellent performance of the management team, but serves as a challenge to all rank and file of the Authority work harder as one team to come up with better strategies to smoother sail the ship. The longest-time constructed bridge went soft opening but was bashed by residents and workers alike, because it was flooded and pedestrians got wet while crossing the bridge The unfair treatment for pedestrian-workers, motorcyclists, and car owners and passengers while entering the Freeport in the morning; why only bikers and pedestrians were subjected to inspections, while car owners freely passed the gates. More and more car owners are ignoring road courtesy and regulations, mostly are not stopping on corners anymore. Parks are often littered, because nobody was penalized yet. Stray dogs and mendicants are roaming the parks. And where are the public toilets for visitors to use. And more. The Authority should not focus alone on big things, because usually those seemingly petty issues make the difference.

Illegal logging blames for destructive flooding,landslides While Tropical Typhoon Kristine was moving out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), another typhoon is coming in, and was named Leon. In the latest update provided by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of Tuesday, October 29, Kristine and Leon have affected nearly two million families, or more than seven million individuals all over the country, of which 950,000 people were temporarily sheltered in evacuation centers or schools. The Council reported at least 125 people died, and hundreds more are missing. The damage to agriculture was estimated to P2.8 billion, and to infrastructure was P1.5 billion. The damage to crops and fisheries sectors has climbed to P3.40 billion. Meanwhile, in a statement released by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department will need at least P3.6 billion to reconstruct and repair schools and other learning assets damaged by Kristine and Leon. The loss of learning equipment and materials were not yet included. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) reported that 888 schools were flooded or affected by landslides, while 1,127 schools were used as evacuation centers during the onslaught of Kristine, which brought havoc in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The damaged to lives and properties was enormous, and all are pointing to rampant illegal logging and quarrying in most areas that were severely affected by flooding and landslides. The disaster did not surprise the local government units, because it was expected. It was warned to happen. The people were crying for actions. But many did not listen. In May 2018, Catanduanes Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento has filed House Resolution No. 1798 seeking to probe on the proliferation of illegal logging activities in Catandanuanes and in other provinces nationwide. In November 23, 2020, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said all LGUs and PNP units across the country must stop illegal logging and illegal quarrying in their respective areas The widespread flooding in many areas in the country, which some of them experienced such destructive flooding for the first time, should be a wake-up call for all. He also reminded the DENR Memorandum 2011, the LGUs were compelled to reactivate their local Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force and must ensure that no illegal logging, kaingin and other forms of forest destruction” take place in their jurisdiction. In July 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Bicol (DENR-5) planted a total of 5.6 million seedlings in two years in Bicolandia, and strengthened the cooperation with various law enforcement agencies in the suppression of illegal logging and the cutting of trees, to secure the province from super flooding and landslides. Hear’s To Watch Despite all exerted efforts of the government to eradicate illegal logging and the rampant cutting of trees in the mountains, many communities in the country where the recent typhoon poured their rains severely suffered due to sudden flash of flood and landslides. And the evidences of neglect, disregard of the law, and possible corruption to disregard the well-being of the community, were brought to our eyes! Mother Nature brought down from the mountains the remains of dead trees and logs. The trees that should have hold the soil from breaking. The roots that should have serve as foundations to keep the mountains strong. But instead, they were flashed down and destroyed the houses, the schools, the bridges; killing the love ones, the crops, the animals; and many more. How many more should suffer? How can we protect our environment? When shall the leaders be brave enough to fight for the protection of our Mother Nature? We only can do ask. And surprisingly, the communities never learn from their mistakes and will vote again these people to power.    

 They talked about best practices and preparedness in 23rd INAP During the two-day conference of the 23rd International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP), representatives from major ports in Asia shared the new technologies they are using and planned to implement to reduce carbon foot prints, and the effect of disasters in their respective areas. INAP is an annual conference of neighboring ports which serves as venue for the promotion, cooperation, exchange of newly developed concepts and marketing strategies that helps in the development and improvement of ports, protection of environment and promoting safer maritime industry. Attendees were the Port’s Administrators or Chairmen of the Port of Cebu, Port of Chittagong (Bangladesh), Port of Colombo (Sri Lanka), Port of Dangjin (South Korea), Port of Davao (Davao City, Philippines), Port of Kochi (Japan), Mokpo New Port (Korea), Port of Qingdao (China), Port of Subic Bay (Philippines), and the Port of Tanjung Perak (Indonesia). Delegates from Thailand and Vietnam also joined the conference to observe the benefits of INAP membership. With this year’s theme, “Promoting Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness,” the heads of ports shared their best practices in ports and environmental management, to promote mutually beneficial opportunities for all the ports, but especially the member-ports. Among the significant practices discussed on each port focused on reduction of carbon emission, disaster management and strategies, and Green Ports. One amazing presentation was from Port of Qingdao which aside from being fully automated, the port uses shore power app which allows ships to use shore power when at berth, instead of diesel, for lights, pumps, communications, refrigeration, decreasing air pollution by 95 percent. The Port is also a hydrogen-powered port which is a zero-emission fuel source. These innovation made the Qingdao Port to become the first and only Double Five Star Port China, and one of the best in the world. The Port of Subic, on the other hand, boasted its current status by presenting its development achievements and projects. As of now, Subic Port has the most advance vessel traffic management system in the Philippines; it uses and promotes the use of solar energy in most offices; conducts regular capacity building trainings. Subic Port, as the presented, maintains mangrove nursery to sustain its mangrove area conservation program; also sustainable risk reduction, and supporting community development projects benefiting coastal communities. Hear’s to Watch The Port of Subic called the Redondo Peninsula at the mouth of Subic Bay as the “Next Frontier” of the Subic Freeport. This is because of the proposal to construct a bridge that will connect Cubi Point in the eastern part of Subic Bay and the Redondo Peninsula that aims to open new investment sites and business opportunities. Should the bridge materialized, it will cut short the travel time from Subic Freeport to tourism facilities in Zambales by up to two hours, ease traffic flow on summer time, and boost eco-tourism in the area. Issues on the West Philippine Sea were not discussed or avoided and simply focused on discussion on economic, environmental and disaster preparedness. But this proposed bridge was first heard during the administration of former chairman and administrator Tong Payumo in year 2000, after the availability of land became scarce while the number of investors increases. After more than two decades, will the ground breaking breaks? The other thing is, if the 72.5-meter Magsaysay Bridge connecting Olongapo City and Subic Freeport almost took five years to complete, how long would it take then to construct the 5.5-kilometer (km) long Subic Bay Bridge in Redondo Peninsula. Well, we all know that that there other better constructors in the country. So, let us all wish for the good part.

Are we prepared for a big disaster? As people around the world is talking about the changes in temperature, flooding in the desert Arab countries, and the continuing rise of sea level due to melting of ice berg, the Philippines will be among the heaviest affected in the coming years. And yes there proofs that can be told about these effects of climate change in the lives of many Filipinos, especially those living in the coastal areas and low lying communities. The fishing grounds of Bulakan, Bulacan, are constantly submerged under water for days even in summer season, which did not happen in the past. The residents of Barangay Taliptip, Bulakan recalled how the government tried to save the community roads by elevating them several times. As the roads elevates, the houses do as well. But the water level continues to overcome the height of the roads, so as the flooding on the residents’ floors. If 15 years ago residents of Taliptip, and in the nearby barangay of Bambang, could walk the streets with knee or thigh-level water during high tide, today it usually went up to five feet deep. In recent months, schools were ordered to suspend face-to-face classes not because of heavy rains but due to high temperature which reaches 42℃, considered by PAGASA a dangerous level in heat index. Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels which is different from the actual air temperature. Likewise, we witnessed how strong the “new breed” of typhoon brought havoc in many provinces, destroying crops and properties and lives. The country is being visited by at least 20-25 typhoons annually where some a considered super typhoon. To match the new strength of typhoon passing our country, a new signal was installed, and that is Signal Number 5 which is to indicate extremely strong winds of more than 220 km/h. Signal No. 5 also “warns of the possibility of big waves and storm surges in affected coastal areas,” PAGASA said. But the threat of bigger disaster, more destructive calamities are yet to come says Gustavo Gonzalez, the United Nations coordinator based in the Philippines. Hear’s to watch. According to the UN official, the Philippines is among the most vulnerable country in the world to natural hazards which are becoming more and more destructive due to climate change. Considering that the Philippines is within the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic belt of volcanoes and earthquakes, and to the fact that it has many coastal communities and cities, the country will always be extremely vulnerable to intense weather events and natural hazards. As more super typhoons are being expected caused by the warming of the seas in the Southeast Asian Region due to climate change, the UN is currently been working with line agencies discussing the preparation to be undertaken to address the wide range of disasters. The UN official noted that there are around 20 active volcanoes across the country, and according to experts, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake at any time can be expected. But the matter on climate change is no new matter at all among Filipinos. The national government has adequately giving information and seminars on risk reduction and management in all levels of government agencies and schools. What the local governments need to do is to act now. Apply all what they all learned from those seminars: create a mitigation plan to minimize the effect of calamities that are expected to come anytime without warning, identify key persons as leaders, identify the evacuation areas, get inventory of logistics, and more. Climate change is real. Climate change is already here, it is making its presence felt. It is only a question of “when will it strike big?”

Election period brings new hope to some in different point of view The start of election campaign in the Philippines makes many Filipinos happy, hopeful and excited. Many consider election period as the start of many privileges for Filipino voters. Why not? For business people, election means “Business As Usual Again” as bulk of printing orders for campaign materials such as T-shirts, flyers, tarpaulins and postcards significantly soar high. Election period also provides home-based entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain extra income for accepting conceptualizing, lay-outing, printing jobs of campaign flyers, and other materials. But there are other reasons why some Filipino voters are feeling excited about election period: Election means traveling to distant resort, in guise of seminars or conventions, all expenses paid, and sometimes with matching pabaon or cash allowances sponsored by the congressmen or the city/ municipal mayors who are running for reelection. And the most exciting part is the vote-buying and vote-selling, distributing assistance (ayuda, even without calamity or disaster) courtesy of the politicos who wanted to win reelection in office. For many politicians, staying in power means staying in business. Vote-buying during election (true or not) is a common topic in Philippine politics which is allegedly privately and illegally practiced as underground activities by political candidates who utilize it as a political strategy. Normally, a few days before the Election Day. Why Vote Buying? Comelec explained that vote buying is done as an effort to persuade anyone or the general public to vote for or against any candidate or to withhold his vote in an election. Withholding one’s vote is done by not going to the voting precinct to vote. Usually, the voter may receive bills ranging from P50, P150, P200, P300, P500, P1,000, P3,000, and P5,000 depending on the position of the seller in the community. Comelec warned that under Batas Pambansa Bilang 881, vote buying and/ or selling is punishable “with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation. In addition, the guilty party shall be sentenced to suffer disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage.” Unfortunately, poverty, unemployment and lack of sense of morality, caused many to say NO to P500 bill. Hear’s To Watch. In Olongapo City, four individuals had filed their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for Mayoralty: the incumbent Rolen Paulino, Jr., the incumbent Vice Mayor Jong “Serbilis” Cortez, incumbent Barangay Gordon Heights Chairman Priscilla “Kap Echie” Ponge, and businessman Arnold “Manager Ng Bayan” Vegafria. Candidate Ponge is set to file her COC on Tuesday, October 8. Of the four aspirants, only Vegafria has disclosed his platforms of administration if elected as mayor of Olongapo. Among these are 1) Invite investors to the city to resolve unemployment; 2) Promoting Olongapo as Entertainment Capital of the Philippines by bolstering Tourism industry; 3) Improving the three main roads and shorelines in the city, and 4) Strengthening health services. A new player in the political arena, Vegafria is confident that if only without vote buying, their team “Anak ng Gapo” has a chance of winning in this coming election. He also call on all voters in the city to protect their right to vote, and intelligently vote for candidates who they believe could deliver progress for the people of Olongapo, and not for who could buy their votes. Every election has its own story to tell, and depending on the principle of the voters, what it would be for 2025?  

 West Philippine Sea, do you know where to defend it? Amidst the on-going tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), assisted by hundreds of Chinese militia vessels and fishing trawlers, has intensified the conduct of more dangerous and more provocative maneuvers against the Philippine air and sea assets and personnel, as well as Filipino fishermen, in the area. These harassments of the CCG are in blatant violation of the 2016 arbitral decision of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which discredited the People’s Republic of China’s claim over almost all of South China Sea. The Convention’s Tribunal affirmed the sovereign rights of the Philippines over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf which is the West Philippine Sea. Unfortunately, during the recent Kongreso ng mga Mangingisda para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran held in Subic, Zambales, none of the 150 fishermen know the difference between the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, and where is West Philippine Sea can be found. And it could be assumed that only a handful Filipinos can give a correct answer. While most Filipinos wrongly refer the name West Philippine Sea as substitute for South China Sea, the former refers only to the boundaries extending to 200 nautical miles (321.87 kilometers) from the shoreline, which we know as Philippine’s EEZ. This was the substance of the Administrative Order No. 29 which then President Benigno Aquino III issued on September 12, 2012 designating the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago and within the Philippine EEZ as the West Philippine Sea. The traditional Filipino fishing ground Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc is merely 120 miles (193 km) from Zambales, and is clearly inside the Philippine EEZ. The Spratly Islands or the Kalayaan Island Group is merely 30 nautical miles (48.28 Km) off Palawan, against more than 400 NM (643.7376 Km) from the nearest land in China. To this situation, it is necessary to first educate the Filipino people on the issues of WPS; and at the same time, listen to their concerns and recommendations to better serve them by the government. As National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya explained, the government’s priority today is to respond to the needs of the fishermen in the WPS, while the Marcos administration is asserting the Philippine rights and sovereignty over the territory. Hear’s to Watch. The Philippine Coast Guard assured that they will provide escort and assistance to fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal, and to BFAR ships deployed to ensure safety of the Filipinos in the area. The Army and Navy signified their readiness, too. But for the fishermen, the questions remain: until when the Philippine West Sea be free from Chinese “occupants’ and aggressors? How long our fishermen can freely catch fish in our own fishing ground without being harassed and shooed away by the foreign intruders? How many more Filipinos should lose their fingers due to greed of space? And lastly, are we, common Filipinos, willing to defend our ground against the giant army?.