NYMWPS: 3 years and the struggle is (still) real

 
By Dr. Celia Lamkin-NYMWPS Global Chairperson
Saipan
September 28, 2018
 


September 28, 2018, Saipan - The National Youth Movement for West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS) celebrates its 3rd founding anniversary today and the global advocates continue its mission of fighting for the preservation of Philippine sovereignty in the controversial territory.



 “We realized that our struggle is real - at times, daunting - but we will not falter,” says Dr. Celia Lamkin, NYMWPS founder and global chairperson. “We know that our advocacy is a Herculean task but the people we are fighting this for is more than the inspiration we need to get going and not easily give up,” she added.

Volunteerism and advocacies

The global movement which prides itself of volunteer-members across the globe has been actively campaigning in social media for the preservation of the Philippine territory after the UN tribunal in July 2016 rejected Beijing's historic claims to most of the South China Sea, acting on the case brought by former President Benigno Aquino III.



On the side, the group has been lending support to the fishermen in the areas where livelihood and ways of life have been severely affected by the territorial bullying of the Chinese aggressors. Fishermen – mostly small-scale fishers, are still not allowed to fish in the seas of West Philippine Sea while big Chinese fishing boats are spotted to be getting the bigger share of the rich marine resources.  “In our own little way, we have managed to alleviate the hardships of our fishermen by conducting medical missions and giving support to livelihood,” shared Dr. Lamkin. She shared that funding for these activities are mostly through voluntary contributions by the members itself.

Finding allies to help advance the cause

With the reported militarization by China of the area, NYMWPS on September 5, 2017 had an audience with Philippines Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and presented the group’s collective concern in regards to territorial sovereignty.



In that meeting, Lorenzana proudly shared the development plan for Pag-asa Island in Palawan – a plan largely welcomed by the group.  Pag-asa, the second largest naturally occurring island in the Spratlys archipelago, is the sole village of Kalayaan town in Palawan. It is also claimed by China but is under Philippine control and is home to some 340 people.  The group noted news items quoting Lorenzana that the government started building a new beach ramp on the island in November 2017.





“This is what NYMWPS expects the government to do – cement the Philippines’ national sovereignty and jurisdiction in the areas which are rightfully ours,” according to Dr. Lamkin, speaking on behalf of the group.

Continuously challenging Duterte’s WPS stance

The group sadly notes the continuous lukewarm, almost defeatist stance of the current administration in dealing with the West Philippine Sea issue.  In its August 2018 statement, the group has challenged President Duterte’s joint oil exploration ties with China, saying that the “sweet deal” is a losing proposition for the Philippines.



Reports of continuing territorial encroachment – the island-building for China’s military facilities in the shoals and most especially the reported encroachment of Chinese coast guards of Sandy Cay which is 2 miles away from Pag-asa Island are indicative of how the present administration is allowing itself to be cowed by China, according to the group.

Moving, sailing forward

As NYMWPS moves ahead and continues to push its advocacy of territorial sovereignty, the movers of the organization can only count on the unwavering support and dedication of its members.





“At times when the fight seems hopeless, we revisit our purpose and think about the efforts that every member has put into our advocacies,” says Dr. Lamkin.  “Most especially, we consider the welfare of the fishermen and their families who are with us in this struggle,” she added.



The struggle is still real, and the seas towards its goals maybe rough but the group is relentless.



As it sails on its fourth year, NYMWPS hopes that its advocacies gain more traction and will have more support especially from the international community.