Atin Ito! coalition inspires Ranaw youth to protect West PH Sea

MARAWI CITY (PIA) – The West Philippine Sea (WPS) took center stage at the 5th Ranaw Youth Organizations  Summit as Rafaela David, co-convenor of the Atin Ito! Coalition, shared the group’s inspiring journey to assert the country’s rights over the WPS by delivering essential supplies to Filipino fisherfolks in the area.

In her message, David stressed the power of civilian empowerment to assert the country’s rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“For every act of Chinese aggression, we must respond with more civilian supply missions,” David stated, highlighting the coalition’s proactive stance.

The Atin Ito coalition, formed in October 2022, consists of various organizations, including the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP), Akbayan Youth, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), and others. Their recent solidarity regatta, involving 200 volunteers and 100 fishing vessels, successfully challenged China’s aggressive actions in the Scarborough Shoal.

The coalition has placed buoys or markers carrying the message ‘WPS, Atin Ito!,’ in the country’s EEZ. They also successfully distributed supplies, including fuel and food packs, to Filipino fishers.

David expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from various sectors, enabling the coalition to raise sufficient funds that led to historic civilian supply missions.

She further underscored how unity and building people’s power can bring about waves of change.

“Kasi sa dulo, marami tayong mananakop. Hindi lang banyagang mananakop, pero ‘yung mga kapwa Pilipino din natin minsan na nang-aapi. Hinarap natin sila by making sure na tayo ay nagsasama-sama, coming together, and building people power,” she said.

Atin Ito Coalition Co-convenor Rafaela “Paeng” David spoke to Ranaw youth during the 5th Ranaw Youth Organization's Summit, highlighting her experience with the coalition in their civilian supply mission to the West Philippines Sea. (Photo courtesy of Ranaw Youth Development Office

(In the end, we have a lot of colonizers. Not only foreign colonizers but sometimes the oppressors are our fellow Filipinos. We faced them by making sure that we were unified, coming together, and building people’s power.)

Calling on the youth to be active participants in nation-building, David urged them to create a “wave of change” to strengthen people’s power and realize their aspirations for the country.

“Buuin natin, palakasin natin yung daluyong ng pagbabago, let’s make sure that the waves of change is there, so that when we sail mas madali, sama-sama tayong palakasin ang kapangyarihan ng mamamayan at tunay nating maisasabuhay yung pagbabagong gusto natin,” she added.

(Let’s build it and strengthen the waves of change so that when we sail, it will be easier. Together, let’s amplify the power of the people and truly realize the change we want.) (LREMS/MGLY/PIA-10)

0

Ranaw Youth Summit focuses on collective action, empowerment

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Over 200 young leaders from Lanao del Sur participated in the 5th Ranaw Youth Organizations’ Summit (RYOS) held recently at the New Capitol Complex, this city.

Under the theme “Sailing through the Waves of Change,” the summit focused on empowering the youth through the 5Cs of youth development: Competence, Character, Care, Connection, and Confidence.

Keynote speakers addressed various topics during the summit. Rafaela “Paeng” David, co-convenor of the West Philippine Sea ATIN ITO! coalition, highlighted civilian empowerment in addressing the West Philippine Sea issue. She stated that the response to foreign militarization should prioritize civilian efforts and supply missions.

“If China is militarizing our West Philippine Sea, ang response ba natin i-militarize din siya? Sa amin, hindi. Ang response dapat natin i-civilianize siya. Ang kapangyarihan dapat nasa ordinaryong mamamayan. And that was the necessary response. We occupy it because it’s ours. For every act of Chinese aggression, we must respond with more civilian supply missions. Muli, civilian power,” David said.

(If China is militarizing our West Philippine Sea, should our response be also militarize it? For us, no. Our response should be to civilianize it. Power should be in the hands of ordinary citizens. And that was the necessary response. We occupy it because it’s ours. For every act of Chinese aggression, we must respond with more civilian supply missions. Again, civilian power.)

David also emphasized the importance of supplementing government efforts in the West Philippine Sea by civilianizing approaches, asserting the country’s rights.

“The challenge to you is to navigate beyond sailing and harness the waves of change. Let’s ensure these waves are present so that when we sail, it becomes easier,” she added.

The government of Lanao del Sur conducted the 5th Ranaw Youth Organizations’ Summit (RYOS) at the New Capitol Complex, focusing on the theme "Sailing through the Waves of Change." The summit emphasized the 5Cs of youth development: Competence, Character, Care, Connection, and Confidence. The event featured a series of keynote speakers who addressed various aspects of youth engagement and empowerment. (Photo courtesy of Ranaw Youth Development Office

5Cs of youth development

Lawyer Alexander Dumpa from the Legal Education Board discussed Competence, offering practical advice on habits and skills. Aleem Nor-Jamal Batugan from the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage addressed Character, focusing on integrating science, faith, and culture. Jamal Pandapatan, founding president of Kalombayan Kilos and Akbayan Youth member, spoke on Care, encouraging societal action and sharing his journey.

Prof. Yasmira Moner of the Gender and Development Center – Mindanao State University (MSU)-Iligan Institute of Technology discussed Confidence, highlighting the impact of effective communication. Jalalodin Mustari, founder of Aretes Style, spoke on Connections, demonstrating how relationships can drive change.

Prof. Tirmizy Abdullah of MSU Marawi shared insights on the historical values of Lanao del Sur, emphasizing self-determination and resistance.

The government of Lanao del Sur conducted the 5th Ranaw Youth Organizations’ Summit (RYOS) at the New Capitol Complex, focusing on the theme "Sailing through the Waves of Change." The summit emphasized the 5Cs of youth development: Competence, Character, Care, Connection, and Confidence. The event featured a series of keynote speakers who addressed various aspects of youth engagement and empowerment. (Photo courtesy of Ranaw Youth Development Office)

Call to action

Lanao del Sur Second District Board Member Abdulhamid Amirbitor recognized the youth as a vital force for the province’s progress, urging them to view the summit as a starting point for ongoing efforts toward a better future.

He also encouraged them to apply their insights to drive positive change and collaborate with purpose.

Meanwhile, Jamil Faisal “Jeff” Adiong, Provincial Youth Development Officer, emphasized the crucial role of youth engagement in addressing local challenges.

“When the community collectively addresses our challenges, we strengthen our voice and promote development,” Adiong said. (ABR/EZMM/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0