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Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen‑Dagupan delivered a pastoral message on Sunday, 25 October, urging the Philippine government to maintain a firm stance over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In his address, the archbishop called on authorities to defend what he described as “lawfully ours” and “rightfully ours” without provoking hostilities or cowering in the face of threats. He said that defending the sea is “taking the side of the people whom God has favored by the gift of the sea.” Villegas reminded the public that the WPS is “God’s gift to His people” and that its resources come from “the Creator’s munificence and generosity.” He highlighted the role of the sea in supporting the humble fisherfolk of the Lingayen‑Dagupan archdiocese and the dioceses of Iba and Alaminos, noting that these communities have historically lived without greed or rapacity. The archbishop expressed concern that Chinese naval activity has made it difficult for fishermen in Pangasinan and Zambales to earn a living, jeopardizing their futures and those of their children. He urged the government not to forget the poor, pointing out that while the People’s Republic of China can deploy armed vessels and powerful ships in the WPS, local fishermen rely on small, fragile bancas that are no match for Chinese vessels. He warned that such harassment can make earning a living “difficult, if not impossible, many a time.” Article source: The Daily Tribune | Image credit: The Daily Tribune
Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen‑Dagupan delivered a pastoral message on Sunday, 25 October, urging the Philippine government to maintain a firm stance over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In his address, the archbishop called on authorities to defend what he described as “lawfully ours” and “rightfully ours” without provoking hostilities or cowering in the face of threats. He said that defending the sea is “taking the side of the people whom God has favored by the gift of the sea.” Villegas reminded the public that the WPS is “God’s gift to His people” and that its resources come from “the Creator’s munificence and generosity.” He highlighted the role of the sea in supporting the humble fisherfolk of the Lingayen‑Dagupan archdiocese and the dioceses of Iba and Alaminos, noting that these communities have historically lived without greed or rapacity. The archbishop expressed concern that Chinese naval activity has made it difficult for fishermen in Pangasinan and Zambales to earn a living, jeopardizing their futures and those of their children. He urged the government not to forget the poor, pointing out that while the People’s Republic of China can deploy armed vessels and powerful ships in the WPS, local fishermen rely on small, fragile bancas that are no match for Chinese vessels. He warned that such harassment can make earning a living “difficult, if not impossible, many a time.”
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