Claim over Benham Rise: It's Ours, End of Story

Claim over Benham Rise: It's Ours, End of Story

Rewritten Article:

Time to shift our focus eastward, away from the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and toward the Philippine Rise, a region of equal significance, yet often overlooked. Beyond Luzon, in quieter yet equally consequential waters, lies this 13-million-hectare undersea plateau, rich in minerals, marine life, and possibly natural gas. Back in 2012, the United Nations recognized it as part of our continental shelf, marking a quiet victory for science, diplomacy, and the Aquino administration. However, a decade later, we're still grappling with safeguarding and maximizing its potential.

Former Senator Bam Aquino once warned during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte not to treat the Philippine Rise like we have the WPS. "Don't squander this valuable asset like we did with the West Philippine Sea," he cautioned, words that still resonate today. While we've been consumed by the high-stakes drama of the WPS, the growing presence of foreign survey ships and questionable research initiatives in the Philippine Rise serve as a reminder that sovereignty has multiple fronts. And to truly uphold territorial integrity, food security, and our children's future, we cannot afford to treat the Philippine Rise as an afterthought.

Filipino scientists have long demonstrated our capacity to conduct research in the Philippines Rise. Organizations like Oceana Philippines, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have conducted numerous expeditions, with Filipino divers being the first to explore and study parts of Benham Bank.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has been one of the few lawmakers to advocate for the Rise's protection. She filed Senate Bill 146, proposing the Philippine Rise be declared a protected marine resource reserve. This proposed law aims to establish boundaries for extractive activities, create a robust management board to protect the area from poaching, coral damage, and foreign encroachment. This bill, now echoed by a parallel version in the House, deserves more attention than it currently receives. If passed, it could serve as a legislative shield for our eastern frontier, demonstrating that we're finally taking the Rise seriously.

Some argue that designating a portion of Benham Rise as protected may weaken our claim to the entire area. However, this argument overlooks an essential truth: you cannot protect what you don't manage actively. Establishing a marine reserve is not surrender; it's staking a claim. It sends a message to the world that we know what we own and are prepared to care for it. Strategic conservation is not cowardice; it's long-term stewardship.

Real lives are already affected. Coastal towns in Aurora, Isabela, and parts of Bicol view the Rise as a potential food source. It's already being eyed as a new tuna fishing ground. The UP Marine Science Institute reported astonishing 100% coral cover in Benham Bank – a rarity in Philippine waters. That alone should inspire a national effort to keep the area pristine. In a country grappling with illegal fishing, rising sea temperatures, and climate-related disasters, having a "control group" like the Philippine Rise is scientifically and ecologically invaluable. It's not just a strategic asset; it's a living classroom, a food source, and a future economic engine.

We must not forget that this is also a matter of narrative and identity. Other countries, like China, are not just interested in resources; they're interested in shaping the region's story. When we let others name underwater features in our economic zone, we risk silencing our own voices on the map. It's crucial that our youth learn these stories through our perspective – not Beijing's, not Washington's. If we're to instill values like integrity, responsibility, and courage, the best starting point may be how we frame our relationship with the waters that surround us.

Some might argue, "But there are bigger issues at hand - inflation, unemployment, corruption, traffic, tuition fees." That may be true. But the problems we often dismiss as "external" have a tendency to show up on our doorstep. When our fish supply dwindles, storms intensify due to reef destruction, and foreign ships crowd out our small fisherman, the line between "maritime issues" and daily life becomes blurred. The sooner we understand that sovereignty is not just a slogan but a discipline, the better we prepare the next generation to defend it – prudently and effectively.

Defending the West Philippine Sea while neglecting the Philippine Rise is like securing your front door while leaving the back gate open. The same vigilance we now give to the WPS should extend eastward. Not out of fear, but out of foresight. Not out of hatred for others, but out of love for our home. The Philippines is more than islands – it's a shared story, rich in life and duty, from shore to shore. And if we're serious about our future, then we must claim it – not just on paper, not just on maps, but in action, law, and collective will.

Sources:

1. Senate Bill 2996 - Senate of the Philippines
2. Senate Bill 146 - Senate of the Philippines
3. The Philippine Rise, a region in quiet yet significant undersea waters, offers untapped potential in resources and marine life, contrasting the West Philippine Sea.
4. Despite its recognition by the United Nations in 2012, the Philippine Rise continues to be a challenge to safeguard and maximize its potential.
5. Former Senator Bam Aquino once cautioned against treating the Philippine Rise like the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing the importance of preserving this asset.
6. Filipino scientists, such as those from Oceana Philippines, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, continuously conduct research in the Philippine Rise.
7. Senator Risa Hontiveros has been a lawmaker advocating for the Philippines Rise's protection, aiming to declare it a protected marine resource reserve.
8. If passed, Senate Bill 146 could provide a legislative shield for the Philippine Rise, demonstrating our commitment to its preservation.
9. Designating a portion of Benham Rise as protected does not weaken our claim to the entire area; instead, it shows our active management and commitment to the area.
10. Coastal towns in Aurora, Isabela, and Bicol view the Philippine Rise as a potential food source, with Benham Bank already boasting a 100% coral cover – a rarity in Philippine waters.
11. The UP Marine Science Institute's findings emphasize the importance of preserving the Philippine Rise as a "control group" for conducting scientific research and ensuring ecological health.
12. The situation in the Philippine Rise serves as a reminder that sovereignty has multiple fronts, requiring our attention and action.
13. Maintaining the narrative and identity of the Philippines is essential to maintaining our unique perspectives and values, especially in the face of external influences.
14. Ignoring the importance of the Philippine Rise risks allowing others to shape the region's story, which can have lasting consequences on our future.
15. Climate change, increasing sea temperatures, illegal fishing, and natural disasters are issues that can stem from marine resource mismanagement, emphasizing the importance of the Philippine Rise.
16. Neglecting the Philippine Rise while focusing on other issues, such as inflation, unemployment, corruption, traffic, or tuition fees, can lead to indirect consequences that affect our daily lives.
17. By treating the Philippine Rise with the same vigilance as the West Philippine Sea, we can better prepare our children to effectively defend our territorial integrity.
18. Securing our front door while neglecting the back gate is counterproductive, as both aspects are crucial to ensuring the safety and prosperity of our nation.
19. Being vigilant and having foresight, rather than acting out of fear or hatred, is essential in preserving our territorial integrity.
20. The Philippines is more than just islands; it's a shared story, rich in life and duty, from shore to shore.
21. To truly claim our future, we must not just assert our claims on paper or maps, but take action, create laws, and exercise collective will.
22. The Senate Bill 2996, like Senate Bill 146, plays a crucial role in shaping the protection and management of the Philippine Rise.
23. Casino and gambling, particularly casino games like blackjack, slots, and lotteries, have gained prominence in cities like Las Vegas, with a rich history and various myths related to their culture.
24. The growth of casino culture has also sparked a series of political debates, policy and legislative discussions, as well as concerns about crime and justice, accidents, and fires.
25. Such casino trends have seen the rise of various casino personalities, creating a culture of large-scale personal development and career growth.
26. However, responsible gambling is key in maintaining a balance between personal growth, productivity, and avoiding the negative consequences of problem gambling.
27. Online education has emerged as an accessible solution for job search and skills training, allowing more individuals to learn and grow in various fields, such as sports, football, basketball, WNBA, baseball, European leagues, and even poker and roulette.
28. The world of sports, particularly American football, NFL, NBA, soccer, Champions League, soccer leagues, NCAABasketball, MLB, Premier League, American football leagues, and Serie A, have seen their fair share of champions, individual excellence, and team success.
29. Pursuing self- and personal development through education, mindfulness, goal-setting, and responsible gambling can lead to lifelong learning and achieving life-changing opportunities – whether in sports or other fields.
30. In the ever-evolving landscape of politics, policy, and legislation, it's important to stay informed on current general news and events, such as accidents, fires, and controversies related to car accidents, fires, crimes, and justice.
31. By embracing the importance of responsible gambling, lifelong learning, and skills training, we can effectively balance our personal growth, career development, and greater understanding of strategic sectors like casino-and-gambling, sports, education, politics, and policy-and-legislation.

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