Akbayan Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno on Wednesday led a special screening of the award-winning documentary “Food Delivery: Fresh from the Philippine Sea” at the House of Representatives to rally the Filipino people to defend the country’s rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“Kailangan nating madama ang West Philippine Sea. It is not just a term, not just a line on a map, and certainly not an impossible dream. The West Philippine Sea is ours, and ours alone. It belongs to us, to our children, and it is our duty to protect it,” Diokno said in his short speech before the screening at the Andaya Hall.
At the event, held in partnership with the Atin Ito Coalition, Diokno was joined by fellow members of the WPS Bloc, including Akbayan Partylist Representatives Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila De Lima, and Albay 1st District Rep. Krisel Lagman-Luistro.
Diokno also invited other lawmakers to join the WPS Bloc. “Just this week, another incident occurred in the WPS — a stark reminder that the threat is real and it is not going away. Kaya’t kumilos na tayo — at kumilos ngayon,” he added, referring to the latest harassment by two Chinese vessels of the BRP Buluan near Bajo de Masinloc.
The film’s director Baby Ruth Villarama, fisherfolk Ka Arnel Satam and Ka Ozman Pumicpic, and Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela were also present during the screening.
“I would like to thank Director Baby Ruth Villarama and her team for allowing us to hold this screening here at the House of Representatives, and more importantly, for creating a beautiful and compelling film that has won awards for our country. I also commend the soldiers and fisherfolk featured in the film for bravely sharing their stories despite constant threats. Two of them are with us today — Ka Arnel Satam and Ka Ozman Pumicpic from Subic,” Diokno said.
“This film is powerful — so powerful that China tried to stop its premiere in New Zealand. It is powerful because it speaks to both the mind and the heart. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. And some scenes will make you angry — lalo na sa mga eksenang may Chinese water cannons,” he added.
Photo credit: Office of Akbayan Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno
