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This is a secret dossier - err, I mean, FUN STREAM created, just for you! Come and swim with us through the waters of our very own West Philippine Sea!

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It's Kazz and Eowyn here from 2 Creative Writing~ hope you guys enjoy rediscovering our country's treasure, and a red pirate's loot

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A common misconception is that the West Philippine Sea is made up of pure water. This couldn't be farther from the truth, as there are many islands and islets within it such as the famous Spratlys, Lawak Island, and Pag-asa Island, among other things.

Completing the remaining 97% of the Pacific region, our very own West Philippine Sea is three million square kilometers wide and six thousand meters deep. Though these islands are rich with marine life and natural resources, they are simply not habitable for humans. However, it does not mean that these humans cannot be attracted to it...

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To the north of West Philippine Sea, we can find China and Taiwan; to the West lies Vietnam, and below, Borneo can be spotted. Lastly, to the near east would be us Filipinos, residing in the Philippines!

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Brown Minimalist Travel Scrapbooks Cover (1)

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Dugong (Scientific name: Dugong dugon) is one of the four species of Sirenia, which includes three species of manatees.

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The sea is abundant, as it often is, with a variety of thriving marine life. However, no other sea is doing it like the West Philippine Sea.

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The facts are these:

There is about an estimated 30% of total reef activity within the West Philippines, which contributes to the fishing market, but as well as it's biodiversity.

Which is, in fact, unsurprising as it is known as the center of the Coral Triangle. As such, it hosts around five hundred coral species, including twenty-nine EDGE (Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered) species.

That being said, 67 global species of seagrasses (of 18 are found in our waters) as well as 1,062 seaweeds and 820 species of algae can be observed.

Marine flora is thriving with its fauna hosted about 2,500 reef fishes, 28 marine animals, 5 to 7 existing species of marine turtles, 168 cartilaginous fishes, 648 species of mollusks, and 1,755 reef-associated fishes.

Most of which are threatened to extinction.

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Philippine Navy - is the naval warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Philippine Coast Guard - is recognized as the third armed uniformed service of the country attached to the Department of Transportation, tasked primarily with enforcing laws within Philippine waters, conducting maritime security operations, safeguarding life and property at sea, and protecting marine environment and resources.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - is an agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Agriculture responsible for the development, improvement, law enforcement, management and conservation of the Philippines' fisheries and aquatic resources.

Philippine National Police-Maritime Group - is responsible to perform all police functions over Philippine Territorial waters, lakes, and rivers along coastal areas to include ports and harbors and small islands for the security and the sustainability development of the maritime environment.

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US Embassy - is the diplomatic mission of the United States in the Philippines.

Oceana Philippines - is the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation.

Simularity - is a foundation that provides software that leverages artificial intelligence to analyze geospatial data in historical context.

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The West Philippine Sea Coalition - is a coalition of activists, students, and others that conduct protests and ask for action regarding the issue.

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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First and foremost, it is the Filipino citizens who are meant to make use of the resources provided by nature, so long as they do not abuse it.

Guarded by the Philippine Coast Guard, Filipinos are enjoying nature's gifts to them as they fish on Pag-asa Island, which is a part of the West Philippine Sea. Citizens from Zambales, Palawan, and other parts of Cebu are also able to travel to other parts of WPS such as Sabina and Ayungin Shoal.

Filipinos are only able to receive so much through natural blessings, since various schools of fish propagate and are born in WPS. Of course, other countries in Southeast Asia also benefit since these schools reach their waters as well.

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Brown and Beige Scrapbook Introduction to Geography Education Presentation (1)

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It isn't only fishermen who benefit from West Philippine Sea. Researchers have also been sent on expeditions in order to study the islands and islets currently accessible by the countrymen's capacity.

From April to May of 2021, The Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines (UP MSI) explored and studied the West Philippine Sea.

These studies focus on the ecosystems and biodiversity making up the marine life of West Philippine Sea. Some researchers also choose to focus on the effects of climate change and pollution on the said body of water.

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Besides Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, there is one more competitor seeking to get ahold of not just a part of West Philippine Sea, but its entirety - China. The Spratlys are divided amongst China, Taiwan, Philippines, and Vietnam, with the last country having the most islets; and yet China, who also claimed the Paracel Islands, remains persistent and aggressive in its pursuit of the entire West Philippine Sea.

Filipino fishermen are being harassed by Chinese invaders, they have been shot with pressurized water, threatened into leaving their own waters, and their right to fish and make a living is also being taken away by China.

Fishermen from Zambales are only able to procure 30% of their usual earnings due to the aggression of the invaders and (redacted)

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To be accessed by employees and confidants. The password is (redacted).