The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has launched a three-part children’s e-book series to help young Filipinos learn about the West Philippine Sea, its rich marine biodiversity, and the importance of protecting it.
The first title,
*“The Wonderful West Philippine Sea with Pawi the Sea Turtle (Pawikan),”*
was launched Tuesday as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
“The West Philippine Sea is food, home, story, and future. Its coral gardens breathe life into our coasts. Its currents carry the livelihoods of millions,” DENR Assistant Secretary Rochelle Gamboa said during the launch in Quezon City.
“If we do not act now, we will have nothing left to pass on,” she added.
Designed for children aged 6 to 9, the illustrated e-book follows Pawi, a green sea turtle, as it explores mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and coastal communities while introducing readers to marine species found in the West Philippine Sea.
The story also highlights the role of scientists, sustainable fishers, community volunteers, and coast guards in protecting marine ecosystems, while explaining in simple terms how pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss threaten marine life and coastal communities.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the project aims to encourage environmental awareness among children.
“Through ‘The Wonderful West Philippine Sea,’ we hope to inspire children to appreciate this sea that has long sustained Filipino families, recognize it as an important part of our natural heritage, and understand our shared responsibility to protect its rich marine biodiversity for present and future generations,” Cuna said.
He added that the e-book also introduces children to the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award by connecting it to the protection of the country’s marine environment.
The interactive e-book includes coloring pages, marine species identification activities, and a family pledge encouraging children to reduce single-use plastics, dispose of waste properly, conserve water, and participate in community clean-up drives.
The second book in the series, scheduled for release in August, will feature a story about a girl named Maria and her grandfather sharing stories about the West Philippine Sea and its importance to the country’s natural heritage.
A third title will be launched in September in observance of International Coastal Cleanup Day.
The e-books will be available for free download through the DENR website, while printed copies will be distributed to coastal schools, barangay halls, and partner organizations.
“Every story has the power to open a child’s mind to new ideas and new possibilities. We hope that this story will help young readers see the West Philippine Sea as a living treasure that belongs to all of us and is worth protecting,” Gamboa said.
