The 40-page comic book entitled "The Stories of Teacher Jun" was launched last Friday. It seeks to contradict the alleged misinformation being spread by China regarding its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
(Photo of the Philippine Coast Guard)
The comic book features a Filipino teacher and his students discussing the territorial disputes in the South China Sea and highlighting the position of the Philippines on this issue.
The comic book tells the story of a student's fisherman father who struggles to fish due to the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard. The student attends the class of Teacher Jun, who resembles former President Ferdinand Marcos.
At the comic book launch, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said the Philippines will do everything to combat misinformation and false stories related to the South China Sea.
"Chinese officials, along with state-sponsored media and individuals, continue to spread distorted and twisted narratives to malign our efforts and justify their unilateral claims," Ano said.
Among those who attended the launch were the ambassadors of the United States and Canada. Also present were Education Secretary Edgardo Angara and officials from the Philippine Coast Guard.
Eleven thousand copies of the comic book will be distributed for free, with thousands more to be printed depending on funding, according to Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela.
The book's publication was funded by private donors and is available in both Tagalog and English, Tarriela said.
Free copies will be given to students and other Filipinos in remote areas of the country who may not have much access to news. Foreigners wishing to have a copy can also have it printed in their language.
"This initiative aims to highlight our maritime rights and entitlements while revealing China's unlawful activities, aggressive behavior, and bullying tactics. It is crucial for us to shed light on these actions as transparency is a powerful tool in combating misinformation," Ano concluded.
