MANILA, Philippines — The National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association, Inc. (NDCPAAI) recognized Filipino journalists for their fearless coverage of activities in the West Philippine Sea, including the skirmishes between Chinese vessels and Philippine ships.

On May 7, the NDCPAAI awarded 24 journalists from various media organizations who covered crucial developments in the West Philippine Sea to keep the Filipino people informed of the measures undertaken by the Philippine government on the encroachment of other "actors" on sovereign territory.

The awards ceremony, held at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City, recognized 24 journalists.

NDCPAAI Secretary General Aldrin Cuña cited the "active involvement and unrelenting reports from journalists and other mass media practitioners" as Chinese Coast Guard ships continue to harass Filipino sailors in the West Philippine Sea.

Cuña said the awards highlight the "fair, fearless, frontline coverage" of journalists who delivered reports "that do not only vividly capture events as they happen, but contextualize them."

"This results in stories that combine the snapshots of the moment with the big picture. This is journalism that deepens public understanding of an issue that impacts the nation," he added.

Senator Francis Tolentino, who heads the Senate special committee on Philippine maritime and admiralty zones, highlighted the crucial role of Filipino journalists.

In his keynote address, Tolentino said "through this fight, we see the crucial role of good journalism in bringing out the truth and empowering the people."

Captain Luidegar "Lloyd" Casis, head of the NDCPAAI's Committee on Military Affairs, said the coverage of Filipino journalists put on spotlight "the real score behind what is happening during our regular maritime sovereignty patrols and even during our troop rotation and supply missions to our islands, shoals, and other features."

"Without their wholehearted support, we would not have been able to bring across the message that the West Philippine Sea should be protected and defended not only for our sake but for our posterity as well," Casis said.