The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Tracy Cabrera
For civic leader and chairman emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, the documentary Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea is more than a film—it is the story of the Filipino nation’s struggle for dignity and sovereignty.
“This is about our fathers who go to sea, our mothers waiting for food on the table, and our children whose future depends on what kind of country we have,” Goitia said. “That is why China fears it. It shows the truth they want to hide—their vulgar lies.”
Goitia stressed that the film reveals how Chinese forces harass Filipino fishermen in waters that are legally and historically ours. He reminded the public that the 2016 Hague ruling invalidated China’s nine-dash line, yet Beijing continues to defy international law, harassing local fishermen and seizing their catch.
“China treats us as if we do not matter. They harass our fishermen, steal our fish, and trample on our dignity,” he said.
Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro echoed this sentiment, condemning China’s “gross and brazen violations of international law” as its coast guard ships, fast boats, drones, and heavily armed militia tighten their grip near Ayungin Shoal. He pointed out that no so-called “gentleman’s agreement” exists, dismissing such claims as Chinese propaganda.
Recent encounters have seen Chinese vessels use water cannons and dangerous maneuvers, even ramming Philippine boats. Despite the risks, Filipino troops and coast guard continue to defend the country’s sovereignty.
The same scenes of courage and hardship are captured in Food Delivery. It shows the resilience of fishermen and soldiers, as well as the silent struggles of families waiting at home. “This film gives voice to those who are silenced. It turns statistics into faces, headlines into human stories. Their fight is our fight,” Goitia said.
He called on every Filipino to watch and share the film, urging schools, families, and communities to keep the conversation alive. “When you watch this documentary, you are not just watching a story—you are defending our sovereignty,” he stressed.
Goitia closed with a strong reminder: “This is not just a film. This is our cry for dignity. China may have the ships and weapons, but we own the truth. And the truth is: the West Philippine Sea is ours.”