Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro (behind podium) welcomes the journalism students of Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona at the Consulate on 26 February 2025. “As a journalist, you are serving a larger purpose—not just to inform, but also to advocate, promote, and even protect,” said Consul General Lazaro to the students. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)
BARCELONA, 20 February 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona hosted a screening of GMA Public Affair’s “Pag-asa”—a documentary by award-winning journalist Atom Araullo—at the Consulate’s Hall on 26 February 2025.
Presented with Spanish subtitles under the title “Isla Pag-asa: Un viaje al mar”, the screening engaged journalism students from one of Spain’s leading universities, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), in a critical discussion on investigative journalism, maritime security, conservation, and the geopolitics of the West Philippine Sea.
The event is part of the Consulate’s ongoing public diplomacy initiatives aimed at fostering academic engagement with top universities in its jurisdiction.
“The screening of Pag-asa is more than just a case study for our guest students—it is a powerful reminder of the vital role investigative journalism plays in shaping public understanding of complex geopolitical issues like the West Philippine Sea. In a world of conflicting narratives, we want to impress upon future journalists your critical role in responsible storytelling—to bring to light real struggles and conflicts on the ground using only verifiable facts,” said Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro to the students.
Students commended the documentary for its compelling narrative, describing it as an “eye-opener” that provided deeper insight into the situation in the West Philippine Sea. Many expressed their concern for the Philippines and its people in Pag-asa island after gaining a clearer understanding of the challenges faced in the region.
The “Pag-asa” documentary, originally released in November 2023, is produced by GMA Public Affairs, following the repeated harassment of Philippine vessels by China during resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) at Ayungin Shoal. In July 2024, and again in January 2025, the Philippines and China signed the Rotation and Resupply (RORE) arrangement for Ayungin Shoal, an agreement to ease tensions and avoid altercations during resupply missions.
“We are grateful to GMA Public Affairs for granting us access to ‘Pag-asa’. Their investigative journalism and compelling documentaries serve as a vital window into the realities on the ground, not only informing but crucially educating us about the complex issues at stake.” said Consul General Lazaro.
Vice Consul Lee Gano provided the students a briefer on the West Philippine Sea issue, reaffirming the Philippines' unwavering stance that it "will not yield an inch of its territory" and is utilizing all available diplomatic channels to assert its rights. Vice Consul Gano underscored the Philippines’ appreciation for Spain and the broader European Union for their strong and consistent support of the 2016 Arbitral Award and the rule of law in maritime disputes. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)
"It is important to be exposed to such stories because mainstream media often focus on the stories or perspectives of larger powers, said Professor Santiago Tejedor Calvo (standing) about the documentary “Pag-asa”. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)