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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace orders nationwide push to promote maritime and archipelagic awareness

Palace orders nationwide push to promote maritime and archipelagic awareness

Published Jul 17, 2025 12:34 pm  |  Updated Jul 17, 2025 01:14 pm

At A Glance

  • The Palace cited the need to "deepen public understanding of the country's maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns, strengthen public awareness, and foster appreciation of the Philippine national territory and maritime zones."
Malacañang has ordered all government agencies and urged local governments and the private sector to implement year-round programs to promote awareness of the Philippines as a maritime and archipelagic nation.
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Under Memorandum Circular No. 87, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 11, the Palace cited the need to “deepen public understanding of the country’s maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns, strengthen public awareness, and foster appreciation of the Philippine national territory and maritime zones.”
The circular tasked the National Maritime Council (NMC), through the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns (POMC), will lead the implementation of programs and activities, including the annual observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) every September.
All national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and local government units were directed to support relevant programs and campaigns and ensure cooperation in the implementation of activities.
The private sector is encouraged to actively participate as well.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is tasked to develop communication strategies and information campaigns to “educate and engage the general public” in supporting these initiatives.
September was declared Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month through Proclamation No. 316 (2017) to raise public consciousness on the Philippines’ maritime heritage.
The Philippines passed last year the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act that define and safeguard the country’s maritime zones and routes.
In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said it was only right for Filipinos to be aware of the country being a maritime and archipelagic nation.
“Dapat lamang po natin i-promote at ipagtanggol ang ating sovereign rights (It is only right that we promote and defend our sovereign rights),” she said on Thursday, July 17.
“Bawat Pilipino dapat ipagpunyagi kung anong meron tayo sa Pilipinas. Maging pro-Philippines lagi (Every Filipino should celebrate what we are and always be pro-Philippines),” she added.

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memorandum circular Lucas Bersamin Claire Castro
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