Gov’t names September Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month

September 18, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte has issued a proclamation declaring the month of September as the "Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo)".

Proclamation No. 316 signed on September 14 was issued amid the territorial disputes of the Philippines with other claimant countries in the South China Sea, such as China, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The latest Proclamation also amends Proclamation No 176 transferring the observance of the "Fish Conservation Week" from third week of October to third week of September every year.

"There is a need to harmonize, integrate and synchronize programs and activities that will raise national consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues and policies," the Proclamation read.

It said a continuous partnership between the public and private sectors can help raise public awareness on such maritime and archipelagic concerns.

"All agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and local government units, as well as the private sector, are hereby encouraged to implement programs and activities that seek to raise awareness and consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns," the Proclamation said.

The National Coast Watch Council shall coordinate the programs and activities for the yearly observance and celebration of MANA Mo. Celerina Monte/DMS