DFA Consular Office in Tacloban Celebrates MANA Mo 2020
TACLOBAN 01 October 2020 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office (CO) in Tacloban completed its celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) with the theme, “Iisang Bangka Tayo: Unity During Uncertain Times”, with weekly activities that sought to raise awareness about the abundant marine life in the Philippines, held through Google Meet with participation by both on-duty and work-from-home (WFH) staff.
On 04 September 2020, the Consular Office kicked off the celebration with a video clip that showcased the Philippines’ rich marine biodiversity followed by a short discussion that tackled the importance of unity in these challenging and uncertain times. On the following week, 11 September 2020, the activity entitled “Deep Dive: An Appreciation Analysis of Philippine Marine Life” focused on the interdependence of human life and marine life. Three of the CO’s staff shared stories that exemplified the symbiosis among humans and sea creatures through responsible fishing and wildlife preservation. The stories of the CO staff were also shared in their own social media accounts, raising awareness about the MANA Mo celebration and piquing interest on other relevant maritime-related topics.
On 18 September 2020, the activity entitled “Awakening to Reality: Neglected Seas and What Can We Do About It” mainly focused on the challenges that we currently face in the marine life of the Philippines. One of the CO’s staff, Ms. Cyrile Tupaz, shared her MANA Mo Story that featured Lakawon Island located in Cadiz Negros Occidental, a world-class beach resort famous for its pristine white sand, crystal clear waters, and the home of Asia’s biggest floating bar – Tawhai Floating Bar. Ms. Tupaz emphasized the advantages and disadvantages of developing tourist destinations and its impact to the environment and marine life. On the other hand, Mr. Joemark Villarez shared a video presentation of the effects of improper waste disposal to our seas. The CO also featured an original song composition “Tangis” from a local artist, Mr. Miko Llauderes, that conveys a strong message that we should make a stand in protecting our natural resources. The music video can be accessed through this link: https://www.facebook.com/mokitroy/videos/10217682807838212.
On 25 September 2020, the CO culminated its month-long MANA Mo celebration by featuring the marine reserves of Leyte and Samar. One of which is Napantao Marine Sanctuary located in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, a marine protected area established in 1996. Through the years, the fish sanctuary has contributed to fish abundance and hard coral cover in its area. Moreover, CO’s staff Ms. Karen Jane Zurita discussed how the ancient boat balangay was utilized by early Filipinos to maintain trade relations and friendships in neighbouring countries and empires in Southeast Asia and as far as China as early as the 10th and 11th centuries. Ms. Zurita emphasized on how we should cultivate and continue to use the balangay as a legacy to future generations.
The CO personnel likewise raised awareness about the celebration by updating their profile photos on Facebook using the MANA Mo Frame.
The Consular Office in Tacloban has been successful in raising awareness through online platforms about the richness and beauty of our country’s marine life. Through the series of activities, staff have strengthened their dedication to work, hand in hand with preserving our natural resources. END
(Tacloban CO photos)