DFA Kicks Off Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2023, Showcasing Commitment to Ocean Science and Sustainable Development
PASAY 30 August 2023 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in cooperation with the Philippines' UNESCO National Commission (UNACOM), kicked off Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2023 with an exhibit titled "Archipelagic States: Identity, Consciousness and Law." The exhibit explores the historical, cultural, and legal dimensions of the Philippines as an archipelagic state.
MANAMo is the government’s annual celebration to harmonize, integrate and synchronize programs that will raise national consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues and policies of the Philippines. It is coordinated by the National Coast Watch System (NCWS) and for this year, the overall theme is "Kapuluhan, Kabuluhan, Kaunlaran" (Archipelago, Significance, Development). The DFA adopted the sub-theme "Setting Sails Towards Sustainability: Ocean Science for Archipelagic Philippines" to align with the commitment of the Philippines to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, underlining the pivotal role of ocean science in advancing the national interest.
In his remarks, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo emphasized the importance of MANAMo 2023 as an occasion to underscore the nation's identity as an archipelagic state. He stressed that “[t]he milestones achieved by the Philippines, such as the 2016 Arbitral Award, exemplified how the use of scientific data can support our legal positions and policies, and advance our national interests with confidence.”
On the other hand, Keynote Speaker Dr. Gil S. Jacinto, UNACOM’s lead consultant on the UN Decade of Ocean Science and Sustainable Development, stressed that “[o]ur seas are storytellers. They’ve borne witness to our ancestors’ voyages, our struggles for independence, and our dreams for a brighter future.” In this regard, he said that the UN Oceans Decade “helps us preserve these narratives, promoting sustainable practices that resonate with our traditions and honor our history.”
The exhibit was opened by senior DFA officials, led by Undersecretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega, and Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce. The exhibit was first shown at the United Nations in New York last June 2023 at the sidelines of the 33rd Meeting of State Parties to UNCLOS.
The Dasmarinas Chamber Singers, an internationally awarded chorale group led by Maestro Roijin Suarez and composed of young professionals and students, livened the event with their powerful vocals.
As MANAMo 2023 sets sail, the DFA invites all citizens, stakeholders, and partners to actively engage in promoting ocean science awareness, sustainable maritime practices, and the preservation of our invaluable maritime heritage and explore the science we need for the oceans we want. The Archipelagic States exhibit can be viewed at the DFA Lobby for the entirety of September 2023. It can also be viewed online at bit.ly/archipelagicstates.
END