Philippine Consulate General in Screens “Yaman sa Kailaliman: West Philippine Sea” at the University of Guam - Marine Laboratory
AGANA 04 October 2024 – In celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) this year, the Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam, in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) and the University of Guam (UOG) Marine Laboratory, conducted a film showing of the documentary entitled, “Yaman sa Kailaliman: West Philippine Sea” (“Treasure Deep Down: West Philippine Sea”), which was held on 30 September 2024 at the UOG-Marine Laboratory Lecture Hall.
The event was attended by the faculty and students of the UOG-Marine Laboratory as well as Filipino professors teaching at UOG.
In her opening remarks, Philippine Consul General to Agana Rosario P. Lemque stated that this event aims to “share our maritime heritage with the international community, as the oceans connect us all beyond borders.” She said, “We have chosen to feature the documentary ‘Yaman sa Kailaliman: West Philippine Sea,’ or ‘Treasure Deep Down: West Philippine Sea.’ since we recognize that understanding our oceans through academic research is essential for ensuring their protection, especially in light of the geopolitical and environmental issues that impact our seas today.”
DFA-Maritime and Oceanic Affairs Office’s Deputy Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Cristina Maningat participated virtually during the event to share more information about the Philippines’ efforts in advocating a rules-based international maritime regime and the country’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.
Mr. Felimon A. Feliciano, Jr., Project Evaluation Officer of the DENR-BMB also participated virtually in the event and provided the introduction to the documentary.
“Yaman sa Kailaliman: West Philippine Sea” is a film documentary by the DENR-BMB and the People’s Television Network Inc. that chronicles marine scientific research conducted in the Kalayaan Island Group by Filipino scientists and researchers from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute in the years 2017, 2019, and 2021. The film provides an in-depth exploration of the threats facing marine life and the critical measures required to safeguard the West Philippine Sea.
The MANA Mo theme for this year is “Pamana ng Karagatan: Para sa Kinabukasan, Ating Ingatan” which translates to “Heritage of the Ocean: For Our Future, Let’s Take Care of It,” invites Filipinos to be responsible stewards of the valuable resources offered by our maritime and archipelagic nation, for the benefit of present and future generations. END
Consul General Rosario P. Lemque (right) with (L-R) Vice Consul Daniella Bianca Villamin-Oriondo and Dr. Laurie Raymundo, UOG Marine Laboratory Director.
Consul General Rosario P. Lemque delivering her welcoming remarks DFA-Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office Deputy Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Cristina Maningat virtually addressing the students and faculty during Agana PCG’s MANA Mo 2024 event.
Agana PCG’s souvenirs to the attendees of the film showing.
For more information, visit https://www.aganapcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippinesguam.org, https://www.facebook.com/PHinAgana/, https://twitter.com/PHinAgana or https://www.instagram.com/phinagana/.