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Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

01 September 2025, CANBERRA – Celebrating the Philippines’ maritime and archipelagic identity, the Philippine Embassy in Canberra joined Filipinos worldwide in marking Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) this September 2025.

This year’s theme is “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan, Panatag na Karagatan” (“A United Archipelago, A Peaceful Sea”) which aims to:

  1. Increase awareness and appreciation for the Philippines’ maritime and archipelagic nature;
  2. Develop a sense of unity and pride in preserving our maritime heritage; and
  3. Encourage all Filipinos to work together for a sustainable and secure ocean economy

The observance is a reminder of the central role the oceans play in the Philippines’ history, culture, and development. Through MANAMo, the Embassy reaffirms its commitment to raising awareness of the country’s maritime heritage and to promoting sustainable stewardship of its waters and coastal resources.

The Philippine waters boast exceptional marine biodiversity, being at the heart of the Coral Triangle, home to nearly 10% of the world's coral reefs and the highest diversity of marine shore fishes. The Philippines has over 7,600 islands, extensive coastlines, diverse marine ecosystems like coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, supporting over 52,100 species.

MANAMo is an annual celebration established by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 316, signed in 2017, to foster deeper appreciation of the nation’s maritime heritage and recognize the country’s vital role as an archipelagic nation. - END