PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

7 September 2026, CANBERRA - The Philippine Embassy in Australia joins the nation in the celebration of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2026. 🇵🇭

With this year’s theme, “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama Nating Alagaan,” MANAMo 2026 underscores the Philippines’ commitment to uphold its legitimate maritime rights in accordance with international law, while promoting stewardship, cooperation, and shared responsibility in protecting our seas and maritime heritage.

At the Embassy’s flag-raising ceremony, personnel wore blue as a symbol of support for MANAMo’s objectives.

Ambassador Antonio Morales read President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s message. President Marcos highlighted that this year's MANAMo is an opportunity to affirm the Philippines’ lawful rights and advance concrete measures that champion the country's rights as a maritime nation and strengthen responsible stewardship of its oceans.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, in her video message, called upon Filipinos globally to unite and fulfill their intergenerational responsibility to protect its seas.

Adding to the MANAMo celebration, the Embassy recently hosted a public lecture at the Australian National University on the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DWNcdNJ7p/) and also participated in the 6th Philippines-Australia Maritime Dialogue (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18vvMB5di8/).

Established by Presidential Proclamation No. 316 in 2017, MANAMo combines “Mana” (meaning heritage or inheritance in Filipino) with the Philippine identity as a maritime and archipelagic nation. The month-long event aims to raise public consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues, the country's rich marine heritage, and promote the sustainable use and protection of ocean resources.

For additional information on MANAMo 2026, visit the official DFA MANAMo website:
https://sites.google.com/dfa.gov.ph/manamo. -END

#MANAMo2026