01 September 2023, Canberra - The Philippine Embassy in Canberra joins the celebration of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month in September 2023. This year’s national theme for the MANAMo celebration is “Kapuluan, Kabuluhan, Kaunlaran" (Archipelago, Significance, and Development) to underscore the essence of our archipelagic nation's unique identity and emphasize the crucial role that our archipelago and its marine resources play in our journey toward sustainable development. To further amplify this year's national theme, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) adopts 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.

The DFA, in cooperation with the Philippines' UNESCO National Commission (UNACOM), kicked-off MANAMo 2023 with an exhibit titled“Archipelagic States: Identity, Consciousness and Law" on 29 August 2023. The exhibit explores the historical, cultural, and legal dimensions of the Philippines as an archipelagic state.

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 “the 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”.

The Exhibit’s Keynote Speaker Dr. Gil S. Jacinto, UNACOM’s lead consultant on the UN Decade of Ocean Science and Sustainable Development, stressed that “our 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.”

MANAMo is the Philippines 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). END