Philippine Embassy in Islamabad Launches MANAMo 2026

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: The Embassy of the Philippines in Islamabad has commenced its observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2026, highlighting the Philippines’ maritime identity, rights and responsibilities as an archipelagic nation.

The observance was formally launched during the Embassy’s flag-raising ceremony on September 7, where embassy personnel wore blue in recognition of the country’s strong connection to the seas and its maritime heritage.

This year’s observance is being held under the theme, “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama nating Alagaan,” which underscores two key commitments: upholding the Philippines’ legitimate maritime rights in accordance with international law and promoting stewardship, cooperation and shared responsibility for the protection of the oceans.

The activity also marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. During the ceremony, Embassy personnel reflected on excerpts from messages delivered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro.

President Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to dialogue, international law and peaceful resolution of disputes, noting that the country had chosen dialogue over confrontation, law over intimidation and peace over conflict.

He also underscored the human dimension of maritime issues, stressing that the oceans ultimately concern people, particularly fisherfolk and coastal communities whose livelihoods and well-being depend on healthy, peaceful and sustainable seas.

The Philippine Embassy in Islamabad will continue the MANAMo observance throughout September through its participation in Blue Day Thursday and a planned maritime-themed fellowship activity at a body of water.

The initiatives are intended not only to promote camaraderie and wellness among embassy personnel but also to reinforce awareness of the vital role of the seas in connecting peoples, sustaining livelihoods and trade, supporting marine biodiversity, and providing opportunities for recreation and appreciation of nature.

The Embassy emphasized that these interconnected benefits reinforce the need to protect the oceans for present and future generations.

Reiterating President Marcos’ vision, the Embassy stressed that the South China Sea should remain a “sea of peace, cooperation, and connectivity” that sustains livelihoods, facilitates trade, protects marine biodiversity and brings nations together.

The Embassy reaffirmed that while the Philippines’ maritime rights must be upheld in accordance with international law, its oceans must also be responsibly protected and preserved for generations to come.