Islamabad, September 8, 2026: The Philippine Embassy in Islamabad has launched its month-long observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2026, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its maritime rights and promoting the responsible stewardship of the oceans.
The observance was formally inaugurated during the Embassy’s flag-raising ceremony on September 7, where Embassy personnel wore blue to symbolize the Philippines’ identity, rights and responsibilities as an archipelagic and maritime nation.
Held under the theme, “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama nating Alagaan” (Rights to the Seas, Let Us Protect Them Together), this year’s observance highlights two key commitments: defending the Philippines’ legitimate maritime rights in accordance with international law and promoting cooperation, stewardship and shared responsibility for the protection of the seas.
The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. Embassy personnel reflected on messages from Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro regarding the importance of international law, peaceful dialogue and cooperation.
President Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to dialogue over confrontation, law over intimidation and peace over conflict, stressing that the oceans ultimately affect the lives of fisherfolk and coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy and peaceful seas.
Throughout September, the Philippine Embassy will continue its MANAMo 2026 activities through initiatives including Blue Day Thursday and a planned maritime-themed fellowship activity near a body of water.
The Embassy said the activities would serve as a reminder that oceans connect peoples, sustain livelihoods and international trade, support marine biodiversity, and provide opportunities for recreation and appreciation of nature.
Reiterating President Marcos’ vision, the Embassy said the South China Sea should remain a “sea of peace, cooperation, and connectivity” that sustains livelihoods, promotes trade, protects marine biodiversity and brings nations together.
The Embassy reaffirmed that while maritime rights must be protected, oceans must also be preserved for future generations through collective responsibility and environmental stewardship.
“Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama nating Alagaan,” the Embassy said, calling for continued cooperation in safeguarding the world’s seas.
