ISLAMABAD, 12 September 2026—As part of its month-long observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2026, personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad, together with representatives of the Office of the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché (OPhilDAFA) and the Office of the Police Attaché (OPA), took to the waters of Rawal Lake in the early morning of 12 September for a maritime-themed kayaking activity combining wellness, fellowship, and reflection on the Philippines’ maritime identity.
The activity formed part of the Embassy’s continuing efforts to give practical meaning to this year’s MANAMo theme, “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama nating Alagaan,” which underscores the Philippines’ commitment not only to uphold its legitimate maritime rights under international law, but also to promote stewardship, cooperation, and shared responsibility for the protection of the marine environment.
The kayaking activity was conducted in coordination with the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam. H.E. Colonel (R) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Pakistan, graciously joined the Philippine team, provided an introduction and orientation on kayaking, and generously made his own equipment available for the use of Embassy personnel. Safety gear, equipment, and basic familiarization were provided to ensure that participants could enjoy the activity safely and confidently.
Beyond recreation and camaraderie, the activity served as a reminder that bodies of water connect rather than merely separate peoples and nations. Oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes sustain mobility, trade, livelihoods, ecosystems, tourism, recreation, and cultural exchange, while also carrying a shared responsibility to protect them for future generations.
For the Philippines, this message carries particular significance as an archipelagic and maritime nation. The month-long MANAMo observance also coincides with the continuing commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, reinforcing the link between maritime rights, the rule of law, peaceful dispute settlement, environmental protection, and responsible ocean stewardship. The Award’s continuing legacy likewise affirms the importance of maintaining the seas as spaces for peace, cooperation, connectivity, and shared prosperity.
Following the kayaking session, participants gathered for a simple breakfast fellowship and several rounds of parlor games, allowing members of the Philippine One Country Team to strengthen camaraderie and promote wellness in a relaxed environment.
The Rawal Lake activity complements the Embassy’s other MANAMo 2026 initiatives throughout September, including the observance of Blue Day Thursday and continuing efforts to raise awareness of the Philippines’ maritime heritage, rights, and responsibilities.
Through simple but meaningful activities such as these, the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad seeks to reinforce a message at the heart of MANAMo 2026: our maritime rights must be protected, and our waters must likewise be cared for.
Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama nating Alagaan. END
