ISLAMABAD, 7 September 2026—The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Islamabad launched its month-long observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2026 during its regular Monday flag-raising ceremony, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to its maritime rights, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the rule of law, and the responsible stewardship of the world’s oceans.
This year’s observance carries the theme “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama nating Alagaan” and seeks to highlight two mutually reinforcing principles: the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to defend its legitimate maritime rights in accordance with international law, and the shared responsibility to protect and sustainably manage the seas through cooperation rather than confrontation.
Embassy personnel marked the opening of the observance by wearing blue, symbolizing the Philippines’ identity as a maritime and archipelagic nation and the importance of the oceans to the country’s sovereignty, economy, environment, connectivity, and way of life. Personnel will continue to observe Blue Day Thursday throughout September, joining the Department of Foreign Affairs in raising awareness of the country’s maritime heritage and responsibilities.
As part of the simple commemorative activity, excerpts from the remarks of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, delivered during the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, were shared with Embassy personnel.
The messages emphasized that the Award represents more than a landmark legal achievement. President Marcos underscored that the Philippines’ decision to pursue arbitration demonstrated its preference for dialogue over confrontation, law over intimidation, and peace over conflict, while affirming the principle that countries, regardless of their size or power, should interact as sovereign equals under international law.
The President also highlighted the human and environmental dimensions of maritime rights, noting that the seas sustain fisherfolk and coastal communities and that defending the rule of law ultimately means protecting people’s lives, livelihoods, dignity, and future. He stressed that the South China Sea should remain a sea of peace, cooperation and connectivity that sustains livelihoods and trade, protects marine biodiversity, and unites rather than divides nations.
Secretary Lazaro similarly characterized the 2016 Arbitral Award as an affirmation of the Philippines’ commitment to international law and a stable, rules-based maritime order. She emphasized that the Philippines continues to pursue diplomacy, dialogue, peaceful engagement, regional stability, de-escalation, and maritime cooperation, while remaining resolute in safeguarding its sovereignty and upholding UNCLOS.
The Embassy’s September observance will extend beyond the initial flag-raising activity. In addition to wearing blue every Thursday, Embassy personnel are preparing a maritime-themed activity to be held at a body of water, combining fellowship and camaraderie with reflection on the Philippines’ maritime identity and the broader responsibility of individuals and nations to care for the marine environment.
While the planned activity will provide personnel with an opportunity for recreation, wellness, and fellowship, it will also carry a deeper message: bodies of water connect rather than merely separate peoples and nations. Oceans and waterways facilitate mobility, commerce, communication, livelihoods, and cultural exchange, while providing natural spaces whose beauty and benefits can only be sustained through responsible environmental stewardship.
The activity will therefore reinforce the connection between maritime rights and maritime responsibility. Protecting the seas means not only upholding rights and jurisdiction under international law, but also preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the livelihoods, connectivity, biodiversity, recreation, and natural heritage that healthy oceans provide.
Throughout September, the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad will continue to use simple, meaningful activities to deepen personnel awareness of the Philippines’ character as an archipelagic and maritime nation and of the continuing significance of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Through its observance of MANAMo 2026, the Embassy reaffirms that the Philippines’ advocacy for its maritime rights goes hand in hand with its commitment to peaceful dispute settlement, international law, environmental responsibility, cooperation, and the protection of the oceans as a shared heritage and vital resource for humanity. END
