President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called on Filipinos to observe Maritime and Archipelagic Awareness Month (MANA Mo), emphasizing everyone’s role in the stewardship of the nation’s maritime and archipelagic resources.

“I enjoin the entire Filipino nation in the observance of the Maritime and Archipelagic Awareness Month,” President Marcos said in a video message posted in social media.

“Our country is fortunate and blessed with vast maritime and archipelagic resources that can be utilized for the benefit of our people. As stewards of this incredible gift, it is incumbent upon us to preserve and develop these resources to their fullest potential,” he pointed out.

President Marcos highlighted the MANA Mo celebration as a clarion call to raise awareness and encourage engagement in protecting our maritime interests and resources.

“This year’s celebration of MANA Mo is a clarion call to raise greater consciousness on maritime and archipelagic concerns as well as to engage our people in protecting our maritime interests and resources from various threats,” he said.

Recognizing that a sustainable and greener future stems from hard work and collaboration, the President urged Filipinos, particularly the youth, to support and join nationwide coastal clean-up and conservation activities during the MANA Mo celebration.

The celebration coincides with the observance of Fish Conservation Week, International Coastal Cleanup Day, and National Maritime Day.

“As this important occasion also coincides with the observance of Fish Conservation Week, International Coastal Clean-up day, and National Maritime day, I encourage everyone, especially our youth to support and to join the countrywide coastal clean-up and conservation activities,” President Marcos said.

“Everything starts from each of us and with all of us working together, we will soon harvest the fruits of our hard work and realize a sustainable and greener future for everyone to enjoy,” he added. PND