Malacanan issued Proclamation No. 316 to raise the level of national consciousness on marine wealth, as well as maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns.

The Proclamation, signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on September 14, 2017, declared the month of September of every year as the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Month).

The National Coast Watch Council has been tasked to coordinate the programs and activities for the annual celebration of MANA Month.

Further, Proclamation No. 316 transferred the observance of Fish Conservation Week to the third week of September of every year, starting 2018.

It amended Proclamation No. 176 (s. 1963), which assigned the third week of October to celebrate the said event, to harmonize, integrate and synchronize maritime and archipelagic programs and activities.

The National Maritime Day and the International Coastal Clean-Up Day are both observed in September—last Friday and third Saturday of the month, respectively.

The Fish Conservation Week is celebrated to promote the importance of fish and other aquatic products to the people’s well-being and the country’s economy.

“All government agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and local government units, as well as the private sector, are hereby encouraged to implement programs and activities that seek to raise awareness and consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns,” the Proclamation stated. ###PCO-Content