Kuala Lumpur, 04 October 2024 – In celebration of the Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2024, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur hosted a series of community-engaging events aimed at raising awareness of the Philippines' rich maritime heritage and the importance of preserving its waters for future generations.

Aligned with this year’s theme, “Pamana ng Karagatan: Para sa Kinabukasan, Ating Ingatan”, the Embassy organized key activities throughout the month aimed at fostering a greater understanding of the Philippines as an archipelagic state. Kicking off the celebrations was a special event held on 18 September 2024 - “‘Mapping our Heritage: A back-to-back activity on Map Reading and Launching of Exhibit on ‘Archipelagic States: Identity, Consciousness, and Law’.

Ambassador Maria Angela Ponce led the unveiling of the permanent exhibit, “Archipelagic States: Identity, Consciousness, and Law,” which showcases the Philippines’ unique maritime heritage and our ongoing efforts to navigate and safeguard our waters with integrity and respect for the rule of law. The exhibit underscores the interconnected communities, ecosystems, and shared challenges of an archipelagic state.

Originally launched at the United Nations in New York last June 2023 at the sidelines of the 33rd Meeting of State Parties to UNCLOS, the exhibit was also featured at the Department of Foreign Affairs as part of the MANA Mo 2023 celebration. The display is a graphic design creation of Foreign Service Officer Mr. Marthy Angue, while the striking photographs are from documentary photographer Mr. Jacob Maentz.

Complementing the exhibit, Vice Consul and Third Secretary Kirstoff Gail Ocampo conducted a map reading workshop, offering the participants an engaging introduction to the fundamentals of map reading. Through hands-on exercises, attendees were encouraged to apply their new knowledge to better appreciate the Philippines’ unique maritime geography as an archipelagic state. Vice Consul Ocampo, who served with the Philippine Coast Guard prior to joining the foreign service, drew on his expertise to make the workshop both informative and engaging.

The month-long celebration concluded on 27 September 2024 with another special event titled “Celebrating our Maritime Legacy: A Talk on our Maritime and Archipelagic Identity as Filipinos”, which featured Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) Ma. Elena Cristina D. Maningat of the Maritime and Oceans Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

In her presentation to the members of the Filipino community, DAS Maningat emphasized the significance of the Philippines' maritime legacy and how water unites the country and influences its foreign policy in the West Philippine Sea. She highlighted the relevance of the 2016 Arbitral Award and ongoing legislative efforts to protect the nation’s maritime interests. Her focus on intergenerational awareness resonated with the audience and she reminded the members of the audience of their shared duty to preserve the country’s maritime heritage for the future.

As part of the Embassy’s commitment to promoting the Philippines’ maritime legacy, the Archipelagic States Exhibit will remain on permanent display at the Embassy’s Consular Area. END

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