The Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office in Puerto Princesa, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (WESCOM), the Provincial Government of Palawan, and the Municipality of Kalayaan, hosted the Maritime and Archipelagic Awareness Month (MANAMo) Forum last September 28, 2024, at the PSU Gymnasium.
This initiative aimed to enhance public awareness and understanding of the Philippines as a maritime and archipelagic nation while promoting support for a rules-based international maritime framework. As a key player in the West Philippine Sea, the DFA, alongside its partners, worked with Palawan State University through the University Public Information Office (PIO), National Service Training Program (NSTP), and Library Services to organize a MANAMo Photo Exhibit and Forum on September 28, 2024, at the University Gymnasium, which was attended by students, faculty, and NSTP Instructors.
Speakers at the event included Ms. Liza Jane V. Estalila, Head of the Consular Office, who provided welcome remarks and an overview of MANAMo; Hon. Maurich Philip Albayda, a member of the Kalayaan Municipal Council, who presented a historical timeline and insights on shared values and the government’s Sulong WPS program; Atty. Rubelito H. Rumpon, Provincial Prosecutor from the Department of Justice IV-B, who offered an in-depth analysis of the Philippines’ claim in the West Philippine Sea based on the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling; LCDR Ronnie Riel B. Grimpola, PN, Commander of the 6th Civil Relations Group, who discussed awareness and protection efforts in the West Philippine Sea and the AFP’s communication plan titled MULAT; Mr. John Vincent Fabello, spokesperson for the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD); Mr. Christian Robert Nalica, Director for Library Services and American Corner at Palawan State University; and Prof. Hermenegildo Dela Peña, who gave the closing remarks.
The presentations were held to empower participants with knowledge about maritime laws and their implications for local communities. These sessions emphasized the importance of unity and collective action in safeguarding the Philippines’ maritime interests.
Moreover, the partnership between government agencies and academic institutions exemplified a collaborative approach to national issues, reinforcing the idea that awareness starts at the grassroots level. Feedback from attendees indicated a strong interest in continued education on maritime rights and responsibilities, signaling a successful engagement with the community.
