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Press Release
CHICAGO PCG PARTICIPATES IN THE MARITIME AND ARCHIPELAGIC NATION AWARENESS MONTH (MANAMO) 2026
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano leads the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago at the flag
raising ceremony to mark the start of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2026.
CHICAGO, 01 September 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, led by Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, joins the Filipino nation in marking the start of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2026 through a flag-raising ceremony. This observance underscores the need to strengthen maritime security, improve domain awareness, and protect the Philippine marine heritage.
Consul Ma. Theresa Alders read the remarks of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the diplomatic reception commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award in July 2026.
This year’s MANAMo celebration carries the national theme, “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama Nating Alagaan” (Our Rights to the Sea, Together Let Us Protect and Nurture It). The theme underscores the importance of protecting the Philippines’ maritime rights under international law while taking collective responsibility for the protection and sustainable management of our marine resources. It calls on Filipinos to work together in safeguarding our seas for future generations.
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 316, Series of 2017, the month of September is dedicated to harmonizing and synchronizing programs that raise national consciousness on maritime and archipelagic concerns. As an archipelagic state composed of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines depends deeply on its seas, which serve as lines of connectivity, drivers of economic growth, sources of livelihood for coastal communities, and vital pillars of national security.
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing national maritime consciousness. Through continued advocacy and community engagement, the Consulate stands in solidarity with the global Filipino community in defending our sovereign rights and preserving our rich marine biodiversity. [END]
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano leads the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago at the flag
raising ceremony to mark the start of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2026.
CHICAGO, 01 September 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, led by Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, joins the Filipino nation in marking the start of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2026 through a flag-raising ceremony. This observance underscores the need to strengthen maritime security, improve domain awareness, and protect the Philippine marine heritage.
Consul Ma. Theresa Alders read the remarks of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the diplomatic reception commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award in July 2026.
This year’s MANAMo celebration carries the national theme, “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama Nating Alagaan” (Our Rights to the Sea, Together Let Us Protect and Nurture It). The theme underscores the importance of protecting the Philippines’ maritime rights under international law while taking collective responsibility for the protection and sustainable management of our marine resources. It calls on Filipinos to work together in safeguarding our seas for future generations.
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 316, Series of 2017, the month of September is dedicated to harmonizing and synchronizing programs that raise national consciousness on maritime and archipelagic concerns. As an archipelagic state composed of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines depends deeply on its seas, which serve as lines of connectivity, drivers of economic growth, sources of livelihood for coastal communities, and vital pillars of national security.
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing national maritime consciousness. Through continued advocacy and community engagement, the Consulate stands in solidarity with the global Filipino community in defending our sovereign rights and preserving our rich marine biodiversity. [END]