Lisbon, 02 September 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, led by Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes, officially launched its celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2025 with a flag-raising ceremony held at the Chancery.
Ambassador Cortes announced that the Embassy will hold a series of activities for MANAMo, themed “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan, Panatag na Karagatan” (“United Archipelago, Secure Seas”). He emphasized that this theme is timely as it “underscores the link between national unity and maritime security, and the seas’ vital role in the Philippines’ cultural, economic, and environmental life.”
Ambassador Cortes then read the President’s Message following the ceremony. President Marcos urged institutions and leaders to unite for maritime stewardship and legacy, stating “As we continue building a Bagong Pilipinas, let us unite our people towards caring for our seas and shores, for we care to protect not only our nation's sovereignty but also those who will inherit our legacy.”
In a message, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro highlighted that the DFA champions ocean protection and global cooperation, upholding the primacy of UNCLOS and prioritizing maritime concerns for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship in 2026. She expressed hope that MANAMo will “remind us that the waters of our maritime and archipelagic nation are our lifeblood, sustaining us through challenges and obstacles, and energizing us towards greater prosperity and development.”
The Embassy then inaugurated the exhibition of the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map at the Chancery’s receiving area, offering visiting Filipinos and foreign nationals an opportunity to closely examine the “Mother of All Philippine Maps”. Also held as part of the Philippine Embassy’s Maritime and Law of the Sea Lecture Series launched in January 2025, the exhibit featured Embassy personnel guiding guests through the map’s historical and legal relevance, particularly its role in affirming the Philippines’ maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Under Proclamation No. 316 (2017), MANAMo is commemorated in September of every year to raise the national consciousness or public awareness on maritime and archipelagic issues and policies of the Philippines. END