MANILA, Philippines — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on September 5, 2025, he reaffirmed the government’s unwavering dedication to protecting Philippine sovereignty over its maritime territories, especially in the disputed South China Sea (SCS), which includes the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In his message for the 2025 observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo), Teodoro highlighted that the Philippines will persist in opposing any violations of its territorial rights and in defending its maritime domain from foreign intrusion.
“As we observe this year’s MANA Mo, the DND stands with our people in protecting our patrimony. In the face of attempts to undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially in the WPS, we remain resolute in our stand against coercion and manipulation” Teodoro stated.
The DND Secretary also called all Filipinos to come together and actively engage in protecting the country’s maritime resources, which are crucial not only for national security but also for the well-being of future generations.
“Let us be united in defending our Filipino way of life, proud of our heritage as an archipelagic nation, and determined to secure our maritime domain for generations yet to come,” Teodoro said.
He also stated that the Philippines’ rich archipelagic landscape and vast ocean territories are essential parts of the nation’s identity.
Proclamation No. 316, signed in 2017, designates September as “Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month” (MANA Mo).
This proclamation is in line with Article XII, Section 2 of the Constitution, which mandates the government to protect the nation’s marine resources in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and to ensure that these resources are used exclusively by Filipino citizens. — Lei Valdoz, Alea Crazu, Contributor