September is maritime awareness month

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has declared September as Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month to promote awareness of the country’s maritime issues.

The declaration is contained in Proclamation No. 316 issued last Sept. 14.  

The proclamation synchronizes observances related to maritime and coastal conservation. It moved the Fish Conservation Week from the third week of October to third week of September, the same month the Coastal Clean-up Day and National Maritime Day are observed. 

Among the maritime issues confronting the Philippines are the South China Sea dispute, water pollution and poaching.  

“There is a need to harmonize, integrate and synchronize programs and activities that will raise national consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues and policies,” the proclamation read. 

The proclamation encouraged all government entities and the private sector to implement programs and activities that seek to raise awareness and consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns.  

The National Coast Watch Council was tasked to coordinate the programs and activities for the observance of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month.

Article XII, Section 2 of the Constitution requires the state to protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.