The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday underscored the Department of National Defense’s (DND) firm commitment to safeguarding Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“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 said in his message marking the observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2025 this September.
Teodoro stressed that the Philippines’ vast maritime territories are central to its heritage and identity, and must be defended for 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,” he added.
Proclamation No. 316, issued in 2017, declared September as MANA Mo to highlight the State’s duty under the Constitution to protect the nation’s marine wealth within its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone.