[ MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 87, July 11, 2025 ]
DIRECTING ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES, AND ENCOURAGING LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF THE PHILIPPINES AS A MARITIME AND ARCHIPELAGIC NATION
WHEREAS, Section 1, Article I of the Constitution provides that the national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and that the waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines;
WHEREAS, Section 2, Article XII of the Constitution mandates 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;
WHEREAS, Republic Act (RA) No. 12064 or the "Philippine Maritime Zones Act" determined the country's maritime zones;
WHEREAS, RA No. 12065 or the "Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act" provided for the system of archipelagic sea lanes and air routes;
WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 316 (s. 2017) declared September as the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) to raise national consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues and policies;
WHEREAS, Executive Order (EO) No. 57 (s. 2024) designates the National Maritime Council (NMC) as the central inter-agency coordinating body responsible for formulating the strategic direction, policies, and guidelines on maritime security and domain awareness;
WHEREAS, Section 4 of EO No. 57 directs the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns (POMC) to provide administrative, technical, and secretariat support to NMC;
WHEREAS, to raise and deepen public understanding of the country's maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns, it is imperative to strengthen public awareness, national consciousness, and intergenerational appreciation of the Philippine national territory and maritime zones; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to harmonize, integrate, and synchronize efforts among government agencies and instrumentalities, and to foster inter-agency cooperation and collaboration in advancing maritime and archipelagic awareness, towards sustainable development, security, and protection of the country's maritime domain and heritage:
NOW, THEREFORE, the following are hereby ordered:
The NMC, through POMC, shall take the lead in the formulation and implementation of year-round programs and activities to promote awareness of the Philippines as a Maritime and Archipelagic Nation, and in the organization of activities in the annual celebration of MANA Mo every September.
All national govenrment agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all local government units and the private sector are hereby encouraged, to: (a) actively support and promote the conduct of relevant programs, campaigns, and initiatives that raise awareness of the Philippines as a Maritime and Archipelagic Nation; and (b) render full support and cooperation in the implementation of activities in observance of the annual MANA Mo celebration every September.
The Presidential Communications Office is hereby directed to implement appropriate communication strategies and information dissemination measures to inform, educate, and engage the general public in supporting the programs and activities that promote awareness of the Philippines as a Maritime and Archipelagic Nation, including the annual celebration of MANA Mo every September.ℒαwρhi৷
The funding requirements necessary for the initial implementation of this Circular shall be charged against current and available appropriations of concerned agencies, subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations. Thereafter, the funding requirements necessary for the continued implementation of this Circular shall be included in the budget proposals of said agencies, subject to the usual budget preparation process.
This Circular shall take effect immediately.
DONE, in the City of Manila, Philippines, this, 11th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Five.
By authority of the President:
(Sgd.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary
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