Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly 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 for the observance of the “Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month” (MANA Mo) 2025, Teodoro urged Filipinos to unite in defending the country’s maritime territories to safeguard its archipelagic way of life.
“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.
Teodoro emphasized that the Philippines’ vast maritime resources and rich archipelagic terrain are “indelible parts of our identity as a people.”
Proclamation No. 316, issued in 2017, declares September as MANA Mo in line with Article XII, Section 2 of the Constitution, which mandates the State to protect the nation’s marine wealth and reserve its use exclusively for Filipino citizens.
