AN official of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) committee in Zambales has been invited as a special guest to the launching of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) campaign in Malacañang, as the government sought to partner with civil society in efforts to protect the country’s marine environment.

Zedric Avecilla, who is ICC area coordinator for Zambales, as well as deputy chief of staff for marine environment protection for the Philippine Coast Guard Auxilliary 111th Squadron, was asked to join the opening of the ‘MANA Mo’ campaign at Malacañang’s Mabini Hall on September 4.

The program kicked off the annual observance of the celebration, which aims to enhance the awareness and consciousness of Filipinos on the important features and concerns of the Philippines as a maritime and archipelagic domain.

Avecilla was invited along with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, BGen Roseller Murillo of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, PSupt Marcelo Morales of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos of Oceana Philippines, a group creating awareness on the Philippine Rise.

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Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, chairman of the National Coast Watch Council, presided over the ceremony and called on maritime stakeholders “to advocate for awareness of the distinctly sea-based heritage of our proud nation.”

“Raising the level of awareness of our marine wealth and endowments, as well as the challenges and opportunities in harnessing the same, is a critical first step in this developmental paradigm,” Medialdea said.

“Therefore, we welcome the efforts of our partners from the civil society in helping transform our country into a leading maritime nation,” he added.

In the same occasion, Medi-aldea revealed that he has submitted for the approval of President Duterte an order proclaiming the month of September of every year as the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month.

The ‘MANA Mo’ proclamation will synchronize the celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day, which is held every third Saturday of September, and the National Maritime Day, which falls on each last Friday of September, with the observance of the Fish Conservation Week on the third week of October.

Under the ‘MANA Mo’ program, the Fish Conservation Week will be celebrated on the third week of September. – HENRY EMPEÑO

Top Photo: ICC Zambales area coordinator Zed Avecilla (leftmost) joins members of committees for the promotionm of the MANA Mo campaign during the Malacañang project launch