PR-132-2024

Ambassador Austria gives the welcome remarks

The Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in Canada partnered with the Filipino Canadian National Congress (FCNC) in organizing the MANA Mo session during FCNC’s 3rd Leadership Convention and Gala on 21 September 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Observed every September, MANA Mo or Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month aims to increase awareness and appreciation for the Philippines' maritime and archipelagic nature.

 The two resource speakers from the Philippines – Prof. Jay Batongbacal and Dr. Deo Onda are joined by Mr. Adonis Sucalit of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary in a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Jerry Caingcoy of FCNC.

Around 150 Filipinos from across the 13 provinces and territories of Canada gathered for the annual event, which discussed various issues of concern to the Filipino diaspora. The afternoon session of the Convention was dedicated to the observance of MANA Mo, whose theme this year is “Pamana ng Karagatan: Para sa Kinabukasan, ating ingatan.” Two experts from the Philippines delivered presentations that highlight the valuable resources offered by our maritime and archipelagic nation, which Filipinos are responsible for protecting, preserving, and enriching to continuously enjoy. Professor Jay Batongbacal of the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea described the importance of a rules-based international order and the Philippines’ maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea. Dr. Deo Onda of the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute informed the audience of the rich resources – both living and non-living – in the WPS and how Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians can contribute to their preservation and sustainable development The briefings were followed by an open forum, which began with the reaction from Mr. Adonis Sucalit, representing the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary in Canada.

    Filipinos from across Canada gather together to discuss important issues of concern to the ever-growing diaspora

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria encouraged the Filipino community in Canada to learn more about the West Philippine Sea and its rich resources, its significance to the present and future generations of Filipinos. “I hope you will join us in this collective endeavor to preserve and prosper our maritime heritage. By doing so, the words “sa manlulupig, di ka pasisil” will take on a different meaning the next time you sing “Lupang Hinirang.”

Philippine diplomats and academics pose in front of a photo exhibit entitled “Archipelagic States: Identity, Consciousness, and Law”

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