President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called on the youth to take part in the nationwide coastal cleanup and conservation activities as the country commemorates Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) this September.

In a video message posted on social media by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) on Monday, Marcos said the Philippines is fortunate and blessed with vast maritime and archipelagic resources that can be utilized for the benefit of all Filipinos.

“As stewards of this incredible gift, it is incumbent upon us to preserve and develop these resources to their fullest potential,” Marcos said.

The President noted that this year’s MANAMo celebration is a clarion call to raise greater consciousness on maritime and archipelagic concerns, as well as to engage Filipinos in protecting the nation’s maritime interests and resources from various threats.

“As this important occasion also coincides with the observance of Fish Conservation Week, International Coastal Cleanup Day, and National Maritime Day, I encourage everyone, especially our youth, to support and to join the countrywide coastal cleanup and conservation activities,” Marcos said.

“Everything starts from each of us and with all of us working together, we will soon harvest the fruits of our hard work and realize a sustainable and greener future for everyone to enjoy,” he added.

September is declared Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month through Proclamation No. 316, s. 2017, which synchronized the celebration of all maritime-related events and activities in a single month to increase awareness and appreciation for the Philippines’ vast maritime and archipelagic nature.

As a maritime and archipelagic country, the Philippines is composed of more than 7,000 islands with more than 14,000 coastal communities highly dependent on marine resources for living. (PNA)