September 30, 2024 (Quezon City) — To culminate this year’s Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo), the Department of National Defense (DND), in partnership with the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, the Foundation for the National Interest, and the Waypoints Project, hosted the inaugural Balangay Forum: Safeguarding Philippine Maritime Interests, held on Monday in Camp Aguinaldo.

In his keynote address, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. emphasized the need to optimize the strong commitment of the country’s political leadership to more effectively safeguard the Philippines’ maritime interests in accordance with international law.

“What we should do, because the political leadership will is already there – no less than the President has already said time and time again that we will not waver – we will protect our maritime interests in accordance with international law, which is why in our Department and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we came up with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” Secretary Teodoro said.

Anchored on the MANA Mo 2024 theme “Pamana ng Karagatan: Para sa Kinabukasan, Ating Ingatan,” the forum featured three panel discussions centered on key sub-themes: protecting the Philippines’ maritime domain, the role of science and technology in maritime security, and harnessing the potential of the Philippines’ blue economy. These discussions tackled critical issues impacting the nation’s maritime interests and strategies for sustainable development and security.

Secretary Teodoro recognized the importance of engagements such as the Balangay Forum, stressing that all Filipinos have a stake on the protection of the country’s jurisdiction and rights to the resources of our maritime domain, as provided by international law.

“We should never trade short-term inflows of cash, cash inflows, for a long-term benefit in the future. Likewise, in the same way, we should also make a call to action to our local officials and other people not to be tempted by spurious offers of cash or other assistance, in order for international criminal syndicates and their ilk to have a foothold in this country,” the Defense Chief said. “Because that is the easiest way to destroy the moral fabric, economic fabric, and social fabric of this country.”

Attended by members of the diplomatic corps, the academic community, civil service organizations, as well as key government officials, the first-ever Balangay Forum brought together policy makers, international law and maritime security experts. Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 316, s. 2017, designates September as Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month, consolidating all maritime-related events to foster awareness and appreciation of the Philippines’ maritime and archipelagic identity.