Mana Mo 2026: Legarda urges Filipinos to protect our rights, care for our seas

For an archipelagic nation like the Philippines, economic development, climate resilience, food security, and environmental protection must move together, Senator Loren Legarda stressed as the country observes Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) this September.

With this year’s theme, “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama Nating Alagaan,” Legarda said MANA Mo is an opportunity for Filipinos to deepen their understanding of the country’s maritime heritage, identity, interests, and responsibilities as an archipelagic nation.

The sea is part of everyday Filipino life. It provides food and livelihood, connects our islands, supports trade and local economies, and sustains ecosystems that protect communities from the impacts of a changing climate.

“Ang ating karapatan sa karagatan ay may kasamang pananagutan. Kung nais nating patuloy tayong pakainin at buhayin ng dagat, kailangan din natin itong pangalagaan. Ito ang diwa ng MANA Mo ngayong taon—ang karagatan ay atin, at sama-sama natin itong iingatan,” Legarda said.

For a country on the frontlines of climate change, healthy seas are a source of resilience. Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds provide habitats for marine life and help protect shorelines from strong waves, storm surges, and erosion. Their degradation affects fisheries, weakens natural coastal defenses, and places greater pressure on communities already exposed to climate risks.

Legarda said these realities should guide how the Philippines develops the economic potential of its waters. She is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 168, or the proposed Blue Economy Act, which she authored in the 20th Congress, to promote the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources while creating lasting economic opportunities for Filipinos who depend on them.

“Napakalaki ng potensyal ng ating karagatan na lumikha ng trabaho, pagkain, at kabuhayan. Ang nais nating blue economy ay pag-unlad na may malasakit sa pinagmumulan ng ating yaman. Dapat may pakinabang ang Pilipino ngayon habang tinitiyak nating buhay at masagana pa rin ang dagat bukas,” she said.

This year’s MANA Mo also marks a decade since the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights and maritime entitlements under UNCLOS. For Filipino fisherfolk, these rights have a direct bearing on their ability to safely reach productive fishing grounds, earn a livelihood, and contribute to the country’s food security.

The Award also made significant findings on damage to coral reef environments in the West Philippine Sea defending our maritime rights, therefore, goes hand in hand with keeping these waters healthy and productive.

“May malinaw tayong karapatan sa ilalim ng international law, at patuloy natin itong paninindigan sa mapayapang paraan. Para sa ating mga mangingisda, ito ay karapatang makapalaot nang ligtas at makapaghanapbuhay sa mga karagatang may karapatan tayong pakinabangan. Ang dagat na ating ipinaglalaban ay siya ring nagbibigay sa atin ng pagkain, kabuhayan, at buhay—kaya karapatan natin itong ipagtanggol at pananagutan nating pangalagaan,” Legarda said.

The Senator also highlighted the place of the sea in Philippine history and culture. From the balanghay that sailed Philippine waters centuries ago to the fishing boats, ferries, and ships that connect the archipelago today, the sea has remained part of how Filipinos travel, trade, work, and live.

For Legarda, this long relationship with the sea carries a responsibility to leave it healthy and abundant for those who come after us.

“Bahagi ng ating kasaysayan at pagkakakilanlan ang karagatan. Pinagdurugtong nito ang ating mahigit 7,600 isla, at hanggang ngayon ay bahagi ito ng ating pagkain, kabuhayan, at pamumuhay. Sa MANA Mo, gawin nating buhay na pangako ang tema ngayong taon: Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama Nating Alagaan. Ang dagat na minana natin ay siya ring dagat na ipamamana natin,” Legarda concluded. (30)