LONDON 30 September 2022 – In celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2022, the Philippine Embassy in London hosted a lecture on Marine Environmental Protection and UNCLOS @ 40 which was attended by students, members of the Filipino community, and representatives of UK-based Philippine media organizations at the Sentro Rizal London on 29 September 2022.

Capt. Weniel Azcuna, Technical Adviser on Maritime Affairs of the Embassy, discussed a presentation on the key features of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and how its provisions on the protection of the marine environment are being implemented by the Philippines, as a responsible party to the UNCLOS.

The lecture also discussed how the PCG’s activities resonate with the PH’s whole-of-nation approach on marine environmental protection, including the Embassy’s efforts at the International Maritime Organization in London.

In her opening remarks, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Rhenita B. Rodriguez stressed the importance of promoting awareness and appreciating the Philippines’ maritime heritage. “As an archipelagic nation that depends on the seas for its survival, the protection of the marine environment is vital,” she added.

The lecture was followed by a question and answer portion and attendees were asked to share their views on the topics discussed by Capt. Azcuna. Simple tokens were awarded to the active participants.

MANA Mo is an annual celebration in September organized by the Philippine Government to raise awareness and consciousness on maritime and archipelagic concerns of the country. END