DND resolute in upholding PH sovereignty in WPS
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
September 5, 2025, 11:16 am
MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday reiterated the agency's commitment to protecting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
"As we observe this year's MANA Mo, the DND stands with our people in protecting our patrimony. In the face of attempts to undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially in the WPS, we remain resolute in our stand against coercion and manipulation," he said in his message for the observance of the "Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month" (MANA Mo) 2025 this September.
With the Philippines having rich maritime territories, Teodoro said all Filipinos must unite and defend these to preserve the country's archipelagic way of life.
"Let us be united in defending our Filipino way of life, proud of our heritage as an archipelagic nation, and determined to secure our maritime domain for generations yet to come," he added.
He also said the richness of the Philippines' archipelagic terrain and the expanse of its ocean spaces "are indelible parts of our identity as a people."
Proclamation No. 316, issued in 2017, declares September as "Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month" or MANA Mo.
The proclamation is in line with Article XII, Section 2 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the State is mandated to protect the nation's marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use exclusively for Filipino citizens. (PNA)
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