Philippine Embassy in Cairo Joins Simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony for MANA Mo 2026

07 September 2026 - The Philippine Embassy in Cairo joined Philippine Foreign Service Posts and Consular Offices around the world in the Simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony on 07 September 2026, in observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2026.

During the ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil read the message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who emphasized that understanding our history as a maritime and archipelagic nation means recognizing the vital role our waters play in the life of our country.

Under this year’s theme, “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama Nating Alagaan”, the President called on every Filipino to promote maritime consciousness as a shared national responsibility and to uphold the Philippines’ lawful rights and entitlements. He likewise encouraged Filipinos to participate in MANA Mo activities and deepen their understanding of the importance of our seas to our history, security, and future.

The Embassy also played the MANA Mo 2026 message of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Hon. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, who highlighted the deep connection of Filipinos to our seas and the central role of the maritime domain in our national life, history, culture, and future.

Secretary Lazaro underscored the significance of this year’s observance, which coincides with the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based order anchored on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Arbitral Award.

The Secretary also called for collective action toward a safe, secure, environmentally sustainable, and resilient maritime sector, emphasizing that our seas are not merely waters surrounding our islands but our heritage, livelihood, unifying bond, and responsibility to future generations.

The Philippine Embassy in Cairo joins the Filipino community in celebrating MANA Mo 2026 and in promoting greater awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of our maritime heritage. END.