MANILA — Malacañang has directed all government agencies to step up public education efforts on the Philippines’ maritime domain and identity as an archipelagic state, under a new memorandum issued ahead of the ninth anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

Through Memorandum Circular No. 87 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 11, the Palace ordered intensified communication, education, and engagement campaigns to deepen national consciousness of the country’s maritime zones and territorial rights.

“To raise and deepen public understanding of the country’s maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns, it is imperative to strengthen public awareness, national consciousness, and intergenerational appreciation of the Philippine national territory and maritime zones,” the circular read.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) will lead in executing communication strategies to inform, educate, and engage the general public on government programs related to the maritime domain.

The memorandum also enjoined local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to support the initiative, stressing the need for synchronized and collaborative efforts to promote sustainable development, maritime security, and protection of the country’s marine heritage.

The order was released a day before the July 12 anniversary of the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea.

The National Maritime Council (NMC), through the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns (POMC), was tasked to lead the year-round implementation of maritime awareness programs. The NMC is also expected to spearhead activities in celebration of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) every September.