Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 316)
Proclamation No. 316 declares the month of September as the "Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month" (MANA Mo) to raise national consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues and policies. It also amends Proclamation No. 176 to transfer the observance of Fish Conservation Week from the third week of October to the third week of September.
Article XII, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution, which mandates the State to protect the nation’s marine wealth and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens, is cited as the constitutional basis.
It transfers the observance of Fish Conservation Week from the third week of October to the third week of September starting 2018 to synchronize it with the International Coastal Clean-up Day and National Maritime Day, which are also celebrated in September.
The International Coastal Clean-up Day (third Saturday of September), National Maritime Day (last Friday of September), and Fish Conservation Week (third week of September after amendment) are harmonized for observance in September.
The National Coast Watch Council is designated to coordinate the programs and activities for the yearly observance of MANA Mo.
All agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and local government units, are encouraged (though not legally mandated) to implement programs and activities to raise awareness on maritime and archipelagic issues.
Nothing in Proclamation No. 316 alters the existing administrative arrangements for the planning and implementation of programs and activities relative to the observance of International Coastal Clean-up Day, National Maritime Day, and Fish Conservation Week.
The objective is to harmonize, integrate, and synchronize programs and activities to raise national consciousness on maritime and archipelagic policies and issues, and to promote a continuous partnership between public and private sectors in raising public awareness.
Proclamation No. 316 amends Proclamation No. 176 by transferring the observance of Fish Conservation Week from October to September, effectively revising the date but maintaining the purpose of promoting the importance of fish and aquatic products.