Law Summary
Existing Relevant Proclamations and Their Focus
- Proclamation No. 470 (2003): Declares the third Saturday of September as "International Coastal Clean-up Day" to raise awareness about global debris crisis.
- Proclamation No. 866 (1996): Declares the last Friday of September as "National Maritime Day," emphasizing the importance of the maritime industry.
- Proclamation No. 176 (1963): Declared the third week of October as "Fish Conservation Week" promoting fish and aquatic products' importance.
Rationale for Harmonization and Integration
- Recognizes the need to align maritime and conservation observances for unified awareness.
- Advocates continuous partnership between public and private sectors to enhance public consciousness on maritime and archipelagic concerns.
Declaration of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month
- The entire month of September is declared as "Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month" (MANA Mo).
- Aims at raising awareness and national consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues throughout September.
Amendment on the Observance of Fish Conservation Week
- Proclamation No. 176 (1963) amended to transfer Fish Conservation Week from third week of October to third week of September starting 2018.
- This amendment synchronizes Fish Conservation Week with International Coastal Clean-up Day and National Maritime Day.
Role of Government and Private Sector
- All government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations, local government units, and private sector entities are encouraged to conduct programs and activities increasing maritime and archipelagic awareness.
Coordination and Implementation
- The National Coast Watch Council designated to coordinate all MANA Mo programs and activities annually.
- Despite this coordination, existing administrative arrangements regarding International Coastal Clean-up Day, National Maritime Day, and Fish Conservation Week implementation remain unchanged.
Legal Authority and Formalization
- The declaration is made under the constitutional and lawful powers of the President of the Republic of the Philippines.
- The Proclamation is signed by the President and the Executive Secretary, formalizing the legal effect and ensuring public dissemination and observance.