Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday called on Filipinos to stand united in upholding the country's sovereign rights and to promote national identity as a maritime and archipelagic nation. 'Dapat lamang po natin i-promote at ipagtanggol ang ating sovereign rights, ang ating mga karapatan patungkol po sa rights ng ating bansa (We must promote and defend our sovereign rights and the rights of our nation),' Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro made the remark as the Palace issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 87, which directs all government agencies and encourages the private sector to support initiatives that promote the Philippines as a 'maritime and archipelagic nation.' Signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 11, MC 87 tasks the National Maritime Council, through the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, to lead year-round programs aimed at raising awareness of maritime issues. It also mandates the observance of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) every September.

Asked about the Palace's position on Senate Bill 2450, which seeks to protect marine ecosystems and support the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk-particularly in the West Philippine Sea-Castro said the measure is aligned with the President's priorities. 'Sa lahat po ng ikagaganda ng ating environment, sa ating ikaaangat po ng taumbayan, mga mangingisda po, hindi po ito tututulan ng Pangulo (The President will not oppose anything that protects the environment and uplifts the lives of our people, especially our fisherfolk),' the Palace official said.