13 September 2023 - The Philippine Embassy met with representatives of the Sustainable Waste Intercity Marathon (SWIM) to discuss possible areas of collaboration to increase awareness on protecting maritime resources. SWIM is a Lebanese non-government organization (NGO) founded by Ms. Lisa Sofian and Mr. Nabil Aouad in March 2021 to engage communities across Lebanon for a unified waste collection initiative to protect the sea and coastal areas from pollution and to keep the maritime environment clean.

SWIM founders Nabil Abouad (left) and Lisa Sofian (center left) with Ambassador Raymond Balatbat (center right) and Vice Consul Miko Cabatingan (right).

The planned partnership with SWIM marks a significant step forward in the Embassy’s commitment to support marine environment protection and awareness in line with the Philippines’ celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nations Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2023. MANA Mo is celebrated every September to raise awareness about the country's unique maritime and archipelagic characteristics, as well as to promote the responsible use and protection of its marine resources.

Ambassador Balatbat (left) and Vice Consul Cabatingan (right) discussed the Philippines’ programs to promote maritime and archipelagic awareness and the Embassy’s planned collaboration with SWIM founders (center).

Members of the Filipino community are invited to join SWIM’s clean-up drive activities and associated events, which will take place in several villages across the Lebanese coast. Details of the events can be found on the SWIM’s website at www.swiminiative.org.

The Philippine Embassy recognizes the importance of championing environmental causes and is dedicated to promoting awareness of the country's unique maritime and archipelagic characteristics, as well as to promote the responsible use and protection of its marine resources.

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