The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon held an opening ceremony of the Maritime & Archipelagic Nations Awareness Month (MANA Mo) exhibit on 29 September 2023 at the premises of its new chancery.  MANA Mo translates to “your heritage” in the Filipino language. The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a replica of the Murillo-Velarde 1734 Map in commemoration of the 7th Anniversary of the Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the MANA Mo exhibit together with fellow Ambassadors from other diplomatic missions in Lebanon.

The exhibit entitled "Archipelagic States: Identity, Consciousness and Law" features the work of Jacob Maentz, a documentary photographer based in the Philippines whose work explores the interplay of the natural world, culture, and identity. It showcases the essence of the Philippines’ unique identity and heritage as an archipelagic nation and emphasizes its crucial role in advancing the rule of law to protect marine resources and promote sustainable development.

Heads of Mission and members of the diplomatic corps in Lebanon and guests from the Lebanese government, international organizations, and NGOs graced the opening ceremony of the MANA Mo exhibit with their supportive presence. The event demonstrated the support of the diplomatic community and the public in Lebanon to the Philippines’ commitment to uphold the rule of law in its maritime affairs and protect the marine environment.

The ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting and guided tour of the exhibit by the Philippine Ambassador himself, H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat, to provide attendees with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Philippines’ maritime heritage and its significance in the global context.

Members of the diplomatic corps in Lebanon gaze at the unveiled replica of the Murillo-Velarde 1734 Map which played a significant role in the Philippines’ landmark victory before the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

At the heart of the exhibit stands the replica of the Murillo-Velarde 1734 Map, the first scientific map of the entire Philippine archipelago, which played an integral role in the Philippines’ July 2016 landmark victory at The Hague. The Philippines successfully argued its case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for its claims in the West Philippine Sea. The shoal “Panacot,” now known as Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, and the islands of the Spratlys, which are referred to as “Los Bajos de Paragua,” are shown on the map as part of the Philippines.

During the exhibit, Ambassador Balatbat himself toured the crowd to explain the contents of the MANA Mo exhibit which featured the maritime and archipelagic heritage of the Philippines which shaped not only the identities of indigenous communities but also its global affairs.

Ambassador Balatbat expressed his gratitude for the support of the attendees by joining the Embassy on such a meaningful journey of exploration and reflection of the Philippines’ maritime identity as a nation. The MANA Mo exhibit will remain open to the public until 31 October 2023 to offer an enlightening educational experience for all those interested in knowing more about the Philippines’ maritime heritage. 

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