Manila, July 17 -- Malacanang has directed all government agencies to promote the Philippines as a "maritime and archipelagic nation" to raise and deepen public understanding of the country's maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns.

"It is imperative to strengthen public awareness, national consciousness, and intergenerational appreciation of the Philippine national territory and maritime zones," Memorandum Circular (MC) 87, inked by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 11, read.

MC 87 designates the National Maritime Council (NMC), through the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns (POMC), to take the lead in the formulation and implementation of year-round programs and activities to raise public awareness of the Philipp...