MANILA, Sept. 15 -- Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac honored on Monday overseas Filipino workers, including seafarers, as they embody the country's archipelagic identity and maritime strength.

In his message for the observance of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) this September, Cacdac cited the Filipino modern-day heroes for carrying with them the "strength of our nation and the hope of your communities."

"The Philippines' vast seas and our rich archipelagic identity have long defined who we are as a people. This legacy continues to live on through our modern-day heroes: our seafarers and migrant workers, who embody the skill, resilience, and dedication that make every Filipino proud,...