September is a special month for maritime enthusiasts and environmental advocates as it marks the celebration of MANAMo, the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month. This annual event showcases the importance of protecting our seas and promoting maritime safety. And for us Sugboanons, the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) is the one spearheading the series of impactful activities aimed at boosting marine life and fostering maritime awareness.
Based on the calendar of events listed on the official MANA Mo 2024 website, here are the activities that the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) will be conducting:
September 20, 2024: Simultaneous Coastal and Ports Clean-Up
Kickstarting the month’s activities, Cebu will witness a massive clean-up drive involving both public and private ports for a coordinated effort to clear our coastlines and port areas of debris and pollutants. This activity is crucial in preserving the marine environment and ensuring that our waters remain clean.
September 21, 2024: Mangrove Planting on Olango Island
The focus shifts to one of the most essential ecosystems in the marine environment—mangroves. Volunteers and stakeholders will gather on Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City, to engage in a mangrove planting activity as part of the goal to protect our coastal areas, provide habitat for marine life, and support biodiversity.
September 23, 2024: Opening Salvo of the National Maritime Week
The celebration of the National Maritime Week will commence with a grand opening salvo at the CPA Sports Facility. This event will mark the beginning of a week dedicated to maritime awareness and activities, showcasing the commitment of the Cebu Ports Authority and its partners to maritime safety and environmental stewardship.
September 23, 2024: Simultaneous Blow of Ships’ Horns
In a unique and symbolic gesture, ships across Cebu’s ports will simultaneously blow their horns for two minutes! This is to signal the start of the Maritime Week Celebration, highlighting the unity and solidarity of the maritime community in advocating for marine protection and awareness. This will also be followed by a culminating activity on September 27, 2024 at the CPA Sports Facility, CIP Complex, Cebu Baseport.
September 29, 2024: Wreath Laying Ceremony for Fallen Seafarers
Concluding the MANA Mo 2024 activities, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony will be held to honor our fallen seafarers at the Tip Part of Passenger Building 2, Pier 3 of Cebu BasePort to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea. This ceremony serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those who work on the waters and a remembrance to their sacrifice.
So, Sugboanons, let us all remind ourselves of the importance of keeping our seas and coastal areas clean. And if you want to see proof of how it can affect our tourism, then check out this article which contains a video showing the reality of Cebu’s coastal pollution!
