Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo's message in celebration of World Maritime Day 2023 with this year’s theme "MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on", which underscores the long-standing commitment of the IMO to safeguarding our marine environment from the adverse effects of shipping activities through a robust regulatory framework.

Adopted on 02 November 1973, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) has played a pivotal role in preventing marine environmental pollution caused by both operational and accidental factors.