MANILA – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad AFP (Ret) once again beefed up the MARINA’s organizational workforce by appointing 41 new MARINA officers and personnel.

After the flag ceremony conducted on Monday, 07 June 2021 via video conference, VADM Empedrad administered the mass oath-taking of the new appointees which was facilitated by the Human Resources Development Division (HRMDD) of the Management, Financial and Administrative Service (MFAS) under the leadership of Director Nenita Atienza.

The 41 plantilla positions were composed of seven (7) Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisor, one (1) Chief Maritime Industry Development Specialist, one (1) Chief Administrative Officer, one (1) Chief Accountant, one (1) Chief Administrative Officer (Budget Officer V), one (1) Supervising Administrative Officer, three (3) Supervising Maritime Industry Development Specialist, one (1) Supervising Shipping Operations Specialist, one (1) Planning Office IV, three (3) Senior Maritime Industry Development Specialist, one (1) Senior Shipbuilding Specialist, one (1) Maritime Industry Development Specialist II, three (3) Maritime Industry Development Specialist I, two (2) Shipping Operations Specialist II, one (1) Executive Assistant III, one (1) Executive Assistant II, one (1) Information Technology Officer I, one (1) Computer Maintenance Technologist III, one (1) Administrative Assistant V, four (4) Administrative Assistant III, three (3) Administrative Aide VI, one (1) Administrative Aide IV, and one (1) Administrative Aide (Driver II).

With the strengthening of the MARINA’s workforce, MARINA will be able to deliver its frontline services faster, more conveniently, and more efficiently to maritime stakeholders.

During his address, Administrator Empedrad cited five key points for the recently promoted MARINA personnel to help them find inspiration and encouragement as they assumed their new positions.

“Your promotion comes from the Lord and is a result of a job well done or excellent performance,” Administrator Empedrad stated, emphasizing that the promotees should be grateful to the Lord, and recognize that their promotion is solely about their consistent performance.

Administrator Empedrad also further elaborates that each personnel’s promotion resulted from the inspiration brought about by their loved ones, mentors, co-workers, and peers. “Our families are the reason why we work for they provide us with the energy and inspiration we need. Hindi tayo magpe-perform kung wala mga mahal natin and mentors who take time educating and training us.”

To end his five points, Administrator Empedrad says that a promotion entails a higher responsibility and that a higher post demands more discipline and professionalism. He goes on to say that, “Much is expected from you, so you serve as a good example to your subordinates. Finally, always remember humility – that this promotion should be in your heart. Huwag yumabang so we can provide dedicated service to God, country, and the Filipino people.”

The continuous filling-up of vacant plantilla positions is one of the VADM Empedrad’s 10-point agenda particularly on the strengthening of the MARINA organization to promote efficiency as a sustainable approach to serving maritime stakeholders with fast and reliable services.