MANILA – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) laid out plans and programs for the Philippine maritime industry during the 2022 Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) Reorganizational Meeting held last 22 March 2022 via video conference.

MARINA Administrator VADM Robert A Empedrad AFP (Ret) led the meeting, who also discussed the significance of exchanging insights in ironing out the MARINA Strategic Voyage Plan 2028, as well as the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP).

“Ang purpose ng MSGC is to provide us with advice. We will be giving you the MIDP and the [MARINA] Voyage Plan and then you will look into our projects, and programs. If you think there is something that needs to be ironed out, or to improve on how we can execute our programs, ‘yun ang kailangan namin sa inyo,” Administrator Empedrad stressed before the council.

The establishment and implementation of the MARINA MSGC is in line with the thrust toward the successful execution of the MARINA’s Strategy Map aligned with the (MIDP).

The MSGC is tasked to institutionalize a mechanism, ensuring the continuity in the effective execution and accomplishment of MARINA’s Strategy Map 2022 and future roadmaps; transcending beyond leadership changes through active and meaningful participation of external stakeholders while promoting continuous awareness and understanding among key agency stakeholders on the said Strategy Map and beyond.

“The purpose of this is to sustain the programs and plans of the maritime industry. We would like to assure that my successor will sustain the programs and plans that we have already put in place,” Administrator Empedrad furthered.

Meanwhile, Movement for Maritime Philippines (MMP) Chaiperson Ms. Merle Jimenez-San Pedro commended the current MARINA leadership for the creation of the MSGC.

“I would just like to commend the leadership of VADM Bob, this action of coming up a multi-sectoral council is most-timely. It’s been some time that one of the major concerns in the industry is the turnover,” MMP Chair San Pedro expressed.

The MARINA has invited experts in the field of maritime to provide their recommendations in the plans, and programs indicated in the agency’s Strategic Voyage Plan, and the MIDP. Further, the council aims to aid MARINA in strengthening collaboration efforts in maritime research.

The MSGC shall be composed of individuals from various fields known for their integrity, credibility, independent judgment, and for their expert knowledge on governance principles, best practices, and relevant needs of the maritime industry.

Members of the MSGC came from the following sectors: civil society/development organizations; academe; domestic shipping; overseas shipping; media; shipbuilding and ship repair; business; and the government.

Various key personalities in the maritime sector who took part in the meeting, and also members of the MSGC were Architect Felino Palafox Jr. of Palafox Associates; Mr. Gerardo Borromeo of Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc.; Ms. Cristina Garcia of Association of Licensed Manning Agencies Maritime Group (ALMA); Atty. Iris Baguilat of Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs; Ms. San Pedro from MMP.

Meanwhile, representatives from the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP IMLOS), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprises Zone Authority (TIEZA) also joined the discussions.

MARINA officials consisting of Capt. Jeffrey P. Solon, the OIC – Office of Executive Director, Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Office (STCWO), Executive Assistant V RADM Rey T Dela Cruz AFP (Ret), OIC – Deputy Administrator for Planning Director Sonia Malaluan, and Planning and Policy Service (PPS) Director Luisito U. Delos Santos also participated in the meeting.