PASAY CITY — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has formalized its partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing during the first day of the 7th PHILMARINE Exhibition held in SMX Convention Center on Tuesday, 21 June 2022.

Pursuant to the MOA, signed by MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Nannette Z. Villamor-Dinopol and DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa, this collaboration will provide an attractive financing program, training, and consultancy services that will eventually promote a progressive and sustainable maritime industry.

The MARINA and the DBP have established such an agreement in the promotion and effective implementation of the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) for the modernization of the domestic shipping industry.

“The MARINA forged this MOA to collaborate with DBP in order to develop and implement comprehensive financing programs and products to assist shipyards, shipping companies, cooperatives, and its members on maritime-related investments as well as to provide necessary loan financing and credit facilities including other bank products and services in line with the strategic priority programs of the MIDP,” said Engr. Dinopol during the MOA signing.

Various officials have also expressed their enthusiasm for the robust development of the Philippine maritime industry during the opening ceremony of the PHILMARINE Exhibition.

PHILMARINE Exhibition is a specialized international maritime event in the Philippines that showcases the latest developments in shipbuilding, offshore, naval defense, oil and gas technologies, and equipment.

In line with the mandate of MARINA to integrate the development, promotion, and regulation of the maritime industry of the country, Fireworks and MARINA have been working together to promote the Philippine maritime industry, particularly the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector.

High-ranking officials served as Guests of Honor during the exhibit’s Opening Ceremony including Engr. Dinopol, the Chairman and President of the Maritime League VADM Eduardo Ma R. Santos, and Fireworks Trade Media Co-Founder, Group CFO and Board Member Ms. Susan Tricia.

Led by Shipyards Regulation Service Director II Engr. Ramon C. Hernandez, the MARINA-SRS has also spearheaded the SBSR Technical Conference 2022 alongside the exhibit wherein numerous government agencies and maritime stakeholders have shared their plans and programs to protect and preserve the marine environment in line with its theme, “Raising the Bar for Safer and Cleaner Ships towards Green Maritime Philippines.”

Among those who shared their knowledge and expertise during the technical conference were DOST Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit, MARINA Senior Shipbuilding Specialist Engr. Alter Mel Geguiento, BOI Chief Investment Specialist Reynaldo Lignes, BIAP President Engr. Eugene Supangan, ShAP Chairman Meneleo Carlos III, MTSAP President Engr. Rey Eustaquio, and Sika Business Development Manager Mr. Roman Gimbitskiy.

MARINA officials who also graced the event were OIC-Deputy Administrator for Planning Ms. Sonia Malaluan, Deputy Executive Director Capt. Jeffrey Solon, MFAS Director II Nenita Atienza, LS OIC-Director Atty. Sharon De Chavez-Aledo, OSS OIC-Director Precila Jara, PPS Director II Luisito Delos Santos, and DSS OIC-Director Virvic Paul Erese.

The PHILMARINE Exhibition is a 3-day event until 23 June 2022 at the SMX Convention Pasay City.