“Brand of selfless service.”

That’s what former MARINA Administrator Vice Admiral Robert A Empedrad AFP (Ret) described the service consistently being delivered by the Agency to its clients.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), under the wing of its former Administrator Empedrad, once again received a commendation from the Office of the President (OP), along with the highest audit mark from the Commission on Audit (COA).

For this year’s month of May, the MARINA recorded a 100% resolution rate on the public’s complaints — signifying the Agency’s commitment of transparency, and accountability, as it ensures that all concerns lodged via the OP’s 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center were addressed on time.

“We are pleased to inform you that of the 87 citizens’ concerns referred to your office as of May 31, 2022, 87 tickets were acted upon. We would like to commend your efforts in ensuring that all citizens’ concerns referred to your office are acted upon on time,” Palace’s 8888 stated in its letter dated 30 June 2022.

It can be recalled that MARINA also recorded a 100% resolution rate in 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center on the preceding month.

UNQUALIFIED OPINION FROM COA

During the administration of VADM Empedrad, the MARINA also got the highest audit mark from its COA independent auditor for last year, 2021.

“In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the MARINA as at December 31, 2021, and its financial performance, changes in net assets/equity, cash flows, and comparison of budget and actual amounts for the year then ended, and notes to financial statements, in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards,” the audit report stated.

The financial statements, audited by the COA, comprised MARINA’s statement of financial positions as at 31 December 2021; statement of financial performance; statement of changes in net assets/equity; statement of cash flows; statement of comparison of budget and actual amounts for the year then ended; and notes of financial statements.

Based on the COA report, MARINA’s Maritime Industry Promotion, and Development Program has accomplished a total of 120.47 percent — translating to a 20.47 percent (494) increase than the targeted number of operating merchant fleet.

Meanwhile, under the MARINA’s Maritime Industry Regulatory and Supervision Program, a total of 245 percent was recorded — which is 145 percent (70,330) higher than the targeted number of seafarers certified as meeting the international standards.

An unqualified opinion is given by the auditors to government offices that have fairly presented their financial statements, and conform to public sector accounting standards. In a nutshell, it means that the agency’s financial records are clean.