ZAMBOANGA CITY – The MARINA Regional Office IX (MRO 9), headed by the OIC-Director, Farida T. Cunanan, PhD., held the final leg of Maritime Safety Pre-Summit on 26-27 October 2023 at the Octagon Hall of Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST), with the theme “Ligtas na Paglalayag at Malinis na Karagatan Para sa Bagong Pilipinas”.
The activity gathered several maritime agencies and entities, stakeholders, and industry experts to address major issues and challenges on maritime safety and environmental concerns on the island of Mindanao.
In her welcome remarks, OIC-Director Cunanan expressed her gratefulness for the opportunity to host this event, and for the overwhelming support of the industry stakeholders and partner agencies. She also stated that with the support and consistent participation and compliance of the key players of the industry, nothing is impossible to the achievement of the MARINA’s plans and programs, particularly the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP).
“This endeavor enables stakeholders to have discussion and intellectual discourse on the current trends and analysis of safety in Philippine waters, ultimately fostering a culture of a safe and environmental friendly domestic shipping”, she emphasized.
During the pre-summit, a series of presentations related to maritime safety, infrastructures, marine warnings, and situational reports on domestic seafaring were discussed by representatives from MARINA Regional Offices 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, NAMRIA, Class Society, Philippine Ports Authority, PAGASA, Manpower Development Service, Academe, and the French Maritime Expert.
The said presentations laid the foundation for the group discussions on the second day of the pre-summit. Participants were grouped into four, which represent the Ships, Compliance Of Company Safety Management System, Infrastructure and System, and Domestic Seafarers.
In closing, Atty. Maria Rowena Hubilla, Director of Domestic Shipping Service/ Franchising Service, delivered the closing remarks on behalf of the Deputy Administrator for Operations, expressing gratitude for actively participating and for support received from partner agencies, private and academe sectors.
The event concluded with a pledge of commitment and resolution signed by all on-site participants, stating their commitments and engagement to ensure a safer and cleaner maritime environment.
MARINA participants include Director Arsenio Lingad II, Director Ronaldo Bandalaria, Director Rizal J. Victoria, Director Jeffrey A. Bangsa, Engr. Maria Teresa Mamisao, and Ms. Geraldine Evangelista.