The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has called on maritime agencies and stakeholders in the private sector to anchor their efforts on the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028 to harness the blue economy’s full potential.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the government maritime agencies and private partners must align their projects and programs on the maritime roadmap recently presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“I urge our maritime agencies and stakeholders to anchor their initiatives to this Plan that should serve as road map, or rather as sea map, binding together our individual efforts,” Sec. Bautista said on Tuesday during the DOTr Maritime Sector Town Hall Meeting in Davao City, as part of the DOTr’s 125th anniversary.

The transport chief made the call to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Merchant Marine Academy – PMMAOfficial (PMMA), Cebu Port Authority, and maritime stakeholders.

“By embracing the concept of the Blue Economy, we contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity,” Sec. Bautista said.

The concept, according to Secretary Bautista, goes beyond traditional economic growth, sustainability, conservation and responsible management of the country’s marine resources.

Covering priority maritime programs, the MIDP 2028 includes transport safety and security; environmental sustainability; digitalization; domestic and overseas shipping industries; maritime workforce; and administration governance system.

The maritime blueprint is also expected to establish a system that will help lessen the effects of natural and man-made eventualities, while preparing contingencies for the sector.