The Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Jaime Bautista and key maritime officials from MARINA discussed developments, accomplishments of MARINA, as well as pressing issues and concerns in the Philippine maritime industry during second quarter of this year.

Secretary Bautista presided the 2nd Quarter DOTr-MARINA Senior Officials’ Meeting at Primex Tower, San Juan City on 31 July 2024, where he emphasized that above anything else, safety should be the top priority. He encouraged the maritime officials to let all programs and actions in relation to the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028 gear towards safety of the domestic and international shipping, shipbuilding and ship repair industry and maritime workforce. Secretary Bautista also assured the support and assistance of the Department to MARINA in order to achieve ‘zero incident target.’

Further, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan presented the Agency’s accomplishments in the second quarter including the nationwide rollout of MARINA Blockchain Enabled Automated Certification System (BEST) and its efforts in enhancing maritime safety in the country. She also talked about the bilateral agreements on recognition of STCW certificates, maritime multilaterals and partnerships, proposed policy on the grant of operational flexibility to Philippine registered ships, operationalization of the MARINA Training Institute among others.

Malaluan also provided updates on expanded Quality Management System of MARINA, as well as the Philippine confirmation in the IMO whitelist, capacity building, priority of legislative agenda and promotion of investment opportunities in the maritime sector. The Administrator also stated the status of the ongoing activities, future activities for 3rd quarter of 2024, and other issues and concerns.

The meeting was attended by USec Elmer Francisco Sarmiento, ASec Julius Yano, MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Nannette Villamor-Dinopol, MARINA OIC-Deputy Administrator for Planning Ms. Nenita Atienza, STCWO Executive Director Mr. Samuel Batalla, MARINA Chief of Staff Engr. Ramon Hernandez, Planning and Policy Service Director Mr. Luisito delos Santos and Management Information Systems Service Director Mr. Joseph Victor Generato.

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