San Juan City, Metro Manila. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) recently presented the highlights of its 2024 Performance and sought the Department’s support for the implementation of priority programs during the first quarter DOTr-MARINA Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) on 07 February 2025.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J Bautista congratulated MARINA Administrator Sonia B Malaluan for propelling the Agency achieve such sterling performance given the level of resources made available in 2024.
Major performance indicators of the MARINA confirm that the Agency has thus far exceeded its targets for its promotional and developmental as well as regulatory activities. Meanwhile, the Agency recorded a total of 99.66% budget utilization rate in 2024.
“I commend everyone in the MARINA for the hard work, dedication and commitment to faithfully discharge their duties and responsibilities. Ituloy natin ang mga magandang gawain para sa ating mga stakeholders, at mga seafarers”, said Transportation Secretary during the meeting.
The MARINA Administrator also emphasized the Agency’s commitment to embracing digital innovations that enhance efficiency and security in seafarer certification.
“Project Verify marks a significant step in providing a global platform for a streamlined and seamless certification process for the Filipino seafarers. This collaboration reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to aligning with global maritime standards and moving towards digital transformation in the maritime industry.”
Providing updates of MARINA’s preparation for its assumption and discharge of its role in the regulation of maritime education in the country, Administrator Malaluan sought necessary support from the Secretary of Transportation for appropriate representation with partner-agencies for the approval of additional plantilla positions and the provision for funding.
Administrator Malaluan also briefly discussed current and on-going efforts to prepare our Philippine bid for re-election under Category “C) of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The conduct of the quarterly DOTr-MARINA SOM was institutionalized to serve as a platform for regular exchange of developments within the maritime industry and as a forum for the MARINA to seek guidance on issues and policy concerns requiring immediate consideration from the Secretary of Transportation.
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