Batangas City —As part of its intensified compliance monitoring efforts ahead of the Holy Week peak season, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan personally boarded a vessel in Batangas to ensure strict adherence to maritime safety regulations.

“Safety is non-negotiable. With the expected surge of passengers this Holy Week, we are doubling our efforts to ensure that vessels are compliant with safety protocols and ready to transport passengers safely and efficiently,” Administrator Malaluan emphasized.

Administrator Malaluan also met with key officials from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Southern Tagalog Headquarters, spearheaded by District Commander Geronimo Tuvilla (MPSA) to discuss inter-agency efforts in ensuring passenger safety and vessel compliance, reaffirming MARINA’s strong partnership with the PCG in maritime enforcement and safety initiatives.

“Hindi na bago ang inspection na ito ng mga barko. Ito po ay routinary activity ng ating ahensya para matiyak na ligtas at maayos ang biyahe ng ating mga kababayan lalo na tuwing peak season,” the MARINA Chief added.

Accompanying the Administrator during the inspection were MARINA Deputy Administrator for Planning Nenita Atienza, Chief of Staff Engr. Ronaldo Bandalaria, Planning and Policy Service (PPS) Director Luisito delos Santos, MARINA Regional Office IV (MRO4) Regional Director Rizal Victoria, Enforcement Service (ES) OIC-Director Atty. Benedicto Manlapaz, ES inspectors and personnel from MRO4.

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