MANDALUYONG CITY — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has joined the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in a landmark initiative enhancing access to emergency support services to sea passengers and shipping operators.

Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on 21 April 2025, between PRC, DOTr, and its attached agencies—including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)—the partnership aims to promote the PRC Safe Card as a tool for enhancing passenger protection across all modes of transport.

PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard J. Gordon said, “We want to save lives. We cannot take for granted the lives of our passengers. Transport operators must exercise extraordinary diligence—this partnership reminds them of that responsibility.”

For DOTr Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, “Isa sa pinakamalaking problema na kinakaharap ng ating sektor ay ang kaligtasan ng mga pasahero—sa lupa, himpapawid, at karagatan. Lahat po ng babiyahe ay dapat may proteksyon.”

Meanwhile, MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan emphasized the importance of strengthening safety mechanisms at sea:

“Safety at sea requires coordination, commitment, and care. By working with the Philippine Red Cross to extend immediate emergency support to maritime stakeholders, we are taking a concrete step toward a safer and more accountable shipping environment.”

Under the PRC Safe Card program, passengers and operators gain access to critical emergency services, including ambulance response, first aid, blood support and other benefits like daily hospital allowance for a maximum of 60 days.

The PRC currently operates 178 ambulances, 108 blood banks, and a vast volunteer network nationwide.

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