Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam — The Philippines underscored its unwavering commitment to building a safer, greener, and more resilient maritime transport system during the 48th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG) Meeting held on 7-8 May 2025.

Representing the Philippines, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Director for Overseas Shipping Service, Ms. Precila C. Jara, led the country’s delegation in advancing strategic priorities, including the promotion of regional seafarer capacity-building programs.

By actively participating in and implementing ASEAN transport and maritime initiatives, the Philippines has been able to collaborate, and learn from best practices, feasibility studies and projects in enhancing its connectivity, operational efficiency, and sectoral resilience through strong partnership with Member States, dialogue partners, and international organizations. The Philippines has also been a recipient of several capacity-building programs hosted by the International Maritime Organization and member states—the recent of which was the Regional Workshop on Liability Conventions held in Brunei early this year.

The Philippines’ engagement in ASEAN’s regional integration efforts presents a strategic opportunity to develop a more efficient, inclusive, and secure transportation system. Such progress not only supports long-term economic growth and national resilience but also strengthens the country’s position within the global supply chain. Ultimately, this paves the way for the Philippines to evolve into a more connected, competitive, and sustainable maritime nation.

The Philippine delegation highlighted updates on the country’s strategic infrastructure planning and intermodal transport coordination efforts, which align with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028.

The Philippine delegation was composed of representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), MARINA, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). The country remains steadfast in contributing to ASEAN’s shared vision for a unified, sustainable, and forward-looking maritime transport sector.

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