Surigao City — In line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon to promote safe and comfortable water transport across the country, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Office 13 successfully conducted a Stakeholders’ Dialogue on 27 May 2025, at Hotel Tavern in Surigao.

The activity was led by MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan and forms part of her 10-Point Agenda, which includes strengthening participatory governance through transparency, consultation, and regional engagement.

The dialogue gathered key stakeholders from the CARAGA Region, including representatives from Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs), domestic ship and boat operators, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and Local Government Units (LGUs).

Said participants engaged in a productive exchange of views on pressing maritime concerns, policy directions, and ongoing regional initiatives aligned with MARINA’s mandate to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable maritime operations.

Further, industry stakeholders expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to voice their concerns and contribute to ongoing policy discussions. MARINA, in response, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open communication channels and fostering collaboration with partners in the maritime industry.

The MARINA Regional Office 13 expressed its gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative governance in advancing the region’s maritime industry.

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