As part of its unwavering commitment towards sustainable shipping in the ASEAN Region, the Philippines, through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) shared efforts against marine litter during the 44th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG) Meeting held from 09 to 11 May 2023 at Da Nang City, Viet Nam.

Headed by the MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations, Engr. Nannette Z. Villamor – Dinopol, the Philippine delegation informed the plenary about MARINA’s partnership with the World Wide Fund – Philippines in which the signing authorities will be implementing a project entitled “Clean Ports and Ships, Clean Oceans: Improving Port and Ship Waste Management in the Philippines”. The said project aims to stop plastic pollution in ports and ships.

The Philippines likewise shared about the development of its strategic action plan for port-and-ship-generated waste and marine litter, as well as, MARINA’s strategic action plan on marine plastic litter. The plan forms part of the National Action Plan on Marine Litter which includes the development of “Solid Waste Management in the Maritime Industry 101” module.

In addition, the Philippine delegation also reported about the project with Busan Marine Engineering Association (BUEA) entitled “Integrated Ship Construction Support System Project.” The said project would benefit the domestic shipbuilding through modern design and advanced technology. It also intends to expand trade and business relationships between the Philippines and Republic of Korea, particularly in the field of shipbuilding and maritime business, in general.

Furthermore, the Philippine delegation shared about the country’s Inter-agency Technical Committee on Transport Planning, which has made significant progress in improving connectivity and port development through a National Transport Plan. The said initiative provides a roadmap for improving the country’s transport system over the next decade.

Engr. Dinopol also informed the plenary about the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Philippine Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) which are inclined towards economic growth and maritime competitiveness.

“All of these efforts are towards the realization of a Philippine transport system that is safe, comfortable, accessible, efficient, integrated, and at par with global standards”, Engr. Dinopol highlighted.

Meanwhile, the Philippines also reported updates on the capacity improvement of the ASEAN network ports, coordination efforts to support the sustainability of the Davao–General Santos–Bitung RO-RO route, efforts on Safety, Health, and Environmental management in Philippine ports, Ballast Water and Biofouling Management Research Program or the SAILS program, crew change, and International Maritime Organization-related efforts among others.

The Philippine delegation is composed of representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), MARINA, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

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