The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – Philippines officially launched the four – minute video on marine plastic litter onboard two ships in Port of Batangas on 01 August 2023.
The MARINA through the Shipyards Regulation Service (SRS), the newly-created Marine Environment Protection Development Service (MEPDS) and MARINA Regional Office IV turnover the four-minute video on marine plastic litter to the Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc. (MSLI) and Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corp. (APFC).
In his welcome message during the launching onboard a ship owned by the Montenegro, MRO IV Director Engr. Rizal Victoria said that the four-minute video on marine plastic litter tackles the necessity for every passenger and ship crew to take all responsibility of proper waste disposal.
Meanwhile, MARINA Deputy Administrator for Planning Ms. Sonia Malaluan described the event as a milestone of the partnership between MARINA and WWF-Philippines which was formalized through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The said event is in accordance to MARINA Advisory No. 2023 – 11 or the “Guidelines on the Implementation for the Airing of the Four (4) – Minute Video on Marine Plastic Litter for Passenger Vessels” which aims to prevent and combat plastic pollution in all passenger vessels and ports. The Deputy Administrator for Planning also reiterated the need to raise the awareness of passengers in order to prevent marine plastic litter.
WWF – Philippines Program Manager Ms. Czarina Panopio expressed her excitement to continue their partnership with MARINA. She looks forward to the upcoming 3rd Marine Environment Protection Forum which will be held during the BEACON 2023 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on 06 – 08 September 2023 and other activities in order to promote proper waste segregation and proper waste disposal to the passengers and shipping crew.
Montenegro Operations Manager Mr. Dennis Berania said that they are much honored to be chosen as one of the venues of the launching of four – minute video on marine plastic litter. He also said that their company has an advocacy of saving the marine environment.
The same program was also conducted onboard a ship owned by the Archipelago where APFC Chairperson Ms. Mary Ann Pastrana assured their commitment and support to the maritime industry in the country particularly marine environment protection.
The official launching / turnover of the four – minute video on marine plastic litter was also attended by SRS and MEPDS Director Engr. Ramon Hernandez who spearheaded the activity, and other personnel of MARINA, WWF-Philippines, Montenegro, Philippine Ports Authority and PNP Maritime Group.
Meanwhile, the Fire Preventive Measures Onboard Passenger Ships posters which will be posted to conspicuous places all throughout the ship were also launched during the said event in accordance to MA No. 2022 – 48.