San Narciso, Zambales — MARINA Chief Sonia B Malaluan recently graced as the Guest of Honor and Speaker at the 2025 Alumni Homecoming of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) on Saturday, 25 January 2025.

In her address, Malaluan recognized the invaluable contribution of the PMMA in the country’s socio-economic development agenda, particularly in the area of maritime education and training, shipyards, ship and crew management, government service among others. She also extolled PMMA officials and faculty members for their dedication to instill in the mind and heart of their students the “values of right attitude, professionalism and knowledge and skills to deal on the challenges of the modern times”.

More than the excitement from joining this annual reunion and homecoming to the Academy, Malaluan encouraged the Alumni to use the occasion as a platform to “tackle important issues and concerns” affecting the Philippine Maritime Industry. She also lobbied support for the implementation of the Agency’s initiatives for a safer, sustainable green maritime industry and a future proof maritime workforce.

With the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) having the sole jurisdiction over maritime education functions, pursuant to Republic Act No. 12021 otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Seafarers and the on-going comprehensive review of the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeping (STCW) for seafarers 1978, as amended and its Associated Code, Malaluan foresees daunting tasks and challenges ahead noting the current and available resources of the Agency.

Equally important to undertake for the country’s seafaring industry is the re-skilling and upskilling of seafarers in the light of current developments in the implementation of the revised IMO Strategy for the reduction of Green House Gas Emission from ships as well as the eventual introduction of autonomous ships in the market.

As the country’s single maritime administration, the MARINA is committed, within the context of a whole of nation approach, to pursuing partnerships and collaboration with industry partners as a way to moving forward the country’s interests, especially in the seafaring sector.

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