The Maritime Industry Authority Regional Office IX (MRO 9), led by its OIC-Director, Dr. Farida T. Cunanan, recently met with Congressman Adrian Michael A. Amatong of the 3rd Congressional District of Zamboanga del Norte on 24 January 2025 to discuss the proposed creation of a MARINA Extension Office in the Municipality of Liloy.

The meeting centered on House Bill No. 8946, authored and sponsored by Congressman Amatong, which seeks to establish the extension office as part of efforts to decentralize MARINA services in Zamboanga del Norte’s northern municipalities. This initiative aims to bring critical maritime services closer to stakeholders such as fishermen, vessel operators, and other maritime industry players.

During the discussions, OIC-Regional Director Cunanan expressed MARINA’s gratitude for Congressman Amatong’s strong support for the maritime sector, particularly his sponsorship of the bill. Congressman Amatong emphasized the importance of the proposed extension office in improving access to maritime services, reducing travel time for constituents, and supporting regional maritime growth.

OIC-Regional Director Cunanan also provided updates on MARINA’s Administrative Order No. 05-24, series of 2024, which outlines the guidelines for establishing extension offices, and explained how this framework complements the proposed legislation and reiterated MARINA’s readiness to operationalize the Liloy office once the bill is enacted into law.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing the maritime industry in Zamboanga Peninsula and ensuring the successful implementation of initiatives that empower local communities.

View photos here