The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) vowed to strengthen and modernize sea transport for safe and efficient inter-island routes to boost local trade and develop new routes and ports to increase tourist arrivals.
MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan reiterated the commitment to achieve the goals of the 2028 Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) as the agency marked its 50th anniversary last week.
The attached agency of the Department of Transportation also recognized the contributions of past and current officials- Atty. Nicasio Conti and Administrator Malaluan who both hailed from Batangas province, a popular port destination.
Atty. Conti, as former deputy administrator of the agency was recognized as a Champion of Reforms and Global Standards for his work in aligning the Philippines with the global maritime standards and training and certification of Filipino seafarers based on International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers.
Conti is now the CEO of Capstone Intel Corp., a private intelligence agency that provides high impact research for government, investors and companies to grow constituency and market.
The former official also designated MARINA to oversee STCW Convention implementation which was formalized by Executive Order No. 75 issued by late President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2012. The EO addresses the jurisdictional disputes among various agencies and laid the foundation of national agenda focused to protect the seafarers’ welfare.
Meanwhile, the agency recognized Malaluan for continuing the Legacy and Advocating for Women’s Empowerment.
Malaluan played a key role in crafting the MIDP 2028 which seeks to address the challenges faced by the sector and seizing new opportunities for growth and advancement.
The MIDP seeks to modernize and expand the country’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry as well as promote the highly-skilled and competitive maritime workforce. Also, the maritime roadmap seeks to strengthen maritime transport safety and security and promote an environmentally sustainable maritime industry.
She was also recognized for promoting gender equality and empowering women in the maritime sector. She also continues to implement training programs for Filipino seafarers continue to ensure their job security and enhancing their skills to meet international standards.