Cebu City, Philippines — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) graced on Friday, 26 January 2024, the General Membership Meeting of the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association, Incorporated (PCSA) and committed to pursue reforms in order to promote the sustainability and competitiveness of the domestic shipping industry.
In her address, MARINA Administrator Sonia B Malaluan recognized the contribution of the Association in the improvement of the current situation of the country’s maritime industry particularly in domestic shipping. She particularly cited the effort of the Lite Shipping Corporation to modernize its fleet through the deployment of its newest brand new ship, MV Lite Cat 2 which travels between Cebu City and Tubigon, Bohol and vice-versa and described it as “top of its league, a showcase of safe, convenient and comfortable sea transport facility”.
In highlighting her 10- Point Agenda which theme revolves around, “Charting a Clean Course, Safety Sailing Together”, Administrator Malaluan sought active partnership and collaboration in the implementation of the Updated Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028, the forthcoming launch of the Agency’s digitalization and automation system through the MARINA’s Blockchain Enabled Certification System as well as the support to carry-out the recommendations of the project relating to the concentrated maritime safety campaign for the RoPax fleet.
MARINA Administrator Sonia B Malaluan assured the Association that the Agency will look into the issues raised particularly those that relate to the perceived lack of manpower to work onboard domestic ships.
“We assure our stakeholders that the MARINA will conduct examinations monthly for the issuance of licenses for our boat captains and marine diesel mechanics and as frequently as possible should there be any demand”, the Administrator told the attendees.
Accompanying Administrator Malaluan are MARINA Central Visayas Regional Director, Ms Annabell P Lagas; Central Office Service Directors, Engr Ramon C Hernandez of the Shipyard Regulation Service (SRS) and Mr Luisito U delos Santos Santos of the Planning and Policy Service (PPS).
source: marina.gov.ph
