DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION-MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY

𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐂 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞

Incheon, South Korea– The Philippines, through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), has presented a pioneering project concept note at the 55th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Transportation Working Group on 6–8 August 2025, proposing a comprehensive study titled “Impact of International Maritime Regulatory Instruments on the Maritime Workforce in the APEC Region: Policy Options for Maritime Administrations.” The initiative aims to strengthen the protection, welfare, and resilience of seafarers and maritime professionals while providing APEC economies with evidence-based strategies to address evolving challenges in the global maritime sector.

Backed by APEC’s Transportation Working Group and co-sponsored by Canada, Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, and Viet Nam, the Philippine project concept note emerged as the only Transport Working Group initiative in Project Session 2 to meet APEC’s rigorous qualification process. This milestone positions the proposal for the next stage – APEC’s funding consideration – marking a significant step toward advancing maritime workforce protection and resilience across the region.

The proposed project will assess both the actual and perceived effects of international maritime regulation on the working and living conditions of seafarers, as well as on the operational realities faced by maritime administrations. It will document best practices, identify implementation challenges, and develop non-binding policy options to help member economies respond effectively to evolving labor standards, technological changes, and decarbonization imperatives.

Expected to run from February 2026 to June 2027, the study will employ a mix of technical research and participatory approaches, including surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with seafarers, manning agencies, shipowners, and regulators.

Key outputs will include a comprehensive impact report, policy toolkits for maritime administrations, best practice briefs, and a High-Level Policy Dialogue in Manila to validate findings and refine recommendations.

“This initiative is about ensuring that as global shipping evolves—whether through stricter environmental regulations, increased automation, or new safety protocols—our maritime workforce remains protected, competitive, and future-ready,” said Mr. Luisito U. Delos Santos, Head of the Philippine delegation and Director II of the Philippine Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

“We envision this study as a catalyst for stronger regional collaboration and smarter, more inclusive policy making in the maritime sector.”

𝐏𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association Inc. (PCSA) has formally commended Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon for spearheading the long-delayed approval of the Minimum Safe Manning Standards for domestic vessels—marking a crucial regulatory milestone for the country’s maritime sector.The breakthrough ends nearly two decades of regulatory inertia and is being hailed by industry leaders as a critical reform to modernize inter-island shipping, enhance crew safety, and boost operational reliability in one of the world’s largest archipelagos.In a formal letter of commendation addressed to Secretary Dizon, PCSA Chairman Lucio Lim and President Paul Y. Rodriguez praised the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for its “consultative governance and unwavering commitment” to maritime safety, crediting Dizon’s “transformative leadership” for delivering a long-sought policy outcome.Among those acknowledged were Assistant Secretary Villamor Ventura Plan, for his operational oversight, and MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan, who mobilized a technical team to consolidate stakeholder input.Notably, MARINA Chief of Staff Ronald Bandalaria was credited for leading “open, inclusive, and solution-driven” consultations during a two-day technical dialogue held in Cebu in July 2025, described as instrumental in achieving industry consensus.The manning standards were finalized following a series of high-level engagements, including a general membership assembly on June 5 and technical sessions in Cebu from July 3 to 4.The resulting framework is expected to improve technical compliance, reduce regulatory ambiguity, and offer domestic shippers a more stable operating environment.“This milestone not only ensures safer seas but also reflects a renewed spirit of partnership between the government and the maritime sector,” the PCSA stated, positioning the development as a blueprint for future reforms.Industry observers see the policy’s passage as indicative of broader regulatory overhauls under Secretary Dizon’s leadership, with maritime modernization now firmly in the spotlight. ///courtesy of MARINA

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐀, 𝐏𝐂𝐆, 𝐏𝐏𝐀, 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) actively participated during the kickoff ceremony of the 25th National Maritime Week at the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters, Manila City on 22 September 2024.

With the theme “Marinong Filipino: Ligtas na Paglalayag!”, the Philippine Coast Guard and Stella Maris-Philippines, supported by MARINA and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), hosted this year’s National Maritime Week which is scheduled from 22-27 September 2024. It is also in anticipation to the celebration of the 29th National Seafarers’ Day on 29 September 2024.

After the Holy Mass and opening program, a wreath-laying ceremony was held in Manila Bay, which served as a tribute to all Filipino seafarers who perished while performing their jobs as “modern day heroes” of the country. MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan, other officials and bereaved families of the seafarers attended the wreath-laying ceremony.

Among the officials who attended the wreath-laying were PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan, Assistant Secretary for Sea-based OFW Concerns Atty. Jerome Pampolina, Stella Maris Manila Port Chaplain Fr. Paulo Prigol and PPA Port Police Department Manager Genaro Mancio Jr. among others.

The maritime community has set the stage for a week-long activities that will not only recognize the hard work and dedication of Filipino seafarers but it will also showcase the important contribution of the maritime industry to the overall economy of the country.

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𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬

The Regional Strategy on Biofouling Management in the ASEAN Region was adopted by the ASEAN Member States during the 47th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG), held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, from 17 to 18 September 2024.

The Philippine delegation, led by MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations, Ms. Nannette V. Dinopol, presented the draft Regional Strategy on Biofouling Management in the ASEAN Region during the ASEAN MTWG meeting. This strategy, a collaborative effort between the Philippines, Indonesia, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and PEMSEA, aims to develop best practices and standards for improved biofouling management across the ASEAN region. It is a testament to the collective commitment to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and enhancing the energy-efficient operation of ships.

The adoption of the Regional Strategy paves the way for further capacity-building efforts to support the implementation plan by other ASEAN Member States. With the assistance of the IMO and PEMSEA, the Philippines and Indonesia aim to promote south-to-south cooperation among ASEAN Member States, facilitating capacity building and coordinated action on biofouling management at the regional level.

The Philippines also expressed its deep appreciation to the ASEAN dialogue partners for their unwavering support and the provision of capacity-building opportunities to the member states, as well as to the European Union for its technical assistance, which has been instrumental in helping the Philippines comply with the STCW Convention and the Maritime Labor Convention.

These initiatives align with the recently adopted United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Seafarers. The Philippine-led resolution acknowledges that the challenging conditions seafarers face at sea pose risks to their enjoyment of human rights, safety, and well-being.

The Philippine delegation consisted of representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), MARINA, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

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𝐏𝐇𝐋 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐂 𝐒𝐄𝐍 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

BUSAN, Republic of Korea – The Philippines, through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), has taken prominent roles during the 6th APEC Seafarers Excellence Network (SEN) Steering Council and Expert Group Meetings, held from September 9 to 11, 2024, with two (2) of its representatives have been chosen as Vice Chairs for the upcoming 2025-2026 term.

MARINA STCW Office Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisors (METSS), Ms. Presca Lee B. Lugo was appointed as Vice Chair of the APEC SEN Steering Council, and Mr. Herbert V. Nalupa as Vice Chair of APEC SEN Expert Group 2. Their selection highlights the Philippines’ commitment to contributing to the maritime education, training standards, and seafarer welfare within the Asia-Pacific region.

The event brought together key policymakers and experts from the APEC Transportation Working Group (TPTWG), Maritime Expert Group (MEG), and APEC SEN Steering Council and Expert Groups. These meetings provided an opportunity for exchange of ideas on pressing issues affecting the global maritime industry, particularly the challenges faced by seafarers.

On the first day, discussions led by Expert Group 3 focused on navigation technology and the high-quality development of Marine Engineers. The group explored the future skills required for seafarers, including education for autonomous vessels and essential navigation skills for current officers onboard.

Day two featured the Expert Group 1 Meeting, which centered on challenges in maritime education and training with new emerging standards and technologies. Key topics included the impact of recent changes in seafarer employment, updates on the Korean ODA capacity-building program, and the fair transition towards sustainable maritime human resources.

The third day of the event spotlighted Expert Group 2, where discussions revolved around improving job appeal and safeguarding the rights of Asia-Pacific seafarers. Topics such as ambulance chasing in the Philippines, advancements in maritime labor rights, and the impact of COVID-19 on the maritime transport sector were discussed.

The participation of the Philippines in APEC SEN underscores MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan’s comprehensive 10-point agenda particularly on proactive engagement and strong collaboration with industry stakeholders. Through MARINA’s continuous efforts and active participation in international fora, the agency reaffirms its commitment to advancing the maritime industry and ensuring the well-being and professional growth of Filipino seafarers.