๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐, ๐๐๐, ๐๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ค๐ข๐๐ค๐จ๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค
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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๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ญ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ข๐จ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐ฌ
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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๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐
BUSAN, Republic of Korea โ 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 Malaluanโs comprehensive 10-point agenda particularly on proactive engagement and strong collaboration with industry stakeholders. Through MARINAโs 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.