The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) concluded its participation in the Expo Maritime Philippines 2023 on Friday, Feb. 17, with a renewed commitment to support the local maritime industry amid challenges faced by Filipino seafarers in the international stage.
According to MARINA Administrator lawyer Hernani Fabia, the expo covered a race of important topics related to shipbuilding such as the promotion of a safe and environmentally-sustainable shipbuilding and ship repair industry in the Philippines. It also highlighted the national and international maritime regulations for vessel registry, flag state maritime infrastructures, and regulations as established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
“In addition to providing insights into maritime regulations, the convention and exhibition present an excellent opportunity to explore job openings, resources for health and wellness, financial literacy education, and support for local businesses within the maritime industry,” Fabian said.
The event also explored the prospects for expanding the Philippine Nautical Highway -- an integrated network of highways, ports, and ferry routes that connects the major islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao -- to establish a safety learning culture within the maritime industry. It also encouraged private sector initiatives that support the Maritime Industry Development Plan, a 10-year project created in 2018 that aims to accelerate the achievement of nationally integrated and globally competitive maritime industry.
The two-day event was held in Manila and organized by the Worldwide Maritime Operations Co. (WMOC) with the theme “Flag States and Ship Builders Convention.”
Rachelle Lopez, organizer of the convention and President and CEO of WMOC, noted that the event also served as a forum where stakeholders discussed issues, trends, and developments that are relevant to the world’s largest Flag States and ship registries.
The convention, which drew 8,000 attendees and 68 exhibitors including MARINA, provided an avenue for maritime stakeholders to explore ways on how to address the many challenges faced by Filipino seafarers.
This includes the possible job loss of around 50,000 Filipino seafarers working in European vessels due to the Philippines’ failure to comply with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) audit over the past 16 years as reported last year.