The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has committed to push for several legislative agenda crucial in the improvement of the country's maritime sector.
During the recently concluded three-day mid-year performance assessment and planning conference (MYPAPC), the agency pledged to lobby for the Amendment of RA 9295 or the Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004; Shipbuilding Ship Repair Development Act; Philippine Ship Registry Act; and the Maritime Industry Act to amend Presidential Decree No. 474.
As for the 20th Congress, the Authority targets to push for the National Legislation of Marine Pollution Convention, and the National Legislation on Hongkong Convention.
It further said that as a responsible member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Philippines maritime industry aims to ratify the Bunkering Convention, HNS Convention, among others.
The Authority also seeks to digitalize its systems and infrastructure, as well as to achieve a Silver/Gold Award from the Civil Service Commission Prime-HRM, and Silver/Gold Trailblazer Award for its Performance Governance System (PGS).
MARINA Administrator Hernani Fabia emphasized the pivotal role of the mid-year conference in shaping MARINA's strategic direction.
He highlighted the conference's significance in providing a roadmap for the agency's programs, positioning MARINA to effectively guide the maritime industry toward enhanced strength and resiliency.
According to Director Luisito Delos Santos of the Planning and Policy Service, the outcomes of the conference are expected to serve as a guiding framework for every facet of MARINA, encouraging a harmonized approach to advancing the maritime sector.
During the conference, service unit directors signed certificates of commitment as a tangible representation of their pledge to meet the established targets over the next five years.