The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) bared Tuesday, August 29, that it was planning to expand interregional and intra-regional routes in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Marina Administrator Hernani Fabian noted how the shipping industry could play a key role in developing the region’s trade and tourism industries.
Last August 23, Fabia met with representatives from Bangsamoro Marina led by BARMM’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) Minister Paisalin Tago in Manila to discuss the strengthening of their cooperation.
“The meeting held between Marina Administrator Atty. Hernani Fabia and Bangsamoro Maritime Industry Authority led by its MOTC Minister Atty. Paisalin P. Tago focused on the possible interregional and intra-regional routes in BARMM, issuance of licenses for boat captains in the said region, and possible capacity-building initiatives,” the Marina said.
In June, the MARINA and MOTC forged a partnership to jumpstart BARMM's efforts to connect with other regions.
This resulted to the establishment of a new sea route connecting Cotabato City via Polloc Port in Maguindanao del Norte to Lamitan City in Basilan.
The Bangsamoro Marina said it was also keen on opening additional routes that would link Cotabato City to Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.