The Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) hosted the 169th Maritime Forum of the Maritime League on 25 January 2022. The Forum discussed the Philippines’ initiatives in marine plastic pollution and leadership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
DFA-MOAO Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce expressed her appreciation to Maritime League President Vice-Admiral Eduardo Ma R. Santos AFP (Ret) for his “commitment to continue the partnership between the DFA and the Maritime League, as embodied by this annual hosting of the Maritime Forum.”
In their presentations, MOAO Director John Francis Herrera and Principal Assistant Atty. Leslie C. Escosura-Bustamante respectively highlighted the Philippines’ re-election to the IMO Council, its election for the first time as President of the 32nd Session of the IMO Assembly, and its support for the commencement of negotiations for a legally-binding agreement on marine plastic pollution.
Assistant Secretary Ponce also welcomed the adoption at the 32nd IMO Assembly of a resolution proclaiming 18 May as the International Day for Women in Maritime, and asked for the Maritime League’s support in conducting activities to highlight this.
The Maritime Forum is held monthly under the auspices of the Maritime League, a non-profit foundation established in 1995 to advance the interests of the Philippine maritime sector, promote maritime development and safety through better information, cooperation, and unity of effort among the stakeholders of the maritime industry. (DFA)-rir
