By Brian Jules Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 (MIDP) as the whole-of-nation roadmap for the integrated development and strategic direction of the Philippine maritime sector, Malacañang said Tuesday.
“To fully realize our potential as a maritime nation, the country requires a clearly defined and coordinated roadmap that shall accelerate the integrated development of the Philippine Maritime Industry,” President Marcos said in Executive Order (EO) No. 55.
In the four-page EO signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin last Feb. 8, Marcos said the MIDP aims to develop a strong and reliable Philippine Merchant Fleet which addresses sea transport requirements in support of national development.
The EO tasks the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Board to adopt a system for the effective implementation, monitoring, and review of the MIDP as well as its component programs.
The component programs of the plan includes:
- the modernization and expansion of domestic shipping;
- promotion and expansion of the overseas shipping industry;
- modernization, expansion and promotion of shipbuilding and ship repair industry;
- promotion of highly-skilled and competitive maritime workforce;
- enhancement of maritime transport safety and security;
- promotion of environmentally sustainable maritime industry;
- implementation of a sustainable maritime innovation, transformation, digitalization and knowledge center; and
- adoption of an effective and efficient maritime administration governance system.
Further, an MIDP Technical Board will assist the board in implementing, monitoring, updating, and reviewing the program.
The Technical Board will be composed of MARINA Board representatives with rank not lower than of an assistant secretary, or its equivalent, the EO stated.
It may also add other relevant agencies or instrumentalities as members if necessary.
Meanwhile, MARINA welcomed the recent move by the President, reiterating its commitment to support the Technical Board in carrying out the mandate of the MIDP.
In a statement posted on Tuesday, MARINA noted that it is “particularly pleased” with the components of the plan to modernize and expand shipbuilding and ship repair industry, enhance maritime transport safety and security, and promote environmental sustainability.
“These initiatives will not only propel the growth of the maritime sector but also contribute to the overall welfare of our citizens and the protection of our marine resources,” MARINA added. – avds