Prioritizing digitalization, engagement, capacity and optimization
MARITIME Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia Malaluan has initiated a transformative agenda within Marina in her first 100 days, focusing on efficiency, innovation and collaboration.
Her focus on digitalization, stakeholder engagement, organizational capacity building and streamlining processes has set a promising trajectory for the maritime sector.
Malaluan firmly believes that digitalization will enhance the monitoring of shipping companies’ compliance with safety regulations. Implementing digital frontline services at Marina promises substantial savings and significantly reduces corruption opportunities.
Marina has adopted the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP 2028) as its strategic road map for
the nation’s maritime sector, approved by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The plan aims for integrated development and a clear direction for the industry’s future.
Digitalization and innovation
The Marina BlockchainEnabled Automated Certification System or BEST, an advanced web application, is central to this vision. It facilitates online transactions, real-time tracking and enhanced document integrity.
With 33-percent coverage achieved through stakeholder orientation and training, Marina BEST is set to lead a new era of efficiency and transparency.
“The system will make transactions simpler, faster, [more] secured and more accessible to clients and stakeholders,” Malaluan says.
Malaluan has prioritized the certification of Marina’s core processes under ISO 9001:2015 to standardize procedures and enhance service delivery.
Under her leadership, Marina has forged strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and government agencies to drive innovation and development within the maritime sector.
These efforts include collaborations with institutions such as the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development; the University of Cebu; the Global Green Growth Institute; and the Gregorio Oca Leadership Foundation.
This highlights Marina’s commitment to research, sustainability and seafarer welfare.
Malaluan emphasizes potential collaboration areas to enhance business ease, operational flexibility and domestic maritime industry improvement.
Under her leadership, Marina focuses on organizational strengthening and human resource development to ensure its success in maritime governance and regulation.
Marina also enhances customer experience by streamlining processes and improving customer service. The streamlined certification process for seafarers has reduced waiting time from 1 to 2 months to just 7 days, demonstrating Marina’s commitment to efficiency and responsiveness.
As Marina enters its second quarter, ambitious plans are being made to advance the agency’s objectives. These include the rollout of BEST, nationwide stakeholder fora, draft bill reviews, standardization initiatives and the Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software (Medians) Project launch.
According to Marina, “Medians offers cloud-based monitoring, energy demand calculations, predictions and policy assessments with modules including monitoring energy use and efficiency, emissions calculations and ship registration. It also helps with reporting voyages, energy use and loads.”
Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan believes in initiating digitalization and innovation, fostering collaboration and improving services
Other initiatives include the adoption of the electronic reporting; monitoring; and verification of fuel oil data, its calculated greenhouse gas emissions, accreditation of verifiers for Shipboard Energy Management Plan; ISO 90012015 Certification for Marina Central Office and Regional Office 4; and the Finalization and adoption of the National Strategic Action Plan on Marine Litter.
Stakeholder collaboration
Malaluan is dedicated to revitalize and expand the maritime industry, fostering efficiency, transparency and sustainability.
She actively promotes stronger ties and collaboration with industry stakeholders, including the diplomatic corps, legislators and government officials such as the ambassadors of Norway, France and Denmark as well as the Presidential adviser for Eastern Mindanao, the representative of the Lone District of Batanes and the Presidential assistant for Maritime Concerns.
Furthermore, Malaluan has established connections with various maritime associations such as the International Transport Federation Seafarer’s Trust, the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies, the Maritime League, the Filipino Association for Mariner’s Employment Inc. and Joint Manning Group.
She has also engaged with organizations such as the Philippine Inter-Island Shipping Association, the Philippine Association of Coastal and Inland Water Ferries Inc., and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Inc., among others.
In addition, Malaluan has held discussions with officials from prominent shipping companies and maritime entities, including Chelsea/Starlite Shipping, Lite Shipping, 2GO, Magsaysay Group of Companies, Bright Maritime Corp., Seagate Navigation and International Maritime Education Center Corp.
She has also interacted with institutions such as Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc., the National Maritime Polytechnic, Astilleros Gondan Shipbuilders, Senator Crewing Manila Inc., Maersk-Filipinas Crewing Inc., Maersk and MCC Transport Philippines and GTT-Singapore.
This demonstrates her commitment to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration across the maritime sector.
Dedication to service
President Marcos appointed Malaluan, acknowledging her exceptional training and experience in economics, technology, finance, law, management, public utility and various maritime aspects. She has been sworn into office by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Dec. 18, 2023.
“Let’s move forward to realize the economic potential of our maritime sector. We need to change our mindset in public governance by engaging more with our industry stakeholders. I look forward to dialogues with our partner agencies and private sector stakeholders, especially with our seafarers and small industry players in the countryside,” she says.
A fervent supporter of women’s empowerment and equality, Malaluan actively advocates for sustainability and international decarbonization efforts in the maritime industry.
Before assuming the role of Marina Administrator, Malaluan has held diverse positions in administration, finance, planning and operations. Notably, she has served as the deputy administrator for planning, the second-ranking position, since Nov. 23, 2022.
“I want my administration to be characterized as competent, disciplined and [corruption-free]. Let us cherish our roles, execute them proficiently and uphold integrity and professionalism as our core values,” she says.
Malaluan’s agenda embraces a holistic approach to modernization, safety and sustainability in the maritime sector. The Marina community eagerly awaits positive developments under her leadership.