MIDP 2028: Strengthening Marina’s campaign to make PH a maritime hub
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s endorsement of the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) in February 2024 ignited momentum at the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).
This plan fueled the Philippines’ ambition to become a maritime hub, unlocking the industry’s potential for national development as promised by the President during his campaign.
Marcos signed Executive Order (EO) 55, solidifying his commitment to prioritizing the maritime industry. It was just right after the announcement of the President that Sonia Malaluan was designated as the new Marina Administrator.
Malaluan in an earlier statement said, “This is the manifestation of the President’s recognition of the importance of the maritime sector in the country’s national development. At last, Marina and the maritime industry have gained the attention and support we have been striving for over the past decades since Marina’s inception.”
Driving economic growth and global competitiveness, the MIDP prioritized investments in modernizing the merchant fleet, developing a skilled maritime workforce and expanding the reach of the shipping industry.
“Marina is grateful for the staunch support of the Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Jaime Bautista, in developing and updating the MIDP. Collaborative efforts with partner agencies have been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the maritime industry. We anticipate continued partnership in the implementation phase of the MIDP,” Malaluan said.
Equally significant were efforts to modernize shipbuilding, strengthen transport safety and champion environmental sustainability. These crucial initiatives would not only propel sectoral growth, but also guarantee the security of our citizens and the well-being of the Philippines’ marine resources.
Malaluan said with the President’s support of the MIDP, Marina, under her watch, remained steadfast in its commitment to foster close collaboration with government entities, the private sector and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the MIDP’s successful implementation.
“We stand ready to support the MIDP Technical Board in fulfilling EO 55 objectives. As we embark on this journey [toward] a more vibrant and resilient maritime industry, Marina remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the highest standards of maritime governance, safety and sustainability,” Malaluan said.