MARINA Hosts 144th Maritime Forum

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To strengthen inter-agency collaboration for the enhancement of the country’s maritime industry, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), in collaboration with the Maritime League, hosted the 144thmaritime forum in Manila today, 26 April 2019.

MARINA OIC – Administrator Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr welcomed the government and private sector partners of the Maritime League and reiterated the MARINA’s support to the non-profit maritime foundation through information sharing, cooperation, and unity.

“I look forward to more harmonious efforts such as this forum in advancing the maritime interest of the Philippines towards becoming a strong maritime nation,” Vice Admiral Vingson said.

The MARINA presented the latest initiatives to promote the welfare of the seafarers, including the implementation of the Executive Order No. 63, the MARINA Integrated System Management Online (MISMO), as well as the revised policies, standards, and guidelines (PSG) on the conduct of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE).

The MARINA also discussed updates on the 10-year maritime industry development plan (MIDP), including the activities conducted during the first quarter of 2019 which were aligned to the objectives of the MIDP’s eight priority programs.

Several initiatives highlighted included the newly-opened Roll-on / Roll-off routes for the improvement of the country’s Road RoRo Terminal System (RRTS), awareness campaigns on maritime tourism, progress on the establishment of the first-ever Coastal and Inland Waterways Transport System (CIWTS) as a response to land-based traffic condition, collaborative meetings with public and private stakeholders on the realization of the Philippine’s global maritime hub, as well as the rules and regulations on maritime safety and maritime security.

Since 1990, the Maritime League advances the interest of the country’s maritime sector and promotes maritime safety and industry development through various communication efforts such as the regular conduct of the maritime forum.

MARINA Hosts Training, Write-Shop for IMSAS 2021

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To further improve the implementation of international standards in the country’s maritime industry, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) hosted another training course and write-shop for auditors under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).

On 22-27 April 2019, training expert from IMO and the International Maritime Safety Security Environment Academy (IMSSEA) Mourad Ghorbel, discussed the roles and responsibilities of the audit team, the audit preparation and processes among others. He also trained the auditors in recognizing and resolving potential challenges that may be encountered during the audit processes.

The two-day write-shop on 29-30 April 2019, on the other hand, is allotted for the drafting of the country’s pre-audit questionnaire and national maritime strategy to ensure that its international obligations and responsibilities as a flag, port and coastal State are met.

MARINA Officer-in-Charge Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr believed that the continuous support of various government agencies in the country’s preparation for the IMSAS audit in 2021 is vital in the enhancement of the Philippine maritime industry.

“Let us work together in concretizing our actions and schemes to enhance maritime safety, ensure marine environment protection, and effectively implement mandatory IMO instruments that guide our ship operations into complying with international standards,” Vice Admiral Vingson said.

The training course is participated by representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

The IMO conducts IMSAS to provide member states, such as the Philippines, with comprehensive and objective assessment on the implementation and enforcement of mandatory IMO instruments pertaining to safety of life at sea, prevention of pollution from ships, regulations for preventing collisions at sea, load lines, and tonnage measurement of ships and standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers.

Joni Villanueva Tops Survey for Bocaue Mayor

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Mayor Joni Villanueva overwhelmingly topped the survey over her rival in the mayoralty race in Bocaue. 

The survey, which was administered by independent pollster Smart Research Services, Inc. showed that Villanueva obtained a 76 percent votes compared to the 19 percent received by her opponent Jim Valerio. The voting trend holds trueacross barangays, socio- economic class, gender and age- group.

This was based on the non-commissioned survey dated March 18-19, 2019.

The survey also noted Mayor Joni Villanueva’s impressive Net Satisfaction Rating (NSR) at 84 percent, the pollster said “with an excellent NSR, it is not surprising that Joni Villanueva is dominating the mayoral race in Bocaue in the coming May 2019 elections”.

Mayor Villanueva is elated and at the same time humbled that she is the top choice for all age group, socio- economic class and gender. She said this is proof that her programs are being felt by the people of Bocaue.

“I would like to thank the people of Bocaue who participated in the survey and expressed their trust, support and appreciation to what I have done for Bocaue. The overwhelming support I receive from Bocauenos gives me inspiration and strength to move forward with my vision of a progressive Bocaue.”

With the positive result of the survey, Villanueva vowed to carry on with the programs she had implemented as local chief executive “If I am given a fresh mandate projects that aim to uplift the lives of the people like the public hospital, river dike, housing for the indigents, and other vital infrastructure projects will continue.”