February 14 ------ President Marcos has approved the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 (MIDP), which will serve as the country’s roadmap for the development and direction of the maritime industry. Approval of the plan is documented in the four-page Executive Order No. 55 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of the President last Thursday, Feb. 8. “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,” Marcos said, citing also the need for its approval for the Philippines to realize its full potential as a maritime nation.
The MIDP hopes to create a strong and reliable Philippine Merchant Fleet, which addresses sea transport requirements in support of national development, which is consistent with the country’s “AmBisyon Natin 2024” of “a strongly rooted, comfortable and secure life for all Filipinos.”
For this to become possible, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will adopt a system for the effective implementation, monitoring, and review of the MIDP, and its component programs. Part of the program is to modernize and expand domestic shipping and promotion, as well as expand the overseas shipping industry.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the plan will also aim to modernize, expand, and promote the shipbuilding and ship repair industry, promote highly-skilled and competitive maritime workforce, enhance maritime transport safety and security, and promote environmentally sustainable maritime industry. Government agencies and instrumentalities will also be required to align and harmonize their policies and courses of action to fulfill the goals of the MIDP.
To ensure the effective implementation of the MIDP, there would a technical board created “to assist the board in implementing, monitoring, updating and reviewing the program.” The MIDP TB will be composed of MARINA board representatives with rank not lower than of an assistant secretary, or its equivalent. The board may invite participants of other relevant agencies or instrumentalities as additional members whenever necessary to perform and function as MIDP technical board.
Source: mb.com.ph
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