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Maritime Industry Authority administrator Sonia Malaluan submitted to the Office of the President her intent to retire effective October 1, 2026, or until such time a replacement is appointed
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Pending a successor, Malaluan continues to perform her duties and responsibilities
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Malaluan, who is now 60 years old, has been a career executive with MARINA for almost 37 years
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MARINA Domestic Shipping Service director Annabell Lagas has also retired from service after 37 years
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) administrator Sonia Malaluan formally submitted to the Office of the President her intent to retire effective October 1, 2026, or until such time that a new administrator or an acting administrator is designated.
Pending the designation of a successor, Malaluan continues to perform her duties and responsibilities, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations, MARINA said in a statement on October 5.
MARINA assures its stakeholders, partners, and the maritime public that the maritime authority’s operations, programs, and services continue without interruption.
READ: MARINA surpasses mid-year targets, eyes stronger 2026 finish
MARINA said its workforce also remains committed to fulfilling its mandate and sustaining the gains and reforms undertaken by the authority in pursuit of a safe, reliable, efficient, and globally competitive Philippine maritime industry.
“MARINA likewise expresses its appreciation to Administrator Malaluan for her service and leadership, and for her contributions to the continued development of the Philippine maritime industry,” it added.
37 years with MARINA
Malaluan, who is now 60 years old, has been with MARINA for almost 37 years, starting in November 1989.
Under Philippine law, most government employees have the option to retire at 60 years old with a minimum service of 15 years. The compulsory retirement age is 65, based on Republic Act No. 8291.
She rose from the ranks, holding various positions, including as director of several MARINA offices and maritime attaché in London from 2018 to 2021. She was appointed deputy administrator for planning in December 2022, and then as MARINA administrator in December 2023.
During her time as administrator, MARINA pushed for the digitalization of the agency’s frontline services, including, among others, the implementation/development of the MARINA Blockchain-Enable Automated Certification System, Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software, Public Assistance Information System, enhancement of the MARINA Integrated Seafarers’ Management Online, and enforcement of online ticketing system for domestic carriers. MARINA also forged agreements/cooperations with various countries, international organizations, the private sector, and other government agencies to advance maritime initiatives.
As part of its legislative agenda, MARINA renewed its push for the signing into law of the Ship Building and Ship Repair (SBSR) Development Bill, SBSR Fiscal Incentives Bill, Philippine International Ship Registration Bill, and Philippine International Shipping Fiscal Incentives Bill.
MARINA also proposed its reorganization to boost manpower and add satellite offices to effectively implement projects.
Aside from Malaluan, MARINA Domestic Shipping Service director Annabell Lagas has also retired from service. She was also with MARINA for 37 years, holding various positions such as head of several regional offices.—Roumina Pablo
