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The Maritime Industry Authority and Bangsamoro Maritime Industry Authority are expanding their partnership aimed at improving maritime safety, security, and operational efficiency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
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The expanded partnership is expected to enhance maritime governance in BARMM through joint initiatives focused on regulatory oversight, policy implementation, and capacity-building programs
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These efforts are intended to improve local shipping operations, elevate vessel safety standards, and support the professional development of maritime personnel
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Bangsamoro Maritime Industry Authority (BMARINA) are expanding their partnership aimed at improving maritime safety, security, and operational efficiency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The expanded partnership, via a memorandum of agreement, is expected to enhance maritime governance in BARMM through joint initiatives focused on regulatory oversight, policy implementation, and capacity-building programs, MARINA said in a statement.
These efforts are intended to improve local shipping operations, elevate vessel safety standards, and support the professional development of maritime personnel, the maritime authority added.
Through the agreement, MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said the agency reaffirms its “commitment to the realization of the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and self-sufficient Bangsamoro region.”
In a separate statement, Bangsamoro Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) minister Atty. Paisalin Tago emphasized the importance of the agreement, citing its alignment with Republic Act (RA) No. 11054, also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and the Administrative Code of BARMM.
“This is a milestone for us, a transformative effort and string collaboration that will promote economic growth and sustainability in BARMM through ensuring a safe, secure, efficient and sustainable maritime services,” Tago said.
Under the MOA signed on February 28, MARINA and BMARINA will work together to ensure that maritime operations in the region align with the national laws and adhere to applicable international maritime standards.
The MOA is also expected to contribute economic development in BARMM by enhancing maritime connectivity, facilitating trade and transport, and creating employment opportunities for the local workforce.
The collaboration aims to contribute to the region’s overall growth, ensuring that maritime affairs are effectively managed in alignment with both national and global maritime objectives.
MARINA and BMARINA—the lead agency that is tasked to integrate the development, promotion, and regulation of the maritime industry in BARMM—also signed a MOA in 2022.
The Department of Transportation and its attached agencies have been transferring the management and operations of offices and facilities in BARMM to their counterparts in the Bangsamoro government. This is pursuant to RA 11054, which states that all offices and premises belonging to BARMM should be turned over to Bangsamoro government.
BARMM, the only region in the country with its own government, consists of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
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