-
The country’s maritime agencies – the Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, and Maritime Industry Authority – have collectively committed to help the shipping and fishing sectors move towards more productive, green, and sustainable operations
-
The heads of the three agencies signed the pledge during this year’s celebration of the 26th National Maritime Week
-
“This joint statement is both a declaration of commitment and a call to action for government, industry, civil society, and the Filipino people to work together,” the pledge states
-
The pledge also covers strengthening maritime security and resilience through coordinated patrols, effective marine pollution response protocols, and strict enforcement of maritime laws and safety standards
The country’s maritime agencies – the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) – have collectively committed to help the shipping and fishing sectors move towards more productive, green, and sustainable operations.
PPA assistant general manager for operations Mark Jon Palomar, MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan, and PCG civil relations commander Teotimo Borja, Jr. signed the pledge on behalf of their agencies during this year’s celebration of the 26th National Maritime Week (NMW).
“This joint statement is both a declaration of commitment and a call to action for government, industry, civil society, and the Filipino people to work together in protecting our marine environment, empowering our seafarers, and strengthening our maritime sector as a vital driver of inclusive and sustainable development,” the pledge states.
The three agencies vowed “to balance economic opportunities with environmental stewardship by advancing green port initiatives, promoting low emission shipping technologies, and supporting sustainable maritime tourism and fisheries.”
This year’s NMW theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, underscores the shared responsibility to safeguard the marine environment while ensuring the growth and resilience of the maritime industry.
The pledge also covers strengthening maritime security and resilience through coordinated patrols, effective marine pollution response protocols, and strict enforcement of maritime laws and safety standards.
They also commit to foster industry growth and innovation by modernizing the Philippine fleet, streamlining ship registration processes, and investing in port infrastructure and digitalization to enhance trade facilitation.
“The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands blessed with rich biodiversity and strategically located sea lanes… The ocean is the lifeblood of our economy, the source of livelihood for millions, and heart of our culture and history. Our obligation underscores our shared responsibility to protect and sustainably manage these priceless resources. This duty is not carried by government alone. It calls for the participation of shipping companies, port users, fisherfolk,and local communities,” Palomar said in a speech during the signing.
For PPA, Palomar said they are expanding their green port initiatives by investing in renewable energy, eco-friendly infrastructure, and energy efficient equipment. PPA is also continuously improving its waste management system, from segregation to proper facilities for ship-generated waste. It is also strengthening its water quality monitoring programs to keep the harbors’ water clean and safe.
READ: PPA set to OK Green Code this month
PPA is also enhancing port climate resilience by ensuring PPA port facilities can withstand extreme weather while continuing to serve the public, he said.
For MARINA, Malaluan said they are continuing with the program of modernizing the country’s fleet and digitalizing its services. The maritime authority is also pushing for bills to develop the country’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry, and the enhancement of the country’s ship registry.
READ: MARINA to test greenhouse gas emissions platform
Acknowledging challenges such as marine pollution, illegal fishing, and climate change, PCG continues to safeguard the country’s oceans, and ensure safety of lives and properties at sea by implementing its mandates, Borja noted.
PPA is the chair for this year’s NMW, which includes a weeklong of activities from September 20-28, including, among others, a maritime forum, coastal clean-up, port educational tour, maritime research education and training summit, bloodletting activity, fun run, parade, job fair, medical mission, photo contest, and band concert.
