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The Philippine Inter-Island Shipping Association recently convened members to tackle current pressing regulatory, operational, and policy issues shaping their sector
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The group also underscored the need for continued dialogue with concerned government agencies
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PISA’s recent annual membership meeting served as a platform for frank discussion on challenges facing domestic operators, particularly in the areas of regulation, safety compliance, digitalization, and decarbonization
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Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority general manager and chief operating officer Mark Lapid outlined opportunities where the agency and PISA members could collaborate, particularly in improving port access to tourism destinations
The Philippine Inter-Island Shipping Association (PISA) recently convened members to tackle current pressing regulatory, operational, and policy issues shaping their sector while underscoring the need for continued dialogue with concerned government agencies.
PISA’s recent annual general membership meeting served as a platform for frank discussion on challenges facing domestic operators, particularly in the areas of regulation, safety compliance, digitalization, and decarbonization, the umbrella organization of various sectors in the domestic shipping industry said in a statement.
Updates were presented on ongoing engagements with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), including recent policy developments affecting landing craft tanks (LCTs), the implementation of new safety and environmental requirements, and the status of memorandum circulars impacting vessel operations and passenger services.
Among the issues highlighted were MARINA advisories on LCTs carrying passengers, the phased implementation of International Maritime Organization-aligned safety and environmental measures, and continuing industry input on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and online ticketing systems.
READ: PISA seeks Marina probe over use of LCT barges as passenger ferries
PISA leaders underscored the importance of regulatory clarity, transition periods, and operational flexibility to ensure safety while maintaining the viability of domestic shipping routes that are critical to inter-island connectivity and local economies.
A key highlight of the meeting was the presence of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) general manager and chief operating officer Mark Lapid, who provided an overview of the agency’s programs and ongoing investments aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure across the country.
These infrastructures include ports and transport access to tourism enterprise zones that support regional development.
In his address, Lapid emphasized the interdependence of tourism and domestic shipping, noting that reliable, safe, and efficient inter-island transport is essential to unlocking tourism growth beyond major gateways.
He outlined opportunities where TIEZA and PISA members could collaborate, particularly in improving port access to tourism destinations, aligning vessel services with tourism development plans, and exploring joint initiatives that enhance passenger experience while supporting sustainable operations.
PISA said its members welcomed the discussion on synergy, pointing out that domestic shipping operators are natural partners in tourism dispersal, enabling travelers to reach island and coastal destinations that form the backbone of Philippine tourism.
Strengthening coordination between shipping lines and tourism infrastructure planners, they noted, could lead to more integrated routes, better facilities, and increased economic activity in the regions.
PISA also reaffirmed its role as a unified industry voice advocating for safe, efficient, and sustainable domestic shipping.
As regulatory reforms and environmental targets continue to evolve, PISA said its leaders emphasized the need for continued dialogue with government agencies such as MARINA and TIEZA to balance compliance, competitiveness, and national development goals.
READ: PISA seeks scrapping of PPA’s central ticketing system
