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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Loumer Palapal Bernabe, a retired rear admiral and former land transport regulator, as deputy administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority
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Bernabe is tasked with prioritizing vessel safety, operational digitalization, seafarer welfare, industry modernization, and stakeholder engagement via the Maritime Strategy Governance Council
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Bernabe held senior positions in the Philippine Navy, including Chief of Naval Staff and commander of the Philippine Fleet
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He was a PMA “Hinirang” Class of 1987 graduate and recipient of the Presidential Lingkod ng Bayan Award (2019)
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Previously served as executive director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Loumer Palapal Bernabe, a retired rear admiral and former land transport regulator, as deputy administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Bernabe was sworn in by Transportation secretary Giovanni Lopez, who immediately tasked the new MARINA official with a mandate spanning vessel safety, operational digitalization, seafarer welfare, industry modernization, and active stakeholder engagement through the Maritime Strategy Governance Council.
READ: MARINA to undertake comprehensive check of all domestic ships
A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Hinirang” Class of 1987, he rose through the ranks of the Philippine Navy from 2016 to 2021, eventually serving as Chief of Naval Staff and commander of the Philippine Fleet.
He subsequently transitioned to civilian regulatory work, serving as regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for Region 4A CALABARZON from 2021 to 2025, then as the agency’s executive director until April 19, 2026, before his MARINA appointment.
Bernabe was recognized with the Presidential Lingkod ng Bayan Award in 2019 for distinguished public service.
MARINA, a DOTr agency established on June 1, 1974, is responsible for the development and regulation of the Philippine maritime industry, with a mandate covering shipping safety and security, environmental protection, local shipbuilding promotion, and the welfare of Filipino seafarers.
