More legislators from the 20th Congress have expressed strong support for key legislative measures presented by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), which are designed to strengthen the country’s maritime sector, foster economic growth, and generate more jobs for Filipinos.
The show of support came during an August 18, 2025, meeting between MARINA and members of the House of Representatives, where the agency presented its priority bills aimed at enhancing the Philippine shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector and expanding the Philippine ship registry.
Congressman Arnan C. Panaligan, Representative of the First District of Oriental Mindoro, was a firm advocate for the proposed legislation. “The country will become prosperous if we have a robust shipbuilding industry,” he stated, emphasizing his full support for MARINA’s proposals. Rep. Panaligan is the author of House Bill No. 00134, or the “Act Promoting the Development of the Shipbuilding and Shiprepair Industry.” He further highlighted the importance of a symbiotic relationship between sectors, noting that “the SBSR sector must go hand-in-hand with strengthening the domestic steel industry.”
Meanwhile, Senior Citizens Partylist Representative Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes likewise committed his full support for the bills, citing their potential to address unemployment. “This is a great initiative; we can help many of our countrymen in terms of employment,” he said. Rep. Ordanes also pledged his assistance to MARINA in securing essential funding during upcoming budget deliberations, specifically for new plantilla positions crucial for the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 12021, the “Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers.”
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan expressed optimism about the future of the industry. “These bills can contribute significantly to economic growth while also improving domestic shipping in the country,” she said. “With the leadership of our Representatives, we are optimistic about the future of our maritime industry and our global standing as a premier seafaring nation.”
