The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), in partnership with the Royal Danish Embassy Manila, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), successfully convened a two-day seminar titled “Revitalizing the Philippine Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) Industry” at The Manila Hotel.
The event gathered over 200 high-level participants from key government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to forge a unified strategy aimed at positioning the Philippines as a competitive and technologically advanced player in the global maritime arena.
ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez underscored the critical role of the SBSR sector in national development, citing its contribution to job creation, technical expertise, and economic advancement. He reaffirmed ARTA’s commitment to simplifying regulatory requirements, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and supporting skill development to enable the country to take a more active role in the global maritime value chain.
Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin of the Royal Danish Embassy in Manila emphasized the seminar’s goal to move from dialogue to tangible action. The workshops were designed to achieve two key objectives: form a “coalition of the willing” among private sector actors and gather practical inputs for a feasibility study addressing the concerns of suppliers, financiers, shipbuilders, users, and regulators.
The seminar featured comprehensive presentations and panel discussions across critical areas, including the Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028, the proposed SBSR Development Bill, infrastructure expansion, and ethical ship recycling. Insights were shared by experts from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Danish Maritime.
MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan delivered a stirring keynote address, affirming that the future of Philippine shipbuilding will be “imagined, designed, and built by Filipinos on Philippine shores.”
Key themes discussed included:
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Technology and Automation: Experts advocated for the adoption of automation, including robotic painting systems and automated welding, stressing the need for investment and policy clarity to democratize access to advanced tools.
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Human Capital: Panelists from Maersk and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) stressed the need for adaptive training, leadership development, and aligning education with industry demands for a modernized workforce.
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Ancillary Industries: High-level discussions advocated for fiscal incentives and strategic investments in local production of vital materials, such as marine-grade steel and propulsion systems, to strengthen the domestic supply chain. The Board of Investments (BOI) highlighted incentives under the CREATE MORE Act to modernize industries.
Breakout workshops produced strategic, actionable recommendations, including:
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Human Capital: Proposing a Technical-Vocational Education and Training Board led by MARINA, TESDA, and BOI to address competency gaps.
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Sustainability: Emphasizing circular resource use and national policies for decarbonization and green technology.
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Key Inter-Agency Action: The strong recommendation for the issuance of a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) to create a dedicated Technical Working Group (TWG) to support and advance the SBSR industry.
Undersecretary Angela E. Ignacio, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, concluded the seminar by reaffirming the government’s full commitment to the revitalization efforts. She urged participants to generate investments and position the Bagong Pilipinas as a leader in green and technologically advanced shipbuilding, citing the Maritime Industry Development Plan as the definitive roadmap for global competitiveness.
The seminar successfully catalyzed a whole-of-nation approach, setting the stage for institutional innovation and strategic investment needed to modernize the Philippine SBSR industry.
