The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Kingdom of Belgium have reaffirmed their commitment to a robust maritime partnership, focusing on digitalization, decarbonization, and the empowerment of women within the sector.
On 07 January 2026, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan welcomed Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova, Ambassador of Belgium to the Philippines, for a high-level courtesy call. The meeting underscored a shared vision for a sustainable and innovative maritime future, as both nations prepare to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Philippine–Belgian diplomatic relations later this year.
During the transition to 2026, which coincides with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship, Ambassador Iordanova identified the maritime sector as a primary pillar of her diplomatic mission. Key highlights of the cooperation include:
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Gender Equality: The introduction of Project Olivia, a Belgian-led initiative specifically designed to promote and empower women in the maritime workforce.
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Green Shipping: A joint focus on decarbonization and the development of training frameworks for alternative fuels to prepare Filipino seafarers for the global energy transition.
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Digital Transformation: Alignment on MARINA’s 2026 priorities, including the full implementation of the MISMO (unified seafarer system) and M-BEST (ship-related transactions) platforms.
Administrator Malaluan detailed MARINA’s legislative and operational roadmap for the year, which includes the implementation of the Magna Carta of Seafarers and efforts to modernize the domestic shipbuilding and ship repair sectors to attract foreign investment.
Ambassador Iordanova expressed Belgium’s formal support for the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being, reinforcing the two nations’ shared dedication to the protection of maritime professionals.
The two parties discussed upcoming collaborations under the EU SCOPE projects and future engagements with Belgian maritime stakeholders. These initiatives aim to provide advanced training programs and technical exchanges that will benefit the global maritime community. “2026 marks a historic milestone in our bilateral relations,” said Ambassador Iordanova. “It is an opportune time to translate our shared commitments into tangible progress for a safer and more inclusive maritime industry.”
The engagement concludes with a reinforced partnership, positioning both the Philippines and Belgium as leaders in sustainable maritime development on the global stage.
