Strengthening the synergy between the government and the private sector, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) convened a high-level dialogue with overseas shipping stakeholders on 24 February 2026. The session focused on aligning Philippine maritime policies with shifting international standards and driving the industry toward digital transformation.
The meeting served as a comprehensive review of the overseas shipping sector’s regulatory performance in 2025. A primary focus was the Ship Registry Bill, currently a priority in the 20th Congress. This legislation is viewed as a cornerstone for the expansion of the Philippine fleet, aimed at making the country a more attractive hub for international shipowners.
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized that the Philippines must remain agile in a volatile global market.
“The global maritime environment is shaped by evolving international conventions, emerging technologies, and shifting geo-political and economic realities,” Malaluan stated. “It is essential that we remain aligned with these developments to ensure our industry remains competitive and compliant with international standards.”
The dialogue aligns with the 2026-2027 World Maritime Day theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” recently announced by the IMO Secretary-General during his official visit to the Philippines.
Key discussion points included:
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Maritime Digitalization: Accelerating the transition to paperless systems.
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Streamlining Processes: Reducing bureaucratic hurdles for maritime enterprises.
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Policy Assessment: Evaluating whether current accreditation policies remain responsive to modern operational challenges.
Director of the Overseas Shipping Service, Engr. Ramon Hernandez, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to creating a stable business environment. He noted that the partnership between MARINA and the private sector is vital not only for the national economy but also for the livelihoods of thousands of Filipino seafarers.
“MARINA, as the duty-bearer, values your partnership,” Engr. Hernandez said. “We take seriously our shared responsibility to build a regulatory environment that is not only effective and enforceable but also fair, predictable, and conducive to growth.”
MARINA concluded the meeting by inviting stakeholders to actively participate in the ongoing assessment of existing policies. By providing data-driven insights, the private sector will play a direct role in shaping new legislation and ensuring that the Philippine ship registry can compete on the global stage.
