The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Navy (PN) formalized a commitment to strengthen institutional coordination, focusing on a unified approach to maritime governance, safety implementation, and regulatory enforcement.
Under the guidance of MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, a delegation led by Deputy Administrator for Operations Loumer P. Bernabe PN (Ret) paid a courtesy call on Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, at the Philippine Navy Compound in Manila.
The high-level meeting centered on comprehensive capacity-building initiatives for MARINA personnel, specifically targeting intelligence gathering, monitoring, vessel inspection, and maritime investigation. By leveraging the Philippine Navy’s tactical expertise, MARINA aims to elevate the technical capabilities of its regulatory enforcement teams, foster seamless operational coordination, and establish robust information-sharing protocols to secure the nation’s waterways.
A key highlight of the dialogue was MARINA’s pursuit of technical insights from the Philippine Navy to support the implementation of the MARINA Voyage Plan 2028. Deputy Administrator Bernabe noted that MARINA seeks to adopt best practices and strategic benchmarks from the Navy’s highly successful Sail Plan 2040, specifically in the areas of strong governance, disciplined execution, and organizational transformation.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to safeguard Philippine maritime interests,” said Deputy Administrator Bernabe. “By aligning our strategic roadmaps and sharing critical expertise, we are building a more synchronized regulatory framework that protects both our seafarers and our economic zones.”
Through this revitalized partnership, MARINA reaffirms its commitment to fostering inter-agency synergy, paving the way for a safer, smarter, more secure, and resilient Philippine maritime sector.
