The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), represented by Deputy Administrator for Operations RADM Loumer P Bernabe, PN (Ret), reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Philippine maritime sector during the 207th Maritime Forum, organized by The Maritime League on 28 July 2026 at the MARINA Central Office.
The hybrid forum gathered maritime leaders, industry stakeholders, and maritime education and training (MET) institutions to discuss the latest developments shaping the future of the country’s maritime industry.
In his welcome message, Deputy Administrator Bernabe highlighted MARINA’s continuing efforts to develop, promote, and regulate the Philippine maritime industry amid rapid technological advancements and evolving global challenges. He underscored that while innovations such as artificial intelligence are transforming the maritime landscape, meaningful dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders remain indispensable in advancing the industry.
The forum was presided over by VADM Eduardo Ma R Santos AFP (Ret), Chairman and President of The Maritime League, who emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among government, industry, and maritime stakeholders in advancing the country’s maritime agenda.
One of the forum’s highlights was the presentation of Mr. Herbert V. Nalupa, MET Standards Supervisor of the MARINA-STCW Office, who shared updates on maritime education and training, including the latest developments from the IMO Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) Sub-Committee, the ongoing Comprehensive Review of the STCW Convention and STCW Code, emerging competences for alternative fuels and new technologies, and MARINA’s initiatives to modernize maritime education.
Meanwhile, Director Luisito U. Delos Santos of MARINA’s Enforcement Service, represented by Division Chief Atty Benedicto G. Manlapaz, presented updates on the agency’s priority programs and key initiatives, highlighting Project MARINA SEA-GUARD, a proposed risk-based and data-driven enforcement system aimed at strengthening domestic shipping safety and compliance.
From the industry side, Ms. Blanca Joy Bustamante, President of IntelleVision Events Philippines, shared updates on the upcoming BEACON Expo and Conference 2026.
The forum underscored MARINA’s continued commitment to aligning Philippine maritime education and training with international standards while preparing Filipino seafarers to meet the evolving demands of the global maritime industry. Through sustained collaboration with industry partners, maritime institutions, and international organizations, MARINA remains steadfast in promoting innovation, safety, sustainability, and excellence in developing the country’s maritime workforce.
