The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sealed the mission of protecting the oceans by signing a Joint Statement of Commitment during the National Maritime Week (NMW) Press Conference today, September 23, 2025. With the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” the maritime government agencies renewed their united mission to safeguard the seas and harness their vast potential in the future of the maritime industry.
Witnessed by the maritime leaders, media partners, and stakeholders, PPA Assistant General Manager for Operations, Atty. Mark Jon Palomar outlined the Authority’s initiatives on green ports, shoreline cleanups, carbon reduction, and disaster resilience. He called on every sector to unite for maritime sustainability.
“I call on government agencies, private industry, local communities, and our media partners to treat maritime sustainability as a shared mission. Together, let us amplify this message, inspire collective action, and show the world that the Philippines is ready to lead toward a future where our ocean is protected, our obligations are fulfilled, and our opportunities are seized,” said AGMO Palomar.
The declaration affirms the ocean as both a heritage and a shared responsibility, highlighting the need to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. It also strengthens inter-agency cooperation to ensure maritime safety, promote sustainability, and drive innovation across the industry.
Meanwhile, on the part of the shipping industry, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to upholding international safety and environmental standards while ensuring the continued global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers.
On the part of the Philippine Coastguard (PCG), PCG Rear Admiral Teotimo Borja, Coast Guard Civil Relations Commander encouraged the citizens and the industry to participate and report violations in safeguarding the waters and preventing maritime pollution by enriching biodiversity. The PCG also emphasized that protecting the oceans is a shared responsibility hence they are training personnel equipped to respond to both environmental and security challenges.
NMW 2025 will run from September 20 to 28 with various activities including bloodletting drive, educational port tours, tree planting, and a fun run—each designed to reflect this year’s theme by promoting environmental responsibility, maritime safety, and workforce development. Together, the PPA, MARINA, and PCG affirmed that the Philippines’ maritime future depends not only on the strength of its institutions but also on the collective responsibility of its people.
