QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encourages all government institutions and key stakeholders to collaborate and cooperate to ensure the continued growth and development of the maritime sector.

He urges all concerned agencies to pursue a whole-of-government approach for the effective implementation of the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028, as well as to continue communicating with member-states of the International Maritime Organization and the European Union Committee on Safe Seas.

"Together, let us synergize all our efforts and harness the potential of this event and of the MIDP 2028. This is to provide better opportunities for our fellow Filipinos, to build a more progressive, sustainable, and resilient maritime sector."

The core objectives of this development plan formulated by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in coordination with relevant government agencies and key stakeholders is to ensure the development and expansion of a strong and reliable Philippine merchant fleet to address the sea transport requirement of the Philippine archipelago in support of the National Development Agenda.  It also aims to ensure the advancement of a future-ready maritime human capital.

In order to realize these goals, the following priority programs are identified:

• Upgrading of Domestic Shipping in support of the Nautical Highway Development;
• Development of Shipping Services for Tourist Destination Areas;
• Development of Coastal and inland waterways transport (CIWT) System;
• Strengthening the Safety Standards of Philippine-registered fishing vessels;
• Modernization, Expansion, and Promotion of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry;
• Enhancement of Maritime Safety in the Philippines;
•  Enhancement of Maritime Transport Security in the Philippines;
• Maritime Innovation and Knowledge Center;
• Development of Competitive and Highly skilled Filipino Maritime Professionals; and
• Implementation of the Philippine Strategy for Maritime Environment Protection.

The current administration expresses strong support for these visions with hopes that the Philippine maritime industry “will be looked upon with admiration by the region and the rest of the world.” (KSAA – PIA CPSD)