MANILA -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved and adopted the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 (MIDP), which will serve as the country’s whole of nation roadmap for the integrated development and strategic direction of the maritime industry.

In a four-page Executive Order No. 55 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on February 8, President Marcos cited the need to approve and adopt the MIDP to fully realize the potential of the Philippines as a maritime nation.

“To fully realize our potential as a maritime nation, the country requires a clearly defined and coordinated roadmap that shall accelerate the integrated development of the Philippine Maritime Industry,” President Marcos said.

The President said the MIDP envisions a strong and reliable Philippine Merchant Fleet, which addresses sea transport requirements in support of national development, consistent with the country’s “AmBisyon Natin 2024” of a strongly rooted, comfortable and secure life for all Filipinos.

He said the MARINA Board shall adopt a system for the effective implementation, monitoring and review of the MIDP, and component programs, which include modernization and expansion of domestic shipping and promotion, expansion of the overseas shipping industry.

The modernization, expansion and promotion of shipbuilding and ship repair industry; promotion of highly-skilled and competitive maritime workforce; enhancement of maritime transport safety and security; and promotion of environmentally sustainable maritime industry are also part of the component programs.

Component programs also include the implementation of a sustainable maritime innovation, transformation, digitalization and knowledge center; and adoption of an effective and efficient maritime administration governance system.

All government agencies and instrumentalities must also align and harmonize their policies and courses of action to ensure its effective implementation while an MIDP Technical Board (TB) is created to assist the board in implementing, monitoring, updating and reviewing the program.

The MIDP TB will be composed of MARINA Board representatives with rank not lower than of an Assistant Secretary, or its equivalent while the board may invite or enjoin participation of other relevant agencies or instrumentalities as additional members, whenever necessary in the performance and functions of the MIDP TB.

A full copy of the EO 55 is available on the Official Gazette where the functions of the MIDP TB is stated. (PND)