President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 (MIDP) as the country’s roadmap for the development and strategic direction of the maritime industry.
“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.
Executive Order (EO) No. 55, which was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Feb. 8, aims to build a strong Philippine Merchant Fleet to meet vital sea transport needs for national progress, in line with “AmBisyon Natin 2024” vision.
EO 55 also creates the MIDP Technical Board (TB) to assist the MARINA Board in implementing, monitoring, updating, and reviewing the plan. The MIDP TB will be composed of MARINA Board representatives with rank not lower than an assistant secretary, or its equivalent.
President Marcos highlighted that the MARINA Board is tasked with implementing a mechanism for the effective execution, surveillance, and evaluation of the MIDP and its constituent programs.
These programs encompass the modernization and expansion of domestic shipping, bolstering the overseas shipping sector, fostering the growth of shipbuilding and ship repair industries, nurturing a highly skilled and competitive maritime workforce, enhancing maritime transport safety and security, and championing an environmentally sustainable maritime landscape.
The MIDP also includes creating a sustainable maritime innovation hub, promoting digitalization, and developing a knowledge center, while establishing an effective maritime administration governance framework.
To ensure smooth implementation, all concerned government agencies must align their policies with the MIDP.
Other component programs include the implementation of sustainable maritime innovation, transformation, digitalization and knowledge center; and the adoption of an effective and efficient maritime administration governance system.
The technical board is tasked to review, monitor and recommend approval of MIDP-related policies and programs to the MARINA Board; periodically conduct a comprehensive review of the plan; establish an integrated database and information system for the maritime industry; and prepare progress and performance reports.
The MARINA Board may invite or enjoin the participation of other relevant agencies or instrumentalities as additional members, whenever necessary in the performance and functions of the MIDP TB.
It may also form technical working groups (TWG) based on the component programs identified in the MIDP, consisting of representatives of agencies and instrumentalities with relevant mandates.
Representatives to the TWGs must have a rank not lower than a director post or its equivalent.
The MARINA is directed to implement the communication plan included as part of the MIDP, in coordination with the Presidential Communications Office.
It is also mandated to submit to the Office of the Executive Secretary a progress report on the status of implementation of EO 55 and the MIDP within six months from the implementation of this Order, and every year thereafter.
The funding requirements for the implementation of EO 55 will be charged against current and available appropriations of MARINA and other relevant agencies, subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations.
The funds needed for the continued implementation of the EO will be included in the budget proposals of the MARINA and other relevant agencies, subject to the usual budget preparation process.
EO 55, which was made public on Tuesday, takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
The Maritime Industry Decree of 1974, which created the MARINA, mandates the preparation and annual updating of a 10-year MIDP that contains a rational and integrated development plan of the maritime industry for submission to and approval by the president.
