President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given his nod to the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 (MIDP), marking a significant step in steering the nation’s maritime sector towards integrated development, according to an announcement from Malacañang on Tuesday.
On February 8, the President, represented by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, officially endorsed and embraced the MIDP through the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 55. In expressing the importance of the plan, Marcos stated, “To unlock our full potential as a maritime nation, we need a well-defined and human-centered roadmap that will expedite the comprehensive growth of the Philippine Maritime Industry.”
The MIDP aims to create a robust and dependable Philippine Merchant Fleet, catering to the country’s sea transport needs in alignment with national development goals. President Marcos emphasized that the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Board will establish a system for efficiently executing, monitoring, and evaluating the MIDP and its various programs. These programs include the modernization and expansion of domestic shipping, the encouragement and expansion of the overseas shipping sector, and the fostering of a skilled and competitive maritime workforce.
Furthermore, the MIDP encompasses the modernization, expansion, and encouragement of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry, as well as the promotion of safety and security in maritime transport. It also highlights the promotion of an environmentally sustainable maritime industry as a crucial component.
The details of EO 55, disclosed to the public on Tuesday, stipulate that it will take immediate effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a widely circulated newspaper. This development underscores the commitment to shaping a maritime industry that is not only efficient and economically viable but also centered around human interests and welfare.
