The Department of Transportation said Monday it will mobilize its attached agencies to fully capitalize on the country's maritime potential and realign the current strategies to address maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
At the Pilipinas Conference 2022 organized by Stratbase ADR Institute on Monday, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the government will continue to forge partnerships and collaborate with other nations to enhance maritime capabilities and securities.
"We look at opportunities to forge collaborations with maritime-related agencies of other countries to benchmark our efforts at raising our maritime industry to global standards," Bautista said.
"The DoTr realizes the strengths and weaknesses of our maritime agencies but we are optimistic about being able to enhance our capabilities at ensuring the safety of our vessels, passengers and crew," he added.
According to Bautista, the DoTr will further enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard by acquiring additional assets upon the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"(The President) concurred with our thrust to modernize and upgrade the PCG's assets and capabilities," he said.
The transport chief assured that the DoTr will also strengthen maritime sector agencies such as the Philippine Ports Authority and Maritime Industry Authority to protect the interests of passengers and stakeholders.
The Philippines, being an archipelagic nation, heavily relies on its maritime industry to recover from the economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thus, the country aims to be a maritime nation that protects its maritime jurisdiction and preserves the marine environment.
"The Philippines aims to be a major maritime nation that values the safety and protection of marine life and marine environment," he said.
