President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Sonia Bautista Malaluan as the new head of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), a Department of Transportation affiliated agency, Malacañang said on Friday.

Malaluan took over the position after former Marina Administrator Hernani Nieves Fabia resigned after less than two years in office.

"In appointing Malaluan, President Marcos cited her remarkable training and experience in economics, technology, finance, law, management, public utility and in other aspects of the maritime industry," Malacañang said.

Malalunan served as Director II of Marina from May 2014 to November 2022; Maritime Attaché to London in 2018; Chief Accountant from December 2001 to April 2014; and Chief Transportation Development Officer from February to December 2001.

Malaluan, a Certified Public Accountant, is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the Western Philippine College in 1987 with Master's degree in Science in Shipping Management from the World Maritime University, Sweden in 1998.

She also earned her Master's degree in Public Administration from Singapore's National University, Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy in 2011