The new administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority, Sonia Malaluan, and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan have both vowed to strengthen its partnership and to be more engaging to ensure the safety of passengers and vessels.

Malaluan and Gavan met on Thursday during the Marina chief's courtesy visit to the PCG Headquarters in Manila on Thursday, 28 December 2023.

"MARINA is dedicated to fostering stronger connections with key agencies such as PCG and CHED (Commission on Higher Education). Our commitment is to maintain open lines of communication and work hand in hand with PCG to ensure the safety of passengers and vessels," Malaluan said.

Gavan, on the other hand, reciprocated the sentiment, underlining the enduring partnership between PCG and MARINA.

"There is no hierarchy; we encourage both agencies to progress in fulfilling their mandates," Gavan stated, advocating for a closer staff-to-staff engagement.

Acknowledging the significance of technological advancements, Administrator Malaluan announced the nationwide roll-out of the digitalization initiative aimed at providing PCG district offices access to a comprehensive database of vessels with expired and active certificates.

The system, she said, will play a pivotal role in preventing vessels with expired Certificates of Public Convenience or CPC from setting sail.

"The digitalization effort, slated for launch next year, will streamline certificate processes for shipping companies, ensuring a corruption-resistant environment by minimizing human intervention," explained Administrator Malaluan.

A nationwide orientation and user training are scheduled starting in February, targeting stakeholders, including the PCG.

To recall, the CPC of RDC Reield Marine Services, owner of the ill-fated MT Princess Empress that caused the massive oil spill in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro this year was discovered to be faked, which slipped to the inspection of the PCG before it set sail.

Also, during the meeting, Marina and PCG pledged to conduct regular dialogues, along with a nationwide reorientation for PCG personnel regarding MARINA policies, rules, regulations and standards.

Meanwhile, Administrator Malaluan outlined her three priorities for 2024: digitalization, safety of operations, and marine environment protection, all of which received full support from the PCG.

"This visit aligns with Marina's broader agenda to establish stronger ties with government agencies, to ensure effective regulation and enforcement of maritime safety rules and regulations. The collaborative efforts between Marina and PCG aim to create a safer and more efficient maritime transportation system in the country," Malaluan said.