New platform to enhance maritime safety, sustainability

Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP), a multisectoral grouping spearheading the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the country, has launched the Ocean Centres Philippines (OCP), a platform of local stakeholders that will advance safety and sustainability in the maritime sector.

“Our role has always been to bring together different sectors in pursuit of shared sustainable goals. Through the Ocean Centers, we extend this role to the maritime space, working hand-in-hand with stakeholders to ensure that safety and sustainability are not parallel conversations, but one and the same,” GNCP chair Ma. Victoria Tan said at the launching of OCP at the Aboitiz Tech Space in Makati City on 10 July.

Tan added that the OCP “is our opportunity to raise the standards by which we measure success, not only in economic terms, but in the quality of life, dignity, and safety that we ensure for all.”

Jean-Stephane Naas, manager of the Ocean Stewardship Coalition, which bring together a diverse group of stakeholders at the global level to work towards the common goal of decarbonization and a just transition in the ocean, spoke via video from New York City, saying the OCP fosters collective dialogue to identify needs, challenges, and solutions that can really unlock safe, sustainable growth in the ocean economy.

Naas said the OCP will be creating some policy recommendations and some initiatives that really help advance the blue economy at the local level.

Yrhen Bernard S. Balinis, OCP country lead, revealed the OCP’s lineup of activities during the event, namely a roundtable discussion with domestic fleet operators on 8 August, train the trainer workshop on fortifying search and rescue on 12 September, workshop for small scale seaweed farmers in Palawan on 24 October, learning session of maritime education and training on 18 November, and learning session on digital twins and decarbonization of Philippine sea lanes, ports, marine renewable on 5 December.

Meanwhile, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) administrator Sonia Malaluan declared support for the OCP.

“Marina will continue to work hand in hand with private stakeholders, our government partners, training institutions, coastal communities, and continue our dialogue and have their active participation in our policy framework and in our enforcement of safety and implementation of environmental maritime rules and regulations. So today’s launch of the Ocean Center Philippines is more than a ceremony. It is a declaration that we are ready to do things differently, to move beyond minimum compliance and into shared accountability, to replace isolated efforts with integrated and strategic actions,” Malaluan said.

Also speaking at the OCP launching event were Philippine Transmarine Carriers Group CEO Gerardo Borromeo, International Container Terminal Services Inc. global HSSE coordinator Marvin Nalica, EnergiesPH Inc. manager for sustainability Engr. Miguel Paco M. Eriano, Bank of the Philippine Islands vice president and head of sustainability office Jo Ann B. Eala, Sinaya Seafood founder Dhang Tecson, and GCNP program manager Ben Secretario.