According to Atty Brenda Pimentel: “It is unfortunate that in this archipelago, there is no overarching policy direction that binds into a cohesive maritime aspiration. The fisheries sector, maritime transport industry, coastal tourism, recreational sector, marine environment protection and many more ocean-based activities are undertaken almost exclusively by each other, although at times it is submitted, collaboration is initiated….
After the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit decision in November 2017 to go, finally, for a Code of Conduct involving the 10 ASEAN member-nations and their Dialogue Partners, particularly the People’s Republic of China, the value of FVR’s strategic decision made 25 years ago to pursue the separation of the Philippine Coast Guard – from being one of the operating units of…
The administration of President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte has started with a bang! (No pun intended) Not one, but quite a few. It has impressed many, and may I say, including myself, who did not know him very well, and whose promises did not affect me when we first met during an AGFO fellowship at Camp Aguinaldo last year, before he…
The 109th Maritime Breakfast Forum (MBF 109) was hosted by the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) and held at the CPA in Cebu City on 11 February 2016. Commo. Carlos L. Agustin (Ret), President of the Maritime League, called the forum to order at 1:00pm. He announced that instead of only one presentation from the CPA, there will be two other…
Has the AFP or the Phil. Navy ever made a feasibility study complete with projections of the benefits of the ship building industry in terms of generating capital for the economy and jobs for the people?
The 107th Maritime Breakfast Forum (MBF) was hosted by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), and held at Columbia Tower, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, on 25 Nov 2015. Undersecretary EDWIN LOPEZ (Operations and PPP, DOTC) welcomed the attendees on behalf of SEC. JOSEPH ABAYA. COMMO. CARLOS L. AGUSTIN (Ret.) (President, Maritime League) chaired the Maritime Forums. ENGR. ENRICO FERRE…
Upcoming presidential elections in Philippines and a 9.2% increase in the country’s defense budget sees National Coast Watch Council Secretariat, Office Of The President partnering with IQPC Asia to host the inaugural Maritime Security & Coastal Surveillance Philippines in June 2016.
Only very recently, President Obama said China must adhere to international law for the sake of peace and stability in the South China Sea (Vietnam) and the West Philippine Sea (RP). The Pacifi c Area Command head, Admiral Harry Harris, referred to the aggressive reclamation work by China on the reefs as a “Great Wall of Sand”. These artificial islands…
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is asking the government to approve the pro-posed elevated expressway project that will connect the Port of Manila to the Skyway Stage 3 project, saying it will ease traffi c, lower delivery costs, cut travel time, and prevent a repeat of the port congestion. PCCI president Alfredo Yao, in a letter to…
Taking off from its milestone last year, the Philippine Ports Authority is looking at sustaining the pace it has adopted as it slowly transforms Philippine ports to world standards. As it celebrates its 41st Founding Anniversary with the theme “Magkabalikat sa Pagsulong ng Ating Adhikain on 11 July 2015, PPA General Manager Juan C. Sta. Ana is encouraging the PPA…
A revitalized Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), an agency bestowed with substantial responsibilities as a multi-mission maritime agency tasked to promote safety of life and property at sea, protect the marine environment, enforce maritime laws, and conduct maritime security operations celebrates its 111th Founding Anniversary.
Department of Transportation and Communications secretary Manuel Roxas II has unveiled a 5-year P565 billion infrastructure plan including the continuation of the controversial North Rail project. Speaking before a briefing organized by the Makati Business Club recently, Roxas said the project is aimed at providing reliable, safe, and affordable public transportation system nationwide. The projects, meanwhile, include the 11.7 km…
Mr. Koji Sekimizu of Japan, who is currently Director of IMO’s Maritime Safety Division has been elected as the Secretary- General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), for a 4-year term effective 1 January 2012. Sekimizu edged out five other candidates, including our own Neil Frank Ferrer and the nominees of the Re- public of Korea, Spain, USA and Cyprus….
Aside from the opportunities in shipbuilding, former President Fidel V. Ramos identified two more growth areas for the maritime industry—reclamation and smelting. Speaking before the members of the Maritime League as well as other invited guest in a breakfast forum recently, Ramos stressed that foreign counterparts are not needed in these projects as it can be done “All Pinoy”. “We…
Atty. Juan C. Sta. Ana visited Bicol on March 15-16, 2011, marking his third out-of-town trip since his appointment as PPA General Manager. Accompanied by AGM for Corporate Affairs & Special Projects/Port District Manager for Southern Luzon, Hector E. Miole, Sta. Ana led the launching of the Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) service along the route connecting the Ports of Nato to…
In the last issue we talked about the departure of the Philippine Navy contingent that was going to San Diego in connection with the PN’s acquiring the USCG Cutter Hamilton and some concerns expressed by some in the PN forum interested in development of the Navy. The update on this is that the PN contingent would take over officially on…
Government is set to impose a new ticketing system in its bid to promote maritime safety and zero accident before the start of the Summer Vacation. The move is consistent with the earlier pronouncement of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) advocating Zero Maritime accident which includes among others the promotion of passenger safety and security through the provision…
Tanker operators as well as oil companies are seeking the deferment of the implementation of Republic Act 9483 or the Oil Pollution Compensation Act until a new law is passed. The stakeholders, led by the Philippine Petroleum Sea Transport Association (Philpesta), Association of Tankers Owners of the Philippines (Atophil), and the ‘big 3′ oil firms Shell, Chevron (Caltex) and Petron,…