President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Rear Admiral Loumer Palapal Bernabe as Deputy Administrator for Operations of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to lead digitalization and modernization efforts.
Marina welcomed Bernabe on Tuesday following his designation to the agency’s second-highest operational post. The appointment strengthens the authority's oversight of national maritime regulatory and policy implementation.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez administered the oath of office. Bernabe now
manages the agency’s daily operational efficiency and the execution of maritime safety standards.
Bernabe served in the Philippine Navy from 2016 to 2021, holding senior roles including Chief of Naval Staff and Commander of the Philippine Fleet. This military background provides technical expertise in seafaring and fleet operations.
He transitioned to civilian service at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), serving as Regional Director and then Executive Director until April 19, 2026. This tenure established his record in large-scale administrative regulation.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez tasked Bernabe with prioritizing vessel safety, seafarer welfare, and industry modernization. His mandate includes fostering stakeholder collaboration through the Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) to ensure global maritime competitiveness.
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