THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the Belgian Embassy in Manila have established a comprehensive cooperation framework to modernize the maritime industry, focusing on digitalization, decarbonization and social inclusivity.
Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan and Belgian Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova prioritized the integration of European standards as the Philippines prepares for its Asean Chairmanship. A central component of this partnership is Project Olivia, a Belgian initiative introduced by Ambassador Iordanova to promote and empower women in the maritime sector, addressing long-standing gender gaps in the industry.
Malaluan outlined Marina’s 2026 priorities, which center on the full digitalization of maritime services to eliminate bureaucratic delays. This transition is anchored by the implementation of Mismo, a unified system for seafarer certification, and M-Best, a single platform for all ship-related transactions. These digital reforms are expected to streamline administrative processes, improve the efficiency of domestic shipping, and make the Philippine ship registry more competitive for foreign investors.
In response to global environmental mandates, the two nations are collaborating on a specialized training framework for alternative fuels. This initiative includes mandatory baseline training for all Filipino seafarers alongside advanced programs for future green propulsion technologies. By localizing these standards, Marina aims to ensure the Philippine workforce remains the primary choice for the next generation of eco-friendly international fleets while supporting global decarbonization goals.
The cooperation also places a strong emphasis on seafarer welfare and human rights. Ambassador Iordanova expressed formal support for the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being, which aligns with Marina’s assumption of new functions under the Magna Carta of Seafarers. This legal and ethical alignment is intended to set a high benchmark for labor standards across the region during the Philippines’ leadership of Asean.
To strengthen the country’s industrial base, the discussion focused on expanding the ship registry and enhancing the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector. Marina’s legislative agenda seeks to attract foreign investment by modernizing port infrastructure and technical capabilities.
The partnership will utilize EU Scope projects to provide technical assistance, ensuring that Philippine maritime safety and certification systems meet rigorous international benchmarks.
This engagement, marking the 80th anniversary of Philippines-Belgium diplomatic relations, reaffirms a shared commitment to sustainable and innovative maritime development. By combining technological advancements with social initiatives like Project Olivia, both parties are positioning the Philippines to evolve from a labor provider into a sophisticated maritime hub capable of leading regional innovation.
