JUNE 1, 2026 marks the 52nd founding anniversary of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), and less than two years from now the milestone for the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) will be rolled out and expectations from an industry considered vital to this archipelago’s sustainable development is quite high. The 10 priority programs identified in the MIDP are indeed ambitious, which weighed against the circumstances that transpired since 2024, and the progress of work towards achieving the targets may just be all cliffhangers.
By way of reminder the 10 Point Priority Programs of the MIDP are herein reiterated: 1) Upgrading of domestic shipping in support of the Philippine Nautical highway; 2) Development of shipping services for maritime tourism; 3) Development of coastal and inland waterways transport system; 4) Strengthening of safety standards for registered fishing vessels; 5) Development of a global maritime hub; 6) Enhancement of maritime safety in the Philippines; 7) Modernization of maritime security in the Philippines; 8) Establishment of Maritime Innovation and Knowledge Center (MIKC); 9) Development of competitive and highly skilled Filipino maritime professionals; 10) Implementation of the Philippine Strategy on Marine Environment Protection.
There is also a good chance President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will include in his State of the Nation address the performance of the Philippine maritime industry hinged on the MIDP. But how can one forget the fatalities in the maritime mishaps that took place in the past two years? The damage to the marine environment and the livelihood severely impacted by oil spills? The substantial number of maritime students who are disqualified to enter higher maritime education programs because of the implementation of the National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test (Nammat)? These are all grounded on the MIDP.
The MIDP identifies the crucial components in creating a dynamic shipping sector which presupposes an ardent engagement by the regulators with the stakeholders guided by the enthusiasm of one who listens to understand and not to dictate preconceived ideas heedless of the adversities that may result and affect a good number of those whose livelihood and professional aspirations depend on the maritime sector. How for example can a downright refusal to engage with established organizations help in achieving the MIDP?
In several maritime fora, the MIDP has been cited as the cure-all solution to the challenges confronting the maritime industry. There is that penchant to refer to the MIDP as something that will address the problems propounded which many, without knowing what is in the plan, will readily accept until the next maritime mishap.
Stakeholders eagerly await updates on the 10 Point Priority Programs elucidated in the MIDP. Just like the mechanism instituted by the Department of Public Works and Highways, how about the maritime stakeholders providing reports and inputs on how well (or bad) the programs have gone. Will there ever be one?
