November 10 ------ The House Committee on Transportation approved bills creating extension offices of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
The measures filed by MARINO Party-list Rep. Sandro Gonzales creating the MARINA offices in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) got the nod during the public hearing of the House panel chaired by Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop. Gonzales sought the establishment of MARINA offices in Balanga City, Bataan under House Bill (HB) No. 732; Ilagan City, Isabela (HB 733); and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (HB 734). “Many of our Filipino seafarers struggle when it comes to processing their MARINA documents because they do not have easy access to its offices,” Gonzalez noted.
He stressed the MARINA offices in these areas will bring its services closer to the people, particularly to the Filipino seafarers. “This is the reason why we are for the creation of these extension offices to save time for travel, transportation costs, and to secure a more convenient way to avail of maritime services,” Gonzales added. According to the party-list group, the establishment of the MARINA offices is an advantage for inspectors and surveyors since they can immediately schedule and conduct inspections or surveys in these regions, thus shortening the processing period from a month to at least three days.
As MARINO supports the call of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of an effective Maritime Industry Development Plan, MARINO also finds these bills in line with the goal of his administration to improve the quality of maritime services and advance the growth of the maritime industry in the country. The lawmaker also expects the creation of these offices to “help expand tourism, improve shipment operations, secure safer fishing operations in the coastal areas of the regions covered, and increase employment.” Gonzales assured he will proactively fight for these bills to be enacted into laws.
Source: mb.com.ph
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