Philippine maritime agenda

Philippine maritime agenda
Atty. Brenda V. Pimentel December 15, 2021 https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/12/15/business/maritime/philippine-mari...

It has become a habit by many to cite the archipelagic circumstance of the Philippines as a prelude to their discourse on national issues. The predisposition draws either by the desire to impress the audience of the familiarity with the country of their birth or to convey the wisdom expected of a maritime expert.

This random reference to maritime has become more pronounced these days as the country gets ready for the national election in May 2022. No, the presidential candidates on their own hardly identify any overture for the maritime industry and all that it represents; rather, the campaign leaders or the candidates' marketers who wish to attract the support of a vote-rich industry are the ones who bring the maritime agenda in their candidates' program of the government.

On the other hand, the stakeholders who continue to demand holistic government attention to this important industry will again try to appeal to those who wish to seek office in Malacanang. Apologists will start to cite what the government has done to promote and support the maritime industry.

As before those who made progress in their respective business endeavors shall express gratitude to the policies and rules that were adopted and are the most vocal in their support. No one dares to contest about the progress gained, let that be listed as the government's accomplishment.

The question remains as to how long the progress gained could be sustained? Until the next administration? Executive issuances could alter agency policies no matter how good the latter could be; moreover, well-thought plans and programs could easily be jettisoned with a change in the head of an agency.

This is the essence of the call by industry stakeholders for a national maritime agenda, one that will be upheld by whoever takes the seat in Malacanang or by whoever is placed in the various maritime agencies.

There is no argument that maritime policies must conform with the times, new technologies, a shift in the order of global trading, shipping arrangements, international requirements, among others. A national maritime agenda does not preclude the introduction of change, rather, it will provide the overall direction by which necessary alteration of policies and programs could be adopted. Policies must be formulated to adapt to such changes regardless of who is at the helm.

What will it take for the Philippines to achieve such an approach? Every time politicians promise to make things better for the Filipino, the question is asked as to where the maritime industry figures in realizing the pledge? If that is at all considered, a holistic maritime agenda must be laid out. Efforts must focus on establishing unity of purpose from which will be hitched all sectoral maritime programs.

Despite the diverse areas of concern, there should be one or two unifying elements that bind the maritime sectors and where integration is possible. The government's role in this initiative is paramount.

Having a national maritime agenda will promote consistency and predictability, factors that attract investors. If the Philippines is to grow the economy, then the government should muster the maritime industry!!