New Palace order reconstitutes maritime inter-agency committee

New Palace order reconstitutes maritime inter-agency committee
Samuel P. Medenilla January 13, 2022 https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/01/13/new-palace-order-reconstitutes-...

President Duterte has signed Executive Order (EO) No.159 reconstituting the Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee for the Ratification and Accession to and Implementation of Maritime Convention (ICCRAIMC).

Previously known as the Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on the Ratification and Implementation of Maritime Convention (ICCRIMC), the new inter-agency committee will still be chaired by the representative from the Department of Transportation.

It will be vice chaired by a representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs, while its members will come from the Department of Science and Technology, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippines Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, and Cebu Port Authority.

Also included among its members are representatives from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Environmental Management Bureau, DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau, University of the Philippines (UP)-Marine Science Institute, and UP Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology.

Duterte said the creation of the ICCRAIMC is part of the government’s measures to make the country a major maritime nation by giving premium to the protection of life and marine environment and improving the qualification of Filipino seafarers.

The new committee is tasked to “study new maritime conventions and instruments” for the purpose of being ratified by the country.

It will also develop and adopt a National Work Programme for the implementation and enforcement of the said instruments as well as review and endorse proposed legislation, national policies and administrative regulations for the said purpose.

The ICCRAIMC will also conduct information campaigns and seminars with policy-makers and stakeholders to raise awareness on the requirements and benefits of such International Maritime Organization instruments.

It will also facilitate capacity development initiatives for technical personnel, engage with stakeholders on issues relating to the maritime industry, and develop and implement a monitoring mechanism to assess the ratification or accession process.

EO 159 will take effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.