In search of maritime champions

In search of maritime champions
Atty. Brenda V. Pimentel February 23, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/02/23/business/maritime/in-search-of-ma...

LAST week, the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) held its 47th Annual Convention in virtual space. Among the invited resource speakers were two-party lists standing for maritime affairs and taking part in the forthcoming congressional election: Angkla party-list represented by Chief Engineer Alfredo Haboc, the party's director for Maritime Education team, and Marino party-list with the third nominee, Atty. Collin Rosell, as a speaker on behalf of said party.

Both party-lists spoke of their organizations' track record during their stint in Congress with Angkla citing as one of its key accomplishments the passage into law of Republic Act 10635 on the designation of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) as the single maritime administration for the STCW Convention implementation and RA 10698 or the "Naval Architecture Law."

Marino party-list, which is sitting in the current Congress, cited the support extended to seafarers during the critical days of the pandemic as well as its contribution to the discussions on bills that affect Filipino seafarers, among which is the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers.

In terms of their legislative agenda, Angkla identified several topics in its plans, which pertain to the Philippine Ship Registry and the strengthening of maritime education and training in the country. Notably, Angkla's program is not limited to the seafaring sector as it proposes to continue with its advocacy for the Philippine maritime industry.

Meanwehile, the Marino party-list by its label will focus on the issue of maritime education and training for the development and promotion of Filipino seafarers.

The contribution of the maritime industry to the country's progress is highly dependent on the policy and legislation that govern the industry's existence and operation. Congress can certainly provide the stability required by maritime ventures, be it shipping, seafaring, port management, and the like. Therefore, parallel to the appeal to those seeking national positions to hear the laments of the maritime industry, those running for Congress are being sought as well.

Overload of maritime fora

Besides the PAMI convention last week, there are several other events scheduled and being organized by entities to broaden the dialogues on the pressing issues confronting the maritime industry. Once every six years, we witness the seeming interest of the industry to seek out the candidate's scripted persuasive response to the former's difficulties. It could well be the manifestation of the despair of an industry appealing to be given the attention being continuously denied it.

There is a good chance the same concerns will be raised and the same promise will be given, but for the industry, there is that obstinacy not to be exhausted, not to give up. It would be interesting to chronicle the achievement of those who committed to work for the maritime industry.

Certainly, some made good their promise and who could be labeled as maritime champions.

The pitch for Maritime Philippines becomes high during election season as this is also the time when we see political leaders most willing to listen to the industry and articulate their programs. Regardless of the frustration for unfulfilled political promises, the maritime industry remains adamant a true and sincere maritime champion could be found.