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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday pledged to continue creating partnerships with other nations to enhance the country’s maritime industry and security.
“We look at opportunities to forge collaborations with maritime-related agencies of other countries to benchmark our efforts at raising our maritime industry to global standards,” Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a statement released by the DOTr following his attendance at the Pilipinas Conference 2022 organized by Stratbase ADR Institute.
During the forum, the DOTr chief discussed the partnership between the Philippine government and the private sector for inclusive development.
“The DOTr realizes the strengths and weaknesses of our maritime agencies, but we are optimistic about being able to enhance our capabilities at ensuring the safety of our vessels, passengers, and crew,” he added.
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With this, Bautista expressed hope that the country will be able to tap fully into its “maritime potential” and “realign the current strategies to address maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.”
“With massive coastal lowlands and marine resources, the country relies largely on sea transport for the mobility of people and goods,” he explained.
Strengthening attached maritime agencies
The same statement also said that Bautista, during the Pilipinas Conference, gave assurance that the DOTr will likewise focus on strengthening the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to protect stakeholders and passengers’ interests.
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He further disclosed that the DOTr continues to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) by acquiring additional assets upon the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to boost maritime security and border protection.
Bautista likewise underscored DOTr initiatives, including the PCG agreements with other countries to address anti-piracy, anti-terrorism, and anti-illegal drugs campaigns, as well as maritime exercises between the PCG and US Coast Guard.
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According to him, the Philippines is also aiming to be a maritime nation that protects its maritime jurisdiction and preserves the marine environment.
“The Philippines aims to be a major maritime nation that values the safety and protection of marine life and marine environment,” Bautista said.