11 APRIL 2024, MANILA — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully conducted the Navigational Safety Forum on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the PPA Head Office, bringing together various government agencies and port stakeholders from the Maritime Industry.
Aimed to provide a platform for dialogue among maritime industry professionals, partner agencies, and key stakeholders this forum ensures the security, safety, and orderliness of navigation in Manila Bay amidst ongoing infrastructure changes and reclamation projects, as well as the optimization of port operations.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago and and CG VADM Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr. opened the forum together with more than 120 attendees from the maritime industry.
"With the speakers from different organizations, we are sure that activities like this are significant in ensuring a more harmonized relationship between the members of the maritime community," GM Santiago stated in his opening message.
Government agencies that participated in the PCG-PPA forum include the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Welfare and Development (DPWH), Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), with representatives also attending from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Additionally, representatives from private companies, shipping lines and others involved in maritime operations also attended the forum.
On the PPA's side, the importance of Designation of Anchorage Areas within Manila Bay and the vessel traffic monitoring systems (VTMS) were discussed, which significantly contribute to the operations of both PPA and PCG for vessels monitoring.
Other topics discussed during the forum included the Policy on Manila Bay North and South Approaches presented by PCG, as well as the Proposed Wind Farm Projects and Sea Approaches of Manila Bay shared by DOE. Furthermore, Marina discussed Policies on Bareboat Charter and Special Permits for Foreign Vessels Operating in the Philippines, while PRA provided Updates on Reclamation Projects within Manila Bay. DPWH also shared Updates on the Bataan-Cavite Bridge Link Project.
For PPA, this marks the beginning of broader collaboration with other government agencies to further enhance services for the Filipino people.
"As an organization responsible for managing and overseeing the nation's ports, we recognize the pivotal role we play in shaping the future of our environment. The call to protect and preserve our planet for future generations resonates deeply within our hearts, and it is our duty to respond proactively," GM Santiago concluded.
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