PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday vowed to bolster the country’s maritime industry through a development plan that will support seafarers, modernize domestic shipping, improve ports, and enhance transport safety and security. “While we already hold a dominant position in the world of global shipping, I certainly believe that we can do more especially here at home,” he said during the Philippine Maritime Industry Summit at the Manila Hotel streamed live on Facebook. He cited the need to provide development programs for Filipino seafarers, who occupy a significant role in the global maritime industry as well as to the local economy. “Our seafarers provide quality service across the globe and contribute to our nation-building efforts,” he said. The Philippines is the world’s main source of maritime manpower, representing 25% of global seafarers, the president said. Seafarers sent $6.71 billion in remittances last year. The Philippine Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the Department of Trade and Industry presented their eight-point development plan that seeks to ensure a future-ready maritime workforce.The Maritime Industry Development Plan will serve as a roadmap towards modernizing the industry.

LINK:  https://seafarertimes.com/2020-21/node/8193