MORE legislators from the 20th Congress have expressed support for measures aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime industry to foster economic growth and generate more jobs for Filipinos.
On 18 August 2025, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) met with members of the House of Representatives to present its priority bills, which seek to enhance the Philippine shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector and expand the Philippine ship registry.
“Yayaman tayo, yayaman ang bansa if we have a robust shipbuilding industry,” said Rep. Arnan C. Panaligan, Representative of the First District of Oriental Mindoro, as he expressed firm support for MARINA’s proposed legislative measures.
Rep. Panaligan earlier filed House Bill No. 00134, titled “An Act Promoting the Development of the Shipbuilding and Shiprepair Industry, Ordaining Reforms in Government Policies Towards Shipbuilding and Ship Repair in the Philippines, and for Other Purposes.” He also authored the Integrated Iron and Steel Industry Development Bill, which seeks to establish the National Steel Development Authority to accelerate the growth of an integrated steel industry.
“The SBSR sector must go hand-in-hand with strengthening the domestic steel industry,” Panaligan emphasized.
Meanwhile, Senior Citizens Partylist Representative Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes likewise expressed full support for MARINA’s priority bills.
“Maganda ito, marami tayong matutulungan na kababayan in terms of employment,” Ordanes said, citing the potential of the measures to create more jobs once passed in Congress.
He further committed his support to MARINA in the upcoming budget deliberations, particularly in securing funding for new plantilla positions essential for the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 12021 or the “Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers.”
“These bills can contribute significantly to economic growth, while also improving domestic shipping in the country,” said MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan. “With the leadership of our Representatives, we are optimistic about the future of our maritime industry and our global standing as a premier seafaring nation.”
