The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), in partnership with The Maritime League, underscored the importance of digital transformation in advancing the maritime sector during the 199th Maritime Forum (MF199), held in hybrid format on July 8, 2025.

The monthly forum, organized by The Maritime League, serves as a collaborative platform for maritime stakeholders to discuss pressing industry concerns and promote initiatives that strengthen the Philippine maritime sector.

In her welcome address, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized the agency’s ongoing digitalization programs designed to streamline processes, enhance policy formulation, and strengthen the country’s maritime data systems. She highlighted MARINA’s efforts to build a robust database that can integrate with local, regional, and global platforms, supporting both efficiency and interoperability.

Administrator Malaluan also shared updates on MARINA’s legislative agenda, including the proposed Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Bill and the Ship Registry Bill, which are set for re-filing in the 20th Congress.

Vice Admiral Eduardo Ma R. Santos AFP (Ret), Chairperson and President of The Maritime League, expressed gratitude to MARINA for hosting the forum, stressing the importance of digitalization in keeping Filipino seafarers globally competitive and in advancing environmental goals such as ship decarbonization.

The event featured notable presentations. Dr. Joseph Victor Generato, Director of MARINA’s Management Information and Systems Service, provided an overview of the Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software (MEDIANS). Meanwhile, Ms. Madiline Joanna Galve, Concurrent Chief of the METSS and STCWO Certification Division, discussed ongoing upgrades to the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online (MISMO) System, which plays a central role in the agency’s seafarer certification process.

Industry partners also introduced upcoming gatherings. Ms. Blanca Joy Bustamante, President of IntelleVsion Events, highlighted preparations for the BEACON Expo and Conference, while Ms. Lyn Bacani, Publisher of MARINO World, announced details of the First Manning Expo & Conference, scheduled for September 29 to October 1, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The forum reinforced how digitalization, legislation, and industry collaboration are key in shaping a more resilient and competitive Philippine maritime industry.

PHOTO COURTESY: MARINA