The Philippine Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) generated P519.982 million in revenue in the first semester of 2017, which is 13% lower than the P597.889 million collected in the same period last year, and 40% short of the P872.098 million target.
Data from Marina’s first-half 2017 accomplishment report showed that operating and service income increased 49% to P470.646 million from P315.992 million in the first half of 2016, but was 42% lower than the P812.098 million target.
Tonnage fees collected declined 8.4% to P49.336 million from P53.897 million in the same period last year. The figure is also 18% short of the P60 million target.
According to the report, the first half of 2017 showed Marina “making significant strides in its efforts to establish the position of the country in the maritime industry.”
During the period, Marina approved a new and strengthened mission and vision. Its new mission is to provide leadership in transforming the Philippines into a major maritime nation, while its vision is to be a strong and dynamic maritime authority of the Philippines.
Marina last June also started forming its 10-year Maritime Industry Development Program to serve as the blueprint for all programs and strategies and direct the industry towards a common goal.
In terms of operations, Marina said accomplishments during the period showed “vibrant prospects.”
Ships registered for the period January to June 2016 reached 5,578, down 15% from the 6,567 registrations in the same period last year but exceeding by 242% the 2,302 ship registration target for the period. Marina said this can be attributed to the agency’s continuous information dissemination drive and undertaking of mobile registration and licensing activities to achieve 0% illegal/colorum operation of ships.
Issued certificates, permits, and licenses reached 41,632, or 45% higher than the recorded 28,640 issuances in the first half of 2016, but only 35% of the 119,336 target.
Marina also audited 389 companies/ships in the first half, 23.9% up from the 314 companies/ships audited in the first half of 2016 and almost hittiing the 413 target audit inspections.
In its strategic plan for 2017-2018 and beyond, Marina listed seven priority programs, foremost of which is to become a responsive and responsible maritime administration.
The others are to promote a culture of maritime safety, security and environment protection; strengthen the reservoir of maritime human resource; modernize domestic shipping; promote and develop the ship building/repair/recycling industry; expand the Philippine registry; and promote the Philippines as the go-to location for maritime leisure and ancillary activities. – Roumina Pablo
Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
