ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 has completed the construction of the headquarters of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in Western Visayas. It is located on Muelle Loney Street here.
The project, costing P59.400 million, was funded under DPWH-6 2016 Infrastructure Program yet.
The four-storey building had a roof deck and elevator. It sat on a lot provided by the Philippine Ports Authority.
According to MARINA regional director Rizal J. Victoria, having their own building would result to a higher level of public service and help them provide effective and efficient maritime service considering that Region 6 produces the most number of seafarers yearly.
The construction of the MARINA building aimed to advance the interest of the Ilonggo’s maritime sector, promote maritime development, and provide safety through better information, cooperation and unity of effort among stakeholders of the maritime industry, Victoria added.
MARINA was attached to the Department of Transportation and Communication by virtue of Executive Order No. 546 and assumed the quasi-judicial functions of the Board of Transportation (BOT) over domestic transport by virtue of Executive Order 1011.
However, pursuant to Republic Act 10635, it was established as the single maritime administration, responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended, and International Agreements or Covenants.
The building was inaugurated recently by Angkla Partylist’s Rep. Jesulito Manalo who initiated the project; MARINA administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero; Cong. Jerry Treñas and Victoria.
Victoria lauded DPWH for providing the funding as well as Manalo for taking initiative of putting up the building./PN
