A measure seeking to bring maritime services closer to Filipino seafarers has advanced in the House of Representatives, as Bataan Second District Rep. Albert Garcia announced the approval on third and final reading of House Bill No. 8463.
The proposal, co-authored with Pusong Pinoy Partylist Rep. Jett Nisay, aims to establish a regional office of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in Balanga City. Rep. Garcia said the bill’s passage marks a significant step toward improving access to government services for maritime workers, particularly those based in Bataan and nearby provinces.
The proposed MARINA regional office is expected to streamline transactions and reduce travel time for seafarers processing essential documents.
Under the measure, the new office will provide frontline services such as licensing, certification, and documentation, which are crucial for Filipino seafarers seeking local and international employment.
Lawmakers emphasized that decentralizing these services would ease the burden on applicants who currently travel to Metro Manila for transactions.
Garcia underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that Bataan is home to a large number of maritime workers whose livelihoods depend on efficient government support. He added that the bill reflects their continued commitment to advancing policies that directly benefit constituents and key sectors of the workforce.
The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration, where a counterpart bill is expected to be tackled. Once enacted into law, funding will be appropriated to ensure the establishment and operation of the MARINA regional office in the province.
The Philippines remains one of the world’s top suppliers of seafarers, with hundreds of thousands deployed globally each year. The Maritime Industry Authority plays a critical role in regulating the maritime industry and ensuring compliance with international standards, making regional access to its services vital for sustaining the country’s strong presence in the global shipping workforce.
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