Measures advocated by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) towards boosting the shipbuilding industry and the rest of the country’s maritime sector are getting support from the House of Representatives.

MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan met with members of the House on Monday to present their priority bills, particularly the proposal to enhance the Philippine shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector and expand the Philippine ship registry.

“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,” Malaluan said in a statement on Tuesday.

Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Arnan Panaligan backed MARINA’s legislative measures.

“Yayaman tayo, yayaman ang bansa (We will get rich, our will country be rich) if we have a robust shipbuilding industry,” Panaligan said.

He previously filed House Bill 00134, titled An Act Promoting the Development of the Shipbuilding and Ship repair 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 that can accelerate the growth of an integrated steel industry.

“The SBSR sector must go hand-in-hand with strengthening the domestic steel industry,” Panaligan said.

On the other hand, Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes cited the potential of the legislation to create more jobs.

“Maganda ito. Marami tayong matutulungan na kababayan in terms of employment (This is good. We will be able to help many of our citizens in terms of employment),” Ordanes said.

He also promised support to MARINA for its upcoming budget deliberations, particularly in securing funding for new Plantilla (permanent) positions for the implementation of Republic Act 12021 or the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers. (PNA)