It is telling the world, we are one nation despite the vast waters separating the islands because we are united in our desire to rally every Filipino in making the Philippines a maritime nation. It is recognizing the role of the maritime industry as one of the country’s economic backbones by adopting a clear national maritime policy. Let us begin this campaign by assessing the pillars which constitute the framework upon which a maritime nation stands: Institutions, legislation and regulations, and policy. However daunting the task of bringing together the various maritime sectors, it is still worth the effort, based on the overwhelming response of those who believe ours is a maritime nation. In this, government must lead by adopting a comprehensive national maritime policy that defines the long-term strategic direction for Maritime Philippines.

Source: Manila Times July 14, 2017 15:45 UTC