The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) hosted the first-ever Navigational Safety Forum in Manila on 11 April 2024.

With the theme, "Bridging Gaps Towards Safer Navigation in Manila Bay," the Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) said the forum served as a platform for maritime industry professionals, relevant agencies, and stakeholders for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration to address gaps and challenges posed by recent developments in Manila Bay.

PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations, CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr, and PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, jointly called for collaboration among stakeholders and took the opportunity to learn, inquire, and formulate solutions for the end goal of saving lives and properties at sea.

Vessel Safety Services Unit (VSSU) Commander, CG Commander Alberto Ferre, presented the proposed Integrated Navigational Monitoring Center, which PCG and PPA are jointly conceptualizing. This is to continuously monitor the operational effectiveness of all installed aids to navigation (AToN) across the country, providing real-time data for timely repair services and supporting timely decision-making in the areas of maritime safety, maritime security, and marine environmental protection.

The said forum offered interactive discussions of topics by knowledgeable speakers from different agencies, including:

1. Offshore Wind Development in the Philippines (Department of Energy)

2. Bataan-Cavite Bridge Link Project Updates (Department of Public Works and Highways)

3. Updates on Reclamation Projects within Manila Bay (Philippine Reclamation Authority)

4. Designation of Anchorage Areas within Manila Bay (Philippine Ports Authority)

5. Issuance of Special Permit for the Temporary Utilization of Foreign-Registered Ships within the National Territory (Maritime Industry Authority)

6. Policy on Manila Bay North and South Approaches (Philippine Coast Guard)

The MSSC said these developments, while synonymous with the progress of the country, also posed challenges in terms of maritime safety and its enforcement.

Hence, the MSSC furthered that the forum's goal was to have productive engagement between the speakers and participants to answer their questions, clarify points, and offer recommendations.

MSSC Deputy Commander, CG Captain Jaybom Calica, concluded the event with a challenge to translate the dialogues into tangible actions toward bridging the gaps and improving navigational safety in Manila Bay.

The MSSC emphasized that the initiative served as a crucible of collaboration and enlightenment, reaffirming the truth that maritime safety in Manila Bay is non-negotiable.

The Command also added that the initiative was part of the Command's proactive approach toward being more proactive in the performance of its maritime safety mandates.