The eight cruise ships docked at Eva Macapagal Pier 15 have 6,000 Filipino seafarers anxious to reach their homes on April 30. The cruise ships were forced by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and Department of Transportation (DOTr), after the 14- day quarantine in individual cabins. PHOTO BY: RENE H. DILAN
Impacted by the global pandemic that rendered shipping and transport almost helpless against economic slowdown with ships and crew not able to transport people and cargos, the country's custodian of its maritime development stands at the aft, guiding a strong and resilient industry.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) celebrated its 47th year anniversary on June 1 with a renewed commitment to serve maritime stakeholders especially seafarers, who are heroes during the pandemic.