Noy appoints Abaya classmate as new Marina head

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has appointed a new administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).

Forty-eight-year-old Maximo Mejia Jr. took his oath before Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya last Monday. Mejia and Abaya were classmates at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, both graduating in 1988.

He replaces acting administrator Nicasio Conti.

“I have tasked professor Mejia to bring Marina up to par with international standards in all aspects of the Philippine maritime sector,” Abaya said in a statement. “His credentials and mastery of the industry give me full faith in his ability to do just that.”

Abaya also thanked Conti for his stewardship of the agency following the resignation of Marina administrator Emerson Lorenzo.

Mejia, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for his appointment and his willingness to serve.

“I am grateful for the confidence bestowed upon me by President Aquino and Secretary Abaya. I wish to acknowledge the men and women of Marina for their dedication in promoting the safety, security, productivity, and economic viability of shipping... I look forward to joining their ranks in providing the Filipino people with the service they truly deserve,” he said.

He said the agency would spend “tremendous efforts” to prepare for the European Maritime Safety Agency audit in October on the country’s Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping compliance.  

Mejia spent 15 years as professor in graduate studies at the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden.

From 1998, Mejia taught post-graduate studies in maritime transport safety, security, and environmental protection at WMU, where he was also head of its Maritime Law and Policy department. 

He also served in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Navy in various capacities from 1988 to 1998.

He also served as deputy executive director for the Secretariat of the Multi-Sectoral Task Force on Maritime Development under the Office of the President.

In 1991 and 1992, he served as deck and gunnery officer of the BRP Bessang Pass, a search and rescue ship of the PCG, and mess and supply officer of the BRP Rajah Humabon and midshipman of the US Navy from 1985 to 1987.

The new Marina administrator is also an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy, a member of the US Naval Academy Alumni Association and a member of the Hyllie Park Kyrkan and Shaolin Wushu/Kickboxing in Malmo, Sweden.

He is also a member of the US Naval Institute, Maritime League, Ergonomics Society of Sweden and International Economics and Development Research Center.

New DTI, PNOC executives

The President has also appointed Blessila Lantayona as assistant secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry and Ruel Paclipan and Arell Bañes as provincial directors.

Aquino also designated Ralph Pastor Salazar as a member of the board of directors of the Renewables Corp. of the Philippine National Oil Co. – With Rainier Allan Ronda, Lawrence Agcaoili