Marcos accepts resignation of Marina chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos accepted yesterday the resignation of Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) administrator Sonia Malaluan, who served the agency for almost 37 years.

“As far as I know – yes, it’s confirmed – it was accepted,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said.

In an official statement, Marina announced that Malaluan submitted her resignation letter to the Office of the President, stating her intention to retire effective Oct. 1 or until the President appoints a new administrator or designates an acting administrator.

“Pending the designation of a successor, Administrator Malaluan continues to perform her duties and responsibilities, in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations,” Marina said in a statement.

The agency said it was the 60-year-old Malaluan’s “personal decision” to retire.

She was appointed by Marcos to head Marina on Dec.18, 2023, replacing Hernani Fabia.

Marina expressed its “appreciation to Administrator Malaluan for her service and leadership, and for her contributions to the continued development of the Philippine maritime industry.”

The maritime agency also assured stakeholders, partners and the maritime public that Marina will continue to operate, implement its programs and provide services without interruption during this change in leadership.

Marina said its officials and personnel would remain committed to fulfilling the agency’s mandate.

During her term as administrator, Malaluan followed a 10-point agenda, “Chartering a Clean Course: Safe Sailing Together” as her guide in targeting initiatives and priorities.

She pushed for digitalization of the agency’s frontline services such as blockchain enabled certification, enhanced the Integrated Seafarers’ Management Online, Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software, established a Shipping Online Ticketing System, developed the Public Assistance Information System, an Online Client Satisfactory Survey, and QR code-based feedback system to enhance maritime safety onboard inter-island passenger ships.

Malaluan rose from the ranks at Marina. Prior to being appointed as administrator, she served as deputy administrator for planning and was previously director of the agency’s different offices such as National Capital Region, manpower development, domestic shipping and management, financial and administrative services.

She was also a maritime attaché to London from December 2018 until December 2021.