The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Tracy Cabrera
June 1 marks the 52nd founding anniversary of the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines (MARINA) with the theme ‘Sailing Better, Sailing Safer’.
In her anniversary message, Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted MARINA’S long-standing commitment to upgrade the local maritime industry while giving recognition to the agency’s partners who supported its programs of development throughout its five decades of genuine public service.
“Our partners and supporters, especially those in the maritime industry and our seafarers and their families, have given us invaluable contributions to attain our present standing,” Malaluan pointed out.
MARINA’s anniversary celebration underscored its ongoing mission to enhance and sustain the growth of the country’s maritime industry, fostering a collaborative environment with all its partners to promote transparency, education and industry innovation.
Just recently, it launched the Lakbay Alalay ng Gobyerno, or LAYAG, program in Batangas City, where an estimated 10 million sea passengers are set to benefit from government fare subsidies.
The program is in response to the fluctuating fuel prices driven by global energy disruptions. It aims to ease the burden on commuters who rely on maritime transport, while sustaining the standard operations of ship and boat operators.
Under MARINA Advisory No. 2026-20, the subsidy-based initiative espoused in the national government’s Service Contracting Program (SCP), covers approved fare increases across key domestic routes.
Malaluan cited that the program is anchored on compassion for commuters affected by rising costs.
“Alam ng MARINA ang bigat na dulot ng energy crisis sa ating mga kababayan. Sa pamamagitan ng LAYAG Program, sinisiguro natin na hindi mapuputol ang kanilang biyahe at hindi sila lubos na mabibigatan. Kaya narito ang gobyerno—umaalalay, at kumikilos,” the administrator noted.
Through the implementation of the LAYAG Program, participating operators will be provided with fare subsidies covering approved fare increases on 11 identified high-traffic and essential routes.
The subsidy will be computed based on actual passenger volume per trip and approved fare differentials under MARINA regulations, ensuring that passengers continue to pay only the pre-increase base fare while operators are compensated through government support.
Implemented under Republic Act No. 12314 (FY 2026 General Appropriations Act) and DOTr Department Order No. 2026-008, the program reflects a whole-of-government effort to safeguard both commuters and the continuity of maritime services amid global economic pressures.
According to Admin Malaluan, through LAYAG, the government is reaffirming its simple promise: “Sa bawat hampas ng alon ng buhay, may gobyernong handang umalalay sa bawat biyahe ng Pilipino.”