Manila, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Modernizing Government Regulations Program (MGRP), delivered a series of interventions under the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) capability development program for the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in 2024. These interventions aimed to enhance MARINA’s regulatory efficiency and effectiveness, starting with a Basic Course on RIA held on August 13-16, an Advanced Course on RIA conducted on October 14-18 and 21, and culminating with a Technical Revalida on the Results of the RIA on December 4-5.

The sessions were facilitated by MGRP Program Manager Lea Peralta, MGRP Fellow Reuel Hermoso, and Productivity Development and Research Office Project Officer Adelina Alvarez. The program upskilled key officers and technical staff from 13 MARINA units, namely: Domestic Shipping Service; Enforcement Service; Legal Service; Franchising Service; Planning and Policy Service; Management Financial Administrative Service; Manpower Development Service; Standards Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping Office; Maritime Safety Services; Overseas Shipping Service; Shipyards Regulation Service; Marine Environment Protection Development Service; and Management Information Systems Service.

Key Insights and Outputs

The Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is a critical tool for reviewing and analyzing regulations to ensure their effectiveness, efficiency, and overall benefit for stakeholders. To maintain the integrity of the RIA, it employs the proportionality principle and stakeholder consultations to determine the appropriate depth and scope of analyses, establish the legitimacy of regulations, and enhance compliance respectively. 

Through this program, six MARINA regulations were subjected to the RIA process, including:

1. Rules and Regulations on the Grant of Operational Flexibility to Philippine-Registered Ships
2. Rules and Regulations on the Mandatory Insurance Coverage for Seafarers Employed in Philippine Domestic-Registered Ships
3. Rules and Regulations on the Mandatory Minimum Requirements in the Assessment and Certification of Officers-in-Charge of a Navigational Watch and Masters under Regulations II/3 of the Standards of training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention, 1978, as amended
4. Revised Rules and Regulations for Ship Plans Approval of Existing, New Construction, Conversion, Alteration, Modification, Rebuilding of Philippine-Registered Ships
5. Rules and Regulations on the Enhancement of ROPAX (Roll On/Roll Off Passenger) and Passenger Ships Safety
6. Revised Schedule of Administrative Fines and Penalties for Violation of MARINA Rules and Regulations

Using various analytical methods, MARINA units conducted RIA on the identified regulations, producing comprehensive assessments as outputs. This effort aims to create well-rounded, effective regulations that balance safety, environmental protection, economic efficiency, and stakeholder interests. The program marks a significant step toward fostering a sustainable and responsible maritime sector in the Philippines.

Call to Action

To gain a better understanding about Regulatory Impact Assessment and how the Modernizing Government Regulations Program can help regulatory agencies elevate their capabilities, contact (02) 8631-2163, email mgr@dap.edu.ph, or visit https://mgr.dap.edu.ph.