MANILA, Philippines: The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator, Hernani Nieves Fabia, has recently resigned from his position after less than two years in office. This development has prompted Deputy Administrator Nanette Villamor-Dinopol to step in as the officer-in-charge (OIC) administrator.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted Fabia’s resignation on Wednesday, following its submission two weeks ago. Fabia’s appointment in July 2022 was primarily aimed at ensuring the employment of Filipino seafarers.
During Fabia’s tenure at Marina, the Philippines achieved a significant milestone by securing a position in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2024-2025 biennium. This achievement grants the country voting rights and a global platform to advocate for Filipino seafarers, the Philippine ship registry, shipbuilding, and other maritime-related industries. It aligns with the nation’s goal of cultivating a safe, sustainable, future-ready, environmentally sound, and green maritime industry.
The Philippines received an overwhelming 136 votes from IMO Member States, elevating its rank from 16th in 2021 to 7th this year. Category C comprises 20 states with a special interest in maritime transport or navigation, ensuring representation from all major geographic areas of the world.
In addition, the country successfully underwent a mandatory audit under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) from October 2 to 9. This rigorous assessment evaluated the nation’s adherence to IMO instruments, reflecting its commitment to global maritime standards. The Philippines reportedly received positive feedback, further strengthening its position as a responsible maritime nation.
Under Fabia’s leadership, Marina also addressed deficiencies in the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and Code. The measures taken demonstrated concrete progress and improvement in compliance with the requirements of the STCW Convention, leading to the continued recognition of certificates for Filipino seafarers by the European Commission.
Following Fabia’s resignation, Deputy Administrator Nanette Villamor-Dinopol will assume the position of officer-in-charge (OIC) administrator until a new administrator is appointed by the president. Dinopol will carry out the functions and responsibilities of her position in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.
Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista clarified that Dinopol will be entitled to all benefits and allowances associated with the designation, except for the basic salary, in compliance with existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations.
The resignation of Administrator Fabia and the subsequent appointment of Dinopol as the officer-in-charge administrator mark a significant transition for the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina). It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the ongoing efforts to ensure the welfare and employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers, as well as the country’s continued progress in the global maritime industry.
With Carmela I. Huelar
Source: The Manila Times
