“ Now that we are re-elected, we assure the sector that we will continue to engage them in dialogues and consultations to determine all pressing concerns and get them resolved. ” • Provided P16.4M of medical assistance to seafarers and their families through guaranty letters used in various government hospitals throughout the nation; • Granted P42M worth of scholarship and educational assistance to about 2,514 students; and • Assisted in pioneering the first Maritime High School with its first batch graduating this year to complement the K-12 Program of government. Even before the inception of the 17th Congress, numerous opportunities have presented itself for ANGKLA with its Representative Jess Manalo, as a second termer, already requested by the party list coalition to be part of the negotiation panel for discussions with the group of incoming speaker Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez in the committee preference of its members. ANGKLA is optimistic that it can retain its membership in congressional committees, which generally hear the most salient issues and pass relevant laws, such as committee on Transport, Labor, Overseas Workers, and Foreign Affairs, to name a few. This opportunity likewise opens greater possibilities for Cong. Manalo to be granted a Committee vice or chairmanship position, as the new Congress can easily acknowledge the need to utilize his legal expertise and experience as a hardworking legislator. This newly designated authority will certainly allow the industry’s representative to introduce more policy
reforms in government both of maritime and national importance. With more bills relevant to the maritime still pending to be passed, it is indeed great news for the industry to maintain its voice in Congress. Ready to get back to work for the next Congress, which convenes on 25 July 2016, ANGKLA, in its social media account expressed its gratitude to its supporters and called on everyone to “go full throttle (with them) towards a more vibrant maritime Philippines.” ANGKLA intends to pursue within the next 3 years, its 7-Point Agenda: (1) Establish a formidable research platform that identifies, reviews, and establishes policies to propel the maritime industry; (2) Enhance the role of our Maritime Administration as both effective government regulator, and visionary industry enabler; (3) Focus on generating inclusive growth employment opportunities within the broad maritime industry; (4) Implement the development of modern and integrated maritime infrastructure; (5) Push for maritime legislative agenda that aligns the development of the maritime industry at par with international standards;
(7) Institute effective reintegration plans or livelihood entrepreneurship programs for seafarers. “We will not be able to fulfill any of our advocacies sans the help of the various stakeholders of the maritime community, who truly believe in us. Our sector leaders all over the country strongly campaigned and volunteered to organize in their area to ensure that ANGKLA’s performance and vision are made known to as many people and stakeholders of the maritime industry. We are grateful to them. Now that we are re-elected, we assure the sector that we will continue to engage them in dialogues and consultations to determine all pressing concerns and get them resolved.”, Manalo said, in an interview. Indeed, given Cong Manalo’s chiselsharp performance, ANGKLA earned the respect and open endorsement of major maritime associations like the Joint Manning Group (JMG), Filipino Shipowners Association (FSA) and Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SONAME). ANGKLA boasts of a very strong bench, considering its five nominees are maritime and legal experts: (1st) Rep. Jesulito Manalo, son of a ship captain, a maritime lawyer; (2nd) Capt. Ronaldo Enrile, senior executive in a major shipping group; (3rd) Atty. Augusto Perez Jr.; (4th) Chief Engineer Petercon A. Lugue; and (5th) Atty. Bernadette Yanzon Blanco.
(6) Promote the development of a tax regime that will support the continued development of the Philippine maritime industry; and MARINO WORLD
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