Dear mindful reader,
I pray you are well and safe in the loving comfort of your family.
Just recently, heads of various international ports visited the Port of Subic Bay in Zambales as it hosted the 23rd Internet Network of Affiliated Ports.
So here’s my story…The Port of Subic was all hands on deck as it hosted the 23rd Conference of the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) at this premier Freeport from October 16 to 17, with local and foreign port officials discussing the need for environmental protection amidst maritime progress.
With this year's theme “Promoting Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness,” the two-day conference allowed heads of ports to share their best practices in port and environmental management, creating a benchmark for all ports to achieve in ensuring that the environment is protected as operations in their ports continue to develop.
Over 250 delegates and guests attended this year’s INAP conference who were mostly from the Ports of Kochi in Japan, Port of Mokpo in Korea, Port of Qingdao in China, Port of Tanjung Perak in Indonesia, and Ports of Cebu and Davao in the Philippines.
To heighten awareness on environmental protection and preservation in port operations and disaster risk reduction and management, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño pushed for this year’s theme to focus on the significance of addressing the adverse effects of climate change through environmental protection initiatives.
During the General Assembly, Aliño accepted the chairmanship of the INAP from predecessor Seiji Hamada, Governor of Kochi Prefecture, who was represented by Port of Kochi’s Head of Delegation Kazuhiko Yokochi.
The SBMA official also presented a Green Manifesto that was signed by all INAP member ports, citing that, “The manifesto shall stand as a testament of our dedication to safeguarding the marine environment while fostering responsible growth aligned with international sustainability standards to benefit and nurture future generations.”
A general symposium was held at the Subic Grand Harbor Hotel where SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Operations Ronnie Yambao formally welcomed the delegates of the conference.
"Speaking of sustainability, we have witnessed this morning the signing of the Green Manifesto. This is our declaration of commitment to protecting the marine environment and promotion of plans and programs that will lead to carbon-neutral ports with improved disaster preparedness and resilience,” Yambao said.
Presentations highlighting each member port’s best practices and plans on port resiliency and environmental protection were also discussed.
Meanwhile, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Operations Atty. Martin Kristoffer Roman shared the best practices of the Freeport, highlighting the Agency’s conservation efforts in line with its environmental mandate of maintaining the ecosystem as a precursor to sustainable economic development.
Future projects and programs of the SBMA were also disclosed, including the installation of the first shore power facility in the country that can handle large vessels, procurement of additional oil spill containment booms and oil skimmers, and investment in several digitalization projects that will exponentially increase the Freeport's efficiency and responsiveness.
Roman also revealed that the secret of Subic's success in maintaining a sustainable port was its community citing, “To maintain a thriving port city like the Port of Subic Bay entails a strong and deep relationship between the community and its port – a community that cares for its port and a port that cares for its community.”
When asked about his plans as chairman of the INAP, Chairman Aliño said, “I envision a future where our network not only strengthens our individual ports but also enhances our collective impact on the global stage. Together, we will promote best practices, share knowledge, and foster sustainable development.”
During the second day of the conference, a Tree Planting activity was held at the Malawaan Park led by the heads of the delegations. The group, along with their delegations, also toured the New Container Terminal as well as the Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc.
Now my sweet intelligent mindful readers…It’s just a matter of time before the entire maritime industry fully converts facilities to conform to eco-friendly standards.
There’s hope for our planet after all.
Love and light,
iamempress22
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