Shipowners told to prioritize delivery of relief goods

CEBU, Philippines — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) orders shipowners to prioritize delivery of relief items, while the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) takes care of stranded passengers in ports.

MARINA Administrator Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said domestic vessels were allowed to sail to prevent the stranding of passengers at ports and terminals and to assist in the delivery of relief goods to areas hit hard by “Odette.”

Empedrad directed all MARINA regional directors to undertake swift coordination with shipowners whose ships were unaffected by the typhoon to resume their operations and to prioritize in the carriage of relief operations.

Empedrad also directed designated MARINA safety engineers to assess the condition of ships as soon as possible and ensure that they are seaworthy and that their Certificates of Public Convenience, Special Permit or other authority to Operate are valid before they are authorized to sail.

As for passengers who were left stranded at the affected ports, Transport Secretary Art Tugade instructed the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to provide them with light meals and to ensure that their safety and convenience are maintained during their stay at the ports and terminals.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has started efforts to restore airport operations in areas affected by “Odette,” to include interim measures to resume operations without compromising safety, repair of damaged passenger terminal buildings (PTBs), other infrastructure and installations, and to check on the condition of CAAP workers who were affected by the typhoon.

According to CAAP Director General Capt. Jim C. Sydiongco, he will be heading a CAAP technical team composed of the heads of the Aerodrome Development and Management Service (ADMS), Air Traffic and Air Navigation which will assess the repair works needed at the Siargao, Surigao, Maasin and Mactan airports from 19 December to 20 December 2021.

Sydiongco said the inspection team will also be delivering needed communication equipment to restore needed coordination at the typhoon-affected airports. In addition, CAAP, he said, is now exploring sources to fund the needed airport repairs.

The heads themselves will be going in order to make immediate and final decisions on actions to be taken. In coordination with the management team, CAAP has been exploring sources of fund for the needed repairs, including possible realignment of funds,” DG Sydiongco said.