As part of its 15th Anniversary, Marino World has organized The Challenge Ahead, a webinar on Friday, November 20, 2020 PHST, 17:00 SGT Singapore, 09:00 GMT London, 04:00 EST Miami, 13:00 GST UAE, 17:00 CST China, 18:00 JST Tokyo.

The webinar is open and transparent to recognize problems and consider solutions, even possibly critique and criticize national maritime direction.

Marino World has always participated in like webinars, including in the three recent US-sponsored global projects to espouse its sovereign advocacy. But Marino World has noticed these have shortfalls on particular interests of Philippine maritime.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is the sole Maritime Administrator of the Philippines. Administrator Robert Arugay Empedrad may lead the agency in the discussions, basically on Question and Answer (Q&A) format between the MARINA and maritime industry majors.

Reach out.

The Challenge is between regulators and stakeholders, on policy and implementation, of protocols and alternatives, even a national Bayanihan for the international market as Filipino seafarers compose a third of the global force, at least.

Retired Vice-Admiral Empedrad as main guest is the best authority to present plans, updates  and actions of Government on quarantine protocols, Green Lane and crew change in Manila, SBMA, Bataan, Batangas, Cebu and Davao ports, too.

The man.

While the MARINA leadership has been a revolving door, Empedrad appears to hold the three imperatives: presidential trust, management skills, incorruptibility. And more, he believes it better to “take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” (Psalm 118.8).

Born February 3, 1964 in Tuguegarao City, son of an official of the Bureau of Forestry whose career suffered for adamantly refusing to allow illegal loggers to operate, in spite the direct orders of higher executives and politicians.

Robert dreams of being an Electronic Engineer but was enrolled in Chemical Engineering; graduated in 1986 from the Phil Military Academy (PMA), with the “Sinagtala” batch. His then co-cadet Ronald Dela Rosa egged him to exchange pingpong balls which designated their service assignment. Dela Rosa did not like his pick, the Navy, while Empedrad really did not care. But, they exchanged, the rest is history: Dela Rosa became Chief of PNP, Empedrad, Chief of the Navy.

Empedrad earned a Masters degree from the Phil Christian University (PCU-Dasmarinas City); took the US Naval Staff Course at the US Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island; the Senior Executive Course at the National University; the Senior Strategic Leadership Program at the Defence Academy of Britain.

Postings.

He commanded five ships of the Naval fleet, and task forces in Western Mindanao, battle-tested in the Moro conflicts in Mindanao and decades of Communist rebellion.

He was with the Navy for 34 years (1986 to 2020), became the 37th Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) and retired as Vice Admiral in February 03, 2020. Pres. Duterte appointed him Administrator of the MARINA on March 2nd, assumed office in March 16th, his first civilian task.

Teaming.

Some reactors may come from IMEC, ICS, InterManager, Intertanko, Intercargo and similar international organizations. But unless formally confirmed, Marino World is being discreet, yet.

Among early major sponsors of The Challenge are AMOSUP, Globe, WMOC, OSM, Dohle Seafront, Poseidon, Pag-ibig Fund with web seats for shipowners/shipmanagement, licensed manning agencies (LMAs), seafarer unions, auxiliaries & charities.

Select media may observe muted but may pose questions via the chatroom.

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