PPA mobilized its 25 PMOs nationwide for the National Maritime Week, promoting maritime awareness and sustainable port operations.
29 SEPTEMBER 2026 — Through the combined efforts of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), this year’s host agency, the 2026 National Maritime Week (NMW) celebration reached port and coastal communities nationwide, with PPA mobilizing its 25 Port Management Offices (PMOs) for activities under the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo).
Carrying the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” the observance opened on September 19 with the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). PPA personnel and stakeholders joined simultaneous cleanups at Baseco Beach, Manila Dolomite Beach, Seaside by the Bay, Mall of Asia, the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park, and other coastal areas, with all PMOs conducting activities in their respective areas.
On September 21, PPA supported the dressing of ships and the simultaneous three-minute sounding of ships’ horns in observance of National Maritime Week (NMW) and National Seafarers’ Day. The agency also participated in the NMW 2026 press conference which provided updates on the celebration, MANA Mo activities, sector developments, and maritime safety initiatives.
The celebration also highlighted social responsibility and inclusion through a blood donation drive at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal, Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila, on September 22. PPA likewise participated in the forum, “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence – Voices of Resilient Women in Maritime in Promoting Blue Economy.”
During the Women Leaders Panel, PMO NCR-South Station Commander Melinda Cerbito and Harbor Master Cristina Gorospe shared their experiences as women leaders in the maritime sector, including workplace stereotypes and the resilience and leadership required in their respective roles.
Filipino seafarers were also honored through “Harana Para sa Marino” on September 23. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Harmonic Band led the performance, while the PPA Chorale delivered a musical tribute recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of seafarers and their contribution to the maritime industry.
PPA’s environmental agenda also took center stage during the International Workshop on Port, Shipping and People: Safety and Competencies in the Decarbonization Era, held on September 23 and 24 at the Diamond Hotel Manila.
The workshop brought together local and international stakeholders to discuss maritime safety, workforce competencies, training, emerging technologies, and the operational implications of decarbonization. PPA presented its port decarbonization initiatives, including the PPA Port Environment Code or “Green Code,” Green Port initiatives, and the Green Port Award System (GPAS), while highlighting digitalization as a tool for environmental monitoring and port efficiency.
Environmental efforts continued on September 25 through tree planting activities in various parts of the country. PPA personnel, port stakeholders, and partner organizations from participating PMOs such as Agusan, Bicol, Bohol, Davao, Eastern Leyte/Samar, Masbate, Mindoro, NCR-North, NCR-South, SOCSARGEN, and Western Leyte/Biliran joined the initiative in support of the restoration and protection of green spaces in and around port communities. More broadly, PPA’s environmental initiatives have contributed to the planting of 4 million trees by all PMOs as of September 2026.
Meanwhile, PPA joined the observance of World Maritime Day 2026 by illuminating their facilities nationwide in blue, symbolizing solidarity with the global maritime community and recognizing the role of ports in supporting safe, efficient, and sustainable trade and travel.
The NMW observance concluded on September 27 with MARINA passing the torch to the PCG, which will host next year’s celebration. The turnover highlighted the continuing cooperation among maritime agencies in sustaining the annual observance and advancing the country’s maritime sector.
Through its participation in the 2026 National Maritime Week, PPA brought the celebration’s theme from policy into practice through initiatives supporting environmental stewardship, social responsibility, maritime awareness, and sustainable port operations.
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