Press Release
July 28, 2015

SPONSORSHIP SPEECH
SBN 2482
CRN 181

AN ACT TO REGULATE AND MODERNIZE THE PRACTICE OF NAVAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies & Gentlemen:

Your Committee on Civil Service and Government Reorganization has the honor to sponsor Senate Bill No. 2482, also known as the "Naval Architecture Law," under Committee Report No. 181.

Filipino seafarers comprise one of the biggest segments of the global mariner population. The exceptional skills and work ethic of Filipinos have made them the world's seafarer of choice. The dominant position of Filipinos in the global maritime industry also encompasses the shipbuilding sector, where our naval architects are highly valued and very much sought after.

Our seafarers, and more particularly, our naval architects, have brought significant recognition as well as economic contributions to our country. Given their prominence, it is just right that our government provide them with suitable framework which would allow them to work properly and efficiently in a country and at the same time, give them the opportunity to compete and be at par with their counterparts abroad.

The current practice of naval architecture in the country is governed by Republic Act No. 4565 or the "Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Law," which was enacted in 1965. Rapid globalization coupled with the fast-paced advances in maritime technology made the five decade-old Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Law outdate. Thus, SBN 2482 seeks to replace the existing law with a new measure that is responsive to the current needs and practice of the naval architecture profession.

In particular, this measure seeks to:

  • Revise and update the definition of Naval Architecture;

  • Update and modernize the scope of the professional practice;

  • Strengthen the Professional Regulatory Board of Naval Architecture;

  • Outline the procedure and requirements for licensure examination and registration;

  • Enhance professional competence through mandatory continuing professional development and research; and

  • Provide for a foreign reciprocity provision which will allow a foreign registered naval architect to practice in the country; provided that his country of origin will similarly allow Filipino naval architects to practice within his country.

Finally, we cannot overemphasize the importance of this measure to our maritime industry. The enactment of this bill into law will give our talented and competent professional naval architects the boost they need to provide a new regulatory framework which is attuned to the latest international practices and standards.

With the full ASEAN integration happening soon, we envision that this law will provide our shipbuilders with the necessary competitive edge to secure our country's position as a leading global maritime nation.

In view of the foregoing, I urge this august chamber to support the early passage of this measure.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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