NEDA calls for upgrades of safety and security strategies The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has called on the maritime sector to upgrade safety and security strategies as well as infrastructure, in line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016.Assistant director-general Ruperto P. Majuca said in a statement that the government aims to promote investments in the shipbuilding industry by focusing on identified markets such as Korea and Japan.By 2014, NEDA expects investments in the industry to grow by P93 billion."With this development, the Philippines could be the fourth-largest shipbuilding nation in the world in the next five to 10 years," Majuca said.Aside from this, Majuca said that the government would continue to explore the development of port facilities through public-private partnership (PPP)."Identified port development projects through PPP would help boost tourism by servicing interisland and international cruise vessels. Postharvest facility projects would also include development of port or transport facilities, in terms of handling agricultural products," explained Majuca.Majuca said the PDP 2011-2016 endeavors to ensure a safe, secure, integrated, and coordinated transport network, including improving the country's roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal system that will enhance interisland logistics.Majuca noted that the maritime sector has been plagued by more than ...
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