Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said on Tuesday the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has approved the distribution of free seaman’s book to first time seafarers, while granting a 50-percent discount to those who will file for renewal.
“The price of a seamen’s book is around P1,000 to P1,800, depending on where you will get it. For first time seamen, this will be given for free during the term of President Duterte,” he said.
A seaman’s book is used to record sea service on board commercial vessels and fishing vessels. It also contains the information about the vessel as well as the position or rank of its holder.
Duterte commended Tugade for this, along with his other initiatives in helping Filipinos during the pandemic.
“Your resolve to produce results from your work is commendable. You are an ideal worker of government,” President Duterte said in response to the announcement.
CTAP lauds PPA
IN another development, the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) lauded the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for implementing a single document serving as Accreditation, Permit to Operate and vehicle pass in all ports controlled by the agency as well as private ports.
CTAP President Maria Zapata said the move is “in accordance with the policy direction of the government particularly in the ease of doing business in the country.”
“This promotes ease of doing business in the logistics sector by eliminating various permits, licenses and passing through stickers of truckers by economic zones, ports and local government units,” she added.
The new guidelines, which took effect on January 13, dubbed as Transportation Accreditation, Permits and Pass for Ports or TAPPP rationalizes the existing process in consideration of RA 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Gov’t Service Delivery Act.
TAPPP is recognized in all ports nationwide. However, this is exclusive of the commercial and technical service arrangements of port service providers and terminal operators to facilitate and expedite transactions with port users.
“With several months more before this government steps down from power, we will be implementing several measures more to guarantee swift and convenient transaction with the PPA,” PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said.
The TAPPP is valid for a period of 3 years from date of issuance. An application for renewal shall be filed not later than 60 days before expiration of the TAPPP. 30