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Maritime Industry Authority and Philippine Coast Guard have lower budgets for 2021 compared to 2020, while the Civil Aeronautics Board got a higher allocation than last year’s
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Operations and programs take up most of the agencies’ budgets
Sister transport agencies Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have been given lower budgets for 2021 compared to their 2020 allotments, while the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) got a higher allocation this year than it did last year.
MARINA has been allocated P765.816 million for this year, slightly lower by 0.7% from its P771.317 million budget last year, according to the 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA) signed on December 28, 2020.
PCG’s budget for this year is likewise down; at P13.209 billion, it is 13.2% less than the P15.221 billion for 2020.
CAB’s budget for this year is set at P203.866 million, 44.5% higher than its P143.123 million budget last year.
MARINA’s appropriations are mainly for use in operations, which will have a P607.560 million share of the budget.
In addition to MARINA’s 2021 budget, a special provision of P25.346 million will be used to promote and develop the domestic shipping industry, enhance maritime safety, and promote the shipbuilding and ship repair industry. This provision will be sourced from the annual tonnage fees collected from ship owners or operators.
Majority, or P7.808 billion, of PCG’s allocation will also go to operations, including procuring patrol boats, aids to navigation, vessel traffic system and maritime communications; operating the National Coast Watch Center; shore- and sea-based operations; and enforcing flag and port state control inspections.
For CAB, the bulk of its budget, or P115.519 million of the total, will also be for operational use, particularly on programs for air transport development and regulation, as well as for air passenger bill of rights.
MARINA’s performance targets include a 10% increase in the number of operating merchant ships and 50% increase in the number of Filipino seafarers certified of meeting international standards.
For PCG, it must maintain a 99% successful search and rescue response, 2% decline in marine pollution accidents, and 1% decrease in reported maritime safety accidents, among others.
For 2021, CAB’s performance targets still include a 7% increase in seat capacity and 10% growth in the number of operated routes. Seven air agreements/negotiations should also be initiated or acted upon within the year.
The agencies’ other sister bodies are the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and Philippine Ports Authority, both of which are government-owned and controlled companies with fiscal autonomy.
READ: DOTr’s 2021 budget 12.3% less than previous year’s
Mother agency Department of Transportation, meanwhile, has been given a P72.878 billion budget for 2021, or 12.3% lower than its P83.065 billion budget last year.
