Mapúa MCL Sails Towards Achieving Maritime Sustainability: Dr. Reynaldo Vea’s Vision for Philippine Shipping by 2050
By: Ivana Ruth Vidal
Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, the Chairman and CEO of iPeople, Inc., and former President and CEO of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), delivered an impactful presentation on June 25, 2024, at the Francisco Balagtas Auditorium, Mapúa MCL. The talk titled “Net Zero for Philippine Shipping by 2050: A Possibility?”, explored the intricate challenges and promising opportunities the maritime industry faces in its quest for carbon neutrality, directly aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) on climate action.
This event also welcomed the following esteemed institutions and organizations from the government, academe, and industrial sectors:
- Philippine Coast Guard – Southern Tagalog
- Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
- Laguna Lake Development Authority
- UP Resilience Institute
- Asian Institute of Maritime Studies
- Panpacific University
- United Marine Training Center
- University of Batangas
- Colegio de San Juan de Letran
- Philippine Merchant Marine School
- MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy
- Philippine Transmarine Carriers
- Maibarara Geothermal Inc.
- Mitsui Shipping Lines
- Maersk-Filipinas Crewing Inc.
At the core of Dr. Vea’s lecture was the presentation of his research fellowship paper, “A Marine Transportation System for a Prosperous, Archipelagic, Maritime Nation,” written for the National Academy of Science and Technology-Philippines (NAST-PH). This paper drew extensively from PAGTANAW 2050, the Philippine Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) Foresight document, offering a comprehensive view of the future pathways for sustainable maritime development in the Philippines.
Dr. Vea emphasized the critical role of science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) in steering the maritime industry toward a sustainable future. Dr. Vea highlighted the need cohesive efforts across multiple sectors to achieve the ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The talk underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders from the government, academe, private sector, and research organizations.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from these external stakeholders, all eager to contribute to the discourse and explore collaborative opportunities. This multi-sectoral engagement aims to build upon Dr. Vea’s insights and foster meaningful partnerships that could drive the Philippine maritime industry towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
A highlight of the event was the engaging open forum session moderated by Ms. Jocelyn Bellin, Director of the Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement, who facilitated a dynamic and insightful discussion. Reactors C/E Mark Angelo Delmo from Euronav Ship Management and Mapúa MCL Alpha batch alumnus and Dr. Brandon Sibbaluca, MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy, contributed their expertise, providing valuable perspectives and questions that enriched the dialogue. Their participation emphasized the collaborative spirit of the event, expressing the importance of diverse viewpoints in addressing the complex challenges of achieving carbon neutrality in the maritime industry.
Mapúa MCL’s Commitment to Sustainability
Mapúa MCL’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond this event. The institution has been proactive in integrating sustainability into its core values and operations. For more information on Mapúa MCL’s sustainability initiatives and efforts, visit here.
Dr. Vea’s presentation is a significant step forward in the journey towards a net-zero future for the Philippine maritime industry. It not only provided a platform for sharing critical insights and research but also set the stage for future collaborations aimed at achieving sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 13.
This event symbolizes a pivotal moment in the collective effort to transform the maritime industry, highlighting the essential role of continued dialogue, research, and innovation in navigating the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.