Tacloban City (September 13) -- The Philippine Ports Authority as the lead agency of this year's upcoming National Maritime Week celebration, hosted an interagency meeting on September 9, 2010 in preparation for the activities that will be conducted in the Region.

PPA Port Manager Winfred Elizalde informed that the National Maritime Week Celebration will be conducted on September 20 ? 26, 2010, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 556 that mandates the promotion of the maritime sector and the welfare of seafarers.

Manager Elizalde added that pursuant to Proclamation No. 1560 issued on July 17, 2008, the last Friday of September every year is celebrated as National Maritime Day "for the purpose of focusing the public attention on seafarer's welfare and maritime concerns."

The celebration will kick off on September 20 with the simultaneous blowing of ship horns nationwide and dressing of ships docked at the Tacloban Port.

Other activities will be jointly undertaken by the water sector of the Department of Transportation and Communication (PCG,Maritime Industry Authority and Philippine Port Authority) in partnership with shipping companies, seafarer's organization and maritime schools.

Among these activities being considered are motorcade, fire drill on September 24, and coastal clean-up on September 25, among others.

The PPA manager said that this year's celebration also aims to raise the level of public consciousness on issues and concerns affecting maritime safety and the marine environment.

Manager Elizalde said that the maritime sector continues to find ways to integrate efforts in preparing for the effects of new challenges in the maritime front as it impacts maritime activities in the country.