Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Naming and Delivery Ceremony of Hull No. SC443, A Deadweight Tonnage 81,200 Metric Ton Type Methanol Dual-Fuel Kamsarmax Bulk Carrier

Thank you very much to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aboitiz Group of Companies, Mr. Sabin Aboitiz, for your kind introduction. [Please be seated.]

The officials and employees of Tsuneishi Group Corporation led by President Katsushige Kambara; the Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso Panga; Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Sonya Malaluan; Cebu Provincial Governor Pam Baricuatro; and the Cebu 3rd District Representative Karen Hope Garcia; Balamban Municipal Mayor Amos Cabahug; our distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Maayong adlaw kaninyong tanan!

Before we start, let us take a moment of silence for the victims of the landfill incident in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, last January 08.

As search and rescue operations continue, we offer our prayers for the souls of the departed and strength to their grieving families. Please, a moment of silence.

Please be assured that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure safety, transparency, accountability, and compassionate assistance. Burial support and other forms of aid are now being directed to those who have been affected by this tragedy.

Let us stand in solidarity with our fellow Filipinos during this difficult time.

Today, as we witness the delivery of the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier—the KAMSARMAX Vessel SC-443—we mark a historic milestone for Philippine shipbuilding.

This achievement sends a clear message to the whole world: The Philippines is ready to lead in the global transition towards low-carbon and sustainable maritime transport.

This occasion not only celebrates the launching of a vessel; it is also a celebration of progress and of innovation. And above all, we celebrate the Filipino capacity to rise to the challenge of a rapidly changing world.

This accomplishment stands as an example of what can be achieved through strong international partnerships. The collaboration between Japan and the Philippines—between the Tsuneishi Group and the Aboitiz Group—brings together advanced ship design, skilled Filipino labor, and a robust domestic manufacturing base.

While this project is a product of bilateral cooperation, it is also, and very importantly, a showcase of Filipino craftsmanship, ingenuity, and competitiveness.

It proves, once again, that what is made in the Philippines can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of anywhere in the world.

The KAMSARMAX Vessel SC-443 is designed to significantly reduce emission of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides.

It places the Philippines firmly on the map as a future-ready maritime manufacturing hub—aligned with International Maritime Organization decarbonization targets and global sustainability standards.

It is especially vital as we move towards green shipping: an approach that embraces cleaner fuels, optimized vessel design, improved energy management, and sustainable shipping corridors.

They are concrete steps towards protecting our environment while continuing to grow the economy.

And why does this matter?

Because as global regulations become stricter, the demand for low-emission and alternative-fuel vessels will only grow. Philippine shipyards that can deliver these vessels gain access to premium international markets.

Green vessels also open doors to sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, and climate finance, bringing new investment into our shipbuilding sector.

And beyond shipyards, this transition fuels growth in ancillary industries—advanced marine components, coatings, materials, and energy-efficient systems—strengthening the entire manufacturing ecosystem.

We are one of the world’s largest shipbuilding nations.

As of November 2025, we have over 130 registered shipyards nationwide employing over 11,000 workers. Seventy percent of whom are skilled professionals such as welders and fitters.

In 2024, we constructed 484 vessels, from fishing boats to passenger and cargo ships. This only shows that this industry continues to be vibrant, dynamic, and is growing.

This Administration also remains fully committed to strengthening the shipbuilding and ship repair industry by enhancing its competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic capacity.

We have the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or the CREATE Law to provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to encourage modernization, the adoption of low-carbon technologies, and higher-value manufacturing.

May the delivery of this methanol-fueled KAMSARMAX vessel stand as a symbol of what we can achieve when innovation meets purpose.

To our partners and stakeholders: May this project inspire deeper investments in skills development, technology, and high-value employment for Filipino workers.

By continuing to invest in green technologies and advanced manufacturing, we are shaping the Philippines into a future-ready maritime hub that can meet the evolving demands of global trade.

So together, let us shape a Bagong Pilipinas that champions economic growth, industrial self-reliance, and national security—and continue to proudly showcase Filipino excellence to the rest of the world.

Maraming-maraming salamat po.

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!

Magandang umaga sa inyong lahat. [applause]

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