New Bills Aim to Strengthen Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry
MANILA, Philippines—Two new bills were filed recently to strengthen the country’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry and to bring maritime jobs back home. The proposed laws seek to boost the sector by improving government support and incentives, creating more competitive maritime employment opportunities.
Rep. Nathaniel Oducado of 1Tahanan introduced House Bills No. 2597 and 2598, emphasizing the need to “bring maritime jobs home” while advancing the overall shipping sector. He stressed the importance of developing skilled labor, supporting supply chains, and enhancing vocational training to uplift coastal communities.
“Through these bills, we will create jobs in upskilled shipbuilding labor, support services, vocational training, supply chains, and coastal community development industries,” Oducado said. Adding to that, he highlighted the Philippines’ potential beyond just supplying seafarers, noting, “With over 578,000 Filipino seafarers deployed worldwide, the Philippines has the potential to lead not just in seafaring, but in the maritime industry as a whole.”
House Bill 2598: SBSR Development Bill
If approved, HB 2598, or the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) Development Bill, will assign new responsibilities to several government agencies. The Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will be mandated to support research, development, and institutional assistance for the SBSR industry.
House Bill 2597: Shipyard Industry Fiscal Incentives
Meanwhile, HB 2597, known as the Shipyard Industry Fiscal Incentives Bill, proposes amendments to fiscal policies to encourage investments in the SBSR sector. It offers tax exemptions on Value-Added Tax (VAT) and taxes on imported capital equipment and materials. Additionally, it introduces tax credits for capital equipment and incentives for green projects.
Job Creation Potential and Industry Impact
Citing estimates from international financial institutions, the new lawmaker explained that every direct job in shipbuilding can generate three to five indirect jobs. This ripple effect means the bills could potentially create up to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country.
Government statistics show that around 504,000 Filipino seafarers were deployed worldwide in 2024, reaffirming the Philippines as one of the top global suppliers of maritime labor. These bills aim to expand the country’s maritime footprint beyond seafaring to shipbuilding and repair, offering more opportunities for Filipinos domestically.
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