A CEBU-BASED official is being considered as the next Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) administrator.
Cebu Port Authority (CPA) General Manager Angelo Verdan confirmed yesterday he is one of the many officials being considered for the post vacated by Ma. Elena Bautista, who was named by President Arroyo as the new director general of the Presidential Management Staff.
However, Verdan said he doesn’t want to elaborate on the offer as he does not want to make a premature announcement.
When sought for comment, representatives of the shipping industry in Cebu said they welcome Verdan as Bautista’s replacement due to his work experience as CPA general manager.
Chester Cokaliong of Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc. said Verdan has the “humility” when it comes to dealing with local shipowners.
“He has humility, dili gyud siya hambugero,” said Cokaliong.
Cokaliong, who is a past president of the Visayas Association of Ferryboat and Coastwise Service Operators (VAFCSO), added that he and fellow ship owners have a good relationship with Verdan as CPA general manager.
Jose Emery Roble of Roble Shipping Lines Inc. and a member of VAFCSO’s board of directors, also agreed with Cokaliong.
He said Verdan, as CPA general manager, has always been very diplomatic when it comes to dealing with ship owners.
Roble said he is always willing to listen to the shipping industry’s stakeholders and would always coordinate with them if necessary.
Earlier, VAFCSO asked for the ouster of Bautista, citing her “strict” memorandum circulars that they considered unreasonable and untenable.
They threatened to hold a shipping holiday last March 1.