MANILA, Philippines — Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, 60, is retiring after nearly 37 years of service in the agency, closing a government career that began in 1989 and eventually brought her to MARINA’s highest post.

MARINA officially confirmed that Malaluan formally submitted to the Office of the President her intent to retire effective October 1, 2026, or until a new Administrator or Acting Administrator is designated. Pending the designation of her successor, she continues to perform her duties and responsibilities.

Malaluan joined MARINA in November 1989 as Management and Audit Analyst I. She subsequently held a wide range of positions, including Chief Accountant, director of several MARINA services and regional offices, Maritime Attaché in London, Deputy Administrator for Planning, and eventually Administrator beginning December 18, 2023.

Over the course of her career, Malaluan represented MARINA in international maritime forums, including meetings of the International Maritime Organization and ASEAN. She also helped lead the Philippine hosting of major international maritime conferences, including the 2010 Diplomatic Conference that adopted the Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention.

Her work also covered major institutional developments within MARINA, including the establishment of regional and extension offices, organizational reforms, the agency’s assumption of responsibilities as the country’s Single Maritime Administration for STCW implementation, and development initiatives under the Maritime Industry Development Plan.

Malaluan has also been active in promoting women’s participation in the maritime sector through the Women in Maritime Association Philippines and Women in Maritime–Asia.

From an entry-level management and audit analyst in 1989 to Administrator nearly 37 years later, Malaluan’s career has spanned significant periods of change in Philippine maritime administration, regulation and seafarer governance.