The second episode of NAMRIA's two-part e-Kapihan sessions was successfully conducted via Google Meet on 14 September 2023. The topic for Episode 2 was Ikaw na Katuwang sa Ligtas na Paglalayag (Talakayan Kasama ang Mga Tanod Baybayin ng Pilipinas, Bantay Parola, at Mga Piling Kawani ng NAMRIA). The activity, spearheaded by the agency's Hydrography Branch, gathered a total of 242 internal and external stakeholders.

 

The e-Kapihan sessions were conducted, with the approval of NAMRIA Administrator, Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD. They were activities for the month-long celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2023. The theme of MANA Mo 2023 is Kapuluan, Kabuluhan, Kaunlaran (Archipelago, Significance, Development). The annual NAMRIA event, e-Kapihan, aims to reach a specific audience for the cascading of industry updates, discussion of pressing issues, addressing of gaps, and discourse of themes or interests affecting maritime-related programs, projects, or activities of the agency. The first e-Kapihan episode was streamed live on 11 September 2023. Its topic was "Industry Updates and Partner Institutions' Best Practices."

 

The second e-Kapihan episode aimed to capacitate the coast guard and port authority personnel, and select NAMRIA employees on topics related to coast pilot surveys, reporting of navigation hazards, and foundational knowledge of common jargon and salient features of nautical charts and publications. NAMRIA digital services, e.g., such as the Online Maritime Safety Information System (OMSIS), the Navigational Warning Map App, and the Philippine Tides App, were demonstrated to the stakeholders. The event, likewise, provided an opportunity to collect insights from the stakeholders on gender issues that affect maritime safety. Senior Cartographer Hermielyn C. Sagucio, Engr. Jamaica P. Marcos, and Engr. Katrina R. Valentin were the resource persons while SN3 Rhean Mark A Monilla was the host.