The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) of the Philippines is set to roll out a sea-based Service Contracting Program (SCP) on May 25. This initiative aims to provide fare subsidies to operators on 11 key routes, helping to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on both operators and passengers. The program will involve 33 shipping operators and 93 passenger vessels, ensuring that the approved fare increases are covered. Passengers will continue to pay only the pre-increase base fare, while operators will receive government support calculated based on actual passenger volume and approved fare differentials. The total budget allocated for the sea-based SCP is ₱200 million (approximately $3.6 million USD). Marina has emphasized the importance of close coordination with shipping operators and partner agencies to facilitate a swift rollout and transparent subsidy distribution. This follows the land-based SCP for traditional and modern jeepneys and buses, which ran from April 15 to May 22.