The Philippines is one with the international community in calling for a greener and sustainable shipping industry.
In his message on the 2022 World Maritime Day, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo supported the sector’s transition to green fuel and technologies, recognizing the need to make it sustainable in the long run given its vital role in global commerce.
“This year’s theme, ‘New technologies for greener shipping’ is a call to action to support an inclusive green transition for the maritime sector towards a sustainable future. This theme hopes to promote inclusive innovation, research and development, and cooperation in technology, in pursuit of solutions for decarbonization and more environmentally friendly shipping,” he said.
He said the Philippines also supports the initiatives of the International Maritime Organization to utilize technologies for digitalization and automation that would make conditions for seafarers, especially Filipinos, better.
“We recognize that achieving sustainability in the maritime industry entails enormous effort and a host of necessary actions at multiple areas of concern and that the world’s success in this regard should result in better conditions for seafarers all over the world,” he said.
“These are especially important for a maritime and seafaring nation like the Philippines, as it continues to uphold its commitment to serve and protect the interests of Filipino seafarers and maritime industry workers around the world through policies and frameworks that ensure that their rights and welfare are safeguarded,” he added.
Manalo noted that the country also continues to promote and mainstream women’s issues in the industry adding that it recognizes their role in decision-making process and contribution to addressing sustainability issues.
“We look to engage our partners along these lines as we continue to collaborate to achieve our multi-faceted goals for sustainability. We hope that by carrying on the conversation for greener shipping, we will be able to maintain the momentum towards an equitable and sustainable maritime future,” he said. (PNA)
