President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured Filipino seafarers of his administration’s commitment to strengthen maritime education and improve deployment conditions to ensure their long-term development.
This, as he hailed the country’s maritime workforce as a “global asset” and “national pride.”
“Let this day renew our commitment to policies that uphold their dignity, expand their opportunities, and ensure that their contributions are matched by meaningful support both at sea and at home,” Marcos said in his message for the annual Day of the Seafarer.
Marcos lauded the Filipino maritime workers’ discipline, skill, and tireless dedication, despite the demanding nature of their profession and work arrangement overseas.
He reaffirmed the government’s collective responsibility to uplift the Filipino seafarers’ welfare, calling them a boon to the world and the Philippines.
“In every machinery of global trade, and in every sea where a vessel sails, lies the quiet strength of a Filipino seafarer—proud, disciplined, and tireless,” Marcos said.
“Their work is demanding, their time away from home long, and yet they continue to serve with skills and silent endurance,” he added.
Marcos said the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will play a crucial role in ensuring that mariners are equipped, protected, and recognized as part of the nation’s development.
“The MARINA’s mission is grounded in policies that matter, in training that empowers, and in a vision that sees our maritime workforce as a global asset and a national pride,” he said.
In a separate statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to advancing safe and decent living conditions for all seafarers.
“The Philippines honors seafarers from all around the world -key workers in a strategic industry that is global shipping,” it said.
“Through seafarers’ hard work and professionalism, life-sustaining goods —from food to fuel and medicines— and other products from different parts of the world reach our communities, crisis or no crisis.”
The DFA also announced that the Philippines is set to host the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-Being.
The Philippines is one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers.
There are around 504,000 Filipino seafarers deployed in 2024, according to the data from the Department of Migrant Workers.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recorded USD6,941,085 remittances from the sea-based sector in 2024.
The global maritime community, led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), celebrates the annual Day of the Seafarer every June 25.
This year, the IMO launched the campaign “My Harassment-Free Ship,” an initiative that aims to promote a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.
As the leading source of seafarers and a strong advocate for human rights at sea, the DFA said the Philippines also supports the campaign.
It said this call for action to build a maritime culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment on board ships is timely as it is necessary. (PNA)
