The Philippines is seeking for reelection in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council to advance the country’s marine industry and protection while looking after the welfare of Filipino seafarers, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Jaime Bautista, DOTr secretary, said as a member of the IMO Council, the government can sustain various technical cooperation projects and allow the country to implement state administration responsibilities as required under relevant conventions, codes and protocols.
“We believe our seat at the Council is rooted at our being the preferred choice of seafarers in the global crew manning market as well as being the fifth largest shipbuilding nation,” said Bautista.
The Philippines is serious in protecting the marine environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution of the seas through partnerships with international organizations, he added.
“We pledge to remain a proactive member of the IMO at ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, sustainable shipping, and environmentally sound marine industry,” Bautista said.
The Philippines represents the largest nationality of global maritime crew with 385,000 Filipino seafarers deployed in 2023, and over 171,000 certified Filipino officers on board marine vessels as of April.
Apart from 569 ships locally constructed for domestic use and 47 vessels for export last year, the Philippines is also a responsible steward of green shipping and marine environment protection.
The Maritime Industry Authority is monitoring the compliance of Philippine-registered vessels with the sulfur limit on fuel oil.
Additionally, the Philippine Ports Authority is prioritizing its Green Port initiative towards sustainable port operations, while the Philippine Coast Guard is improving its strategies in responding to oil spill.
The Philippines has been a member of the IMO since 1964 and elected to the IMO Council in 1997. It is a signatory to the ratification of 28 IMO Conventions.
In related development, the DOTr welcomed the certification as urgent by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
Bautista said the DOTr is supporting the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 2221, “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers” which aims to address issues concerning the training and accreditation of Filipino seafarers and guarantee the Philippines’ compliance with its obligations to the international community.
The bill will also address recurring deficiencies in the domestic laws pertaining to the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers which endanger their employment in the global maritime arena.
The European Commission earlier extended the certificates of training of Filipino seafarers, allowing them to continue working on board European-flagged vessels.
