State-run Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has committed to continue formulating guidelines and programs that will help seafarers further improve their skills and knowledge in accordance with international standards.
In celebration of International Day of Seafarers, Marina recognized the seafarers’ invaluable contribution to fostering a safer maritime sector, echoing the global theme, Navigating the Future: Safety First. It seeks to reflect a commitment to enhancing maritime safety through rigorous training, advanced technology adoption and proactive safety measures.
“In every sailing ship, our seafarers carry the flag of the Philippines as its representative. They show the world the skill, dedication, and strength of Filipinos. Their skills and professionalism are recognized and appreciated in different corners of the world. They are the living example of courage and endurance – qualities we are very proud of. By working in faraway places, they become a symbol of resilience and caring for Filipinos,” Sonia Malaluan, Marina administrator, said in her speech during a Special Flag Ceremony held Tuesday at the Luneta Park in celebration of International Day of Seafarers.
Malaluan assured the seafaring community that Marina will continue to formulate guidelines and programs to further develop their knowledge and skills.
“We will continue to take care of and promote your interest and welfare to further strengthen your status as key workers,” she said.
Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a recorded speech that the DOTr is supporting the passage of the Senate bill titled “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipinos Seafarers.”
“To boost the reputation of our seafarers, we are supporting the passage of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino seafearers together with the maritime industry authority. Let us work together to improve the working conditions of our seafarers,” he said.
DOTr acknowledged the contribution of the seafarers as one of the country’s economic propellers.
Protecting Filipino seafarers’ rights, job security and interests amid the fast-paced maritime industry are the primary duties of the state, the agency said.
“The Department of Transportation firmly believes that in acknowledging the indispensable role of the shipping industry in domestic and world trade, we should also recognize that our mariners are one of the country’s primary economic propellers,” Bautista said in his message delivered by Reinier Paul Yebra, undersecretary for legal affairs.
“It is our duty in government to uphold their rights and protect their interests,” Bautista added.
With the demand for harbor pilots and merchant officers, the DOTr focuses its goal on maritime safety by ensuring zero maritime casualties or incidents, he said.
As the global maritime industry sails toward the direction of digitalization and decarbonization, Bautista also urged marine officers and maritime stakeholders to give attention to the DOTr’s advocacy towards sustainable transportation.
“We need to align our efforts to global initiatives to protect the environment in the transport sector,” he said.
A total of 79 Harbor Pilots, Chief and Second Engineer Officers, Master Mariners, and Officers-in-Charge of a Navigational and an Engineering Watch took their oaths as part of the Day of the Seafarer celebration.
