MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is set to lead the celebration of the Day of the Filipino Seafarer on 25 June 2024. This year’s celebration will adapt the World Maritime theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” focusing on the significant contributions of seafarers in making the maritime sector a safer workplace. The campaign, marked by the hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea, likewise aims to highlight seafarers’ dedication to safety at sea.
The celebration will commence with a symposium in the morning, featuring prominent speakers from various organizations. Representatives from the Ocean Technologies Group, the Marine Environment Protection and Development Service (MEPDS) of MARINA, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) will discuss several topics about the maritime industry while also sharing their insights on enhancing maritime safety.
In the afternoon, an oath-taking ceremony will be held for Merchant Marine Officers and Harbor Pilots. This solemn event underscores the critical roles these professionals play in ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.
Further, the Gregorio Oca Leadership and Development (GOLD) Foundation will lead a special recognition segment, honoring women who have championed seafarer families. This initiative highlights the vital support system provided by these women, contributing to the well-being of seafarers and their families.
The event will also launch the “MARINA Honours Filipino Seafarer Bravery at Sea 2024” award, aimed at recognizing individuals who have risked their lives to perform acts of exceptional bravery. Additionally, the “Gawad Natatanging Mandaragat 2025” will be introduced to honor a Filipino seafarer who has demonstrated exceptional skills, unwavering dedication, and significant contributions to the maritime industry.
The event will conclude with the awarding of winners for the Video Making Contest and Photo Contest, celebrating seafarers’ creativity and talent in the maritime community.
On the other hand, there will also be simultaneous events conducted at different venues in line with the celebration of the Day of the Filipino Seafarer. A special flag ceremony in honor of Filipino seafarers will be conducted at Rizal Park Luneta by SeaFam International, paying tribute to their invaluable contributions to the maritime sector. Additionally, a job fair will be held at SM San Lazaro on the same day, providing seafarers with opportunities for employment and career advancement in domestic shipping.
Lastly, as a special treat, free rides on LRT-2 and MRT-3 will be offered to Filipino seafarers on the Day of the Filipino Seafarer, recognizing their hard work and dedication. Present a valid Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB), Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID), or Seafarer’s Identification Booklet (SIB) to avail of the free ride.
The MARINA invites all maritime stakeholders to join in celebrating this momentous occasion. Templates for banner and standee have been provided to ensure a unified and festive atmosphere throughout the celebration.
The Day of the Filipino Seafarer 2024 promises to be a significant event, emphasizing the importance of safety and recognizing the invaluable contributions of Filipino seafarers to the global maritime industry.