PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) celebrated the Day of the Filipino Seafarer on 25 June 2024, with a series of events that honored the invaluable contribution of seafarers to international trade and the global economy. The celebration emphasized the importance of safety at sea, aligning with the 2024 campaign theme and the World Maritime theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” alongside the digital campaign #SafetyTipsAtSea.
The event began with a Eucharistic Mass, underscoring the spiritual and cultural importance of the occasion for seafarers and highlighting the importance of their safety onboard.
In his written message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. acknowledged the role and efforts of MARINA in promoting a highly skilled and competitive maritime workforce and adopting an efficient maritime administration governance system. “I laud the MARINA for complying with international standards and keeping at par with other nations when it comes to this specialized industry,” President Marcos stated.
“Rest assured that this administration, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), continues to work conscientiously in ensuring the advancement of our maritime industry and securing the best interest of all Filipino seafarers as we sail onward to our dream of a Bagong Pilipinas,” President Marcos added.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, through a video message, praised Filipino seafarers’ contributions to international trade through the efficient transport of products and goods. “Our continuous inclusion in the whitelist of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) manifests our strict compliance to high standards in maritime education, training, and certification. The recognition shows that our seafarers, who were trained and certified in the Philippines, meet the rigorous international standards by the IMO,” Secretary Bautista said.
For her part, MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, in her opening remarks, emphasized the need to equip seafarers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools for safety. “Safety is an integral part of our seafarers’ everyday lives. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate their duties safely. As we celebrate, let us reinforce our commitment to creating a safer maritime environment, where every seafarer is protected, valued, and empowered,” Administrator Malaluan highlighted.
A symposium likewise ensued, focusing on various aspects of maritime safety. The Ocean Technologies Group presented on seafarer learning and training. MARINA discussed clean and safe marine transportation within the blue economy, while the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) raised awareness on Maritime Aids to Navigation (AToN) for Filipino seafarers. The International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) addressed cases of abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence (ABHDV) reported to the ISWAN Helplines. The symposium saw active participation from representatives of Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs), Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs), and Licensed Manning Agencies (LMAs).
The MARINA celebrates with the world in honoring the essential role of seafarers in global trade and the economy. By highlighting their contributions and commitment to safety, the Agency underscores its dedication to supporting and empowering the maritime community, and ensuring a thriving, safe, and resilient maritime industry for years to come.
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