The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), led by MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan and STCW Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla, joined the first Inter-Agency Meeting on the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers on 11 October 2024, at the AMOSUP Convention Hall, Convention Center in Intramuros, Manila.

Spearheaded by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the meeting gathered representatives from various government agencies to align their efforts toward establishing a comprehensive framework for the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers.

Administrator Malaluan delivered her welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared common goals, as she expressed her hope for collaborative efforts among all concerned agencies in coming up with the IRR. Her message set the tone for the meeting, highlighting the need for collective action to develop regulations that would effectively serve the Filipino seafarers and the maritime sector.

The Technical Working Group for the IRR is chaired by DMW Assistant Secretary for Sea-Based OFW Concerns Jerome T. Pampolina while MARINA Administrator Malaluan serves as the Vice Chair, underscoring the collaborative leadership between DMW and MARINA in steering the development of the Implementing Rules and Regulations.

The meeting agreed in principle the calendar of activities for drafting the IRR, aimed at setting clear timelines and milestones to ensure a timely and efficient process, as well as the guidelines and the identified concerned government agencies responsible for contributing to the IRR’s development.

The collaboration between MARINA, DMW, and other key government partners and stakrholders aims to create a well-defined set of rules that will guide the implementation of the Magna Carta, ultimately benefiting the country’s seafaring community.

View photos here