“This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to enhancing the standards of maritime education and training for Filipino seafarers, and fostering sustainable maritime practices in line with our collective global aspirations.”
This was stated by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan as she delivered the Agency’s Statement of Cooperation during the official launch of the Seafarers-Technical Assistance component of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) on 11 November 2024 at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Office in San Juan City, Metro Manila.
The assistance from the EU gives the Philippines a unique opportunity to build strengths, incorporate international expertise, and further develop the country’s maritime education, training and certification systems to meet the evolving demands of the global maritime sector.
MARINA Administrator Malaluan also noted that the SCOPE project arrives at a fitting time, aligning with the recent enactment of Philippine Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. “This legislation affirms the right, welfare, and protection of our seafarers, both domestically and internationally. It also provides for the overall jurisdiction of MARINA over maritime education.”
For his part, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista expressed confidence that the technical assistance will enhance transport connectivity and technical cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries, with a focus on digital solutions and social and environmental sustainability.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro, on the other hand, affirmed the EU’s full support for strengthening the Philippine maritime industry, expressing confidence in the Philippines as a reliable partner. He assured that the Philippines could count on the EU’s backing and conveyed trust in the country’s commitment to enhancing training programs for its seafarers.
Other key officials present in the event were DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, EU Delegation to the Philippines headed by Marco Gemmer, European Commission Waterborne Director Fotini Ioannidou, Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) Director General Andreas Nordseth, DOTr Undersecretary Secretary for Maritime Elmer Sarmiento, DOLE Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine Serrano, DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina, PCG Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Maritime Safety Services, Jomark Angue, Philippine Transmarine Carriers Group of Companies CEO Gerardo Borromeo, and professors and officers from various European training institutions and universities.
With the launch of the Seafarers-Technical Assistance to the Philippines, the MARINA assures that it will remain dedicated to supporting, implementing and sustaining the project as it aligns with its vision of fostering a globally competitive, highly skilled Filipino seafaring workforce.
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