PASAY CITY – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), working alongside maritime stakeholders and government agencies, have concluded the legal review of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

The legal review, conducted from 02-06 December 2024, aimed to finalize the IRR for one of the landmark laws for the maritime sector.

The Act and its IRR seek to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, ensuring fair treatment, better working conditions, and mechanisms for resolving grievances. The week-long review also covered critical provisions, with stakeholders and agencies providing input to address employment concerns, welfare benefits, and professional development opportunities.

Central to the provisions in the IRR is the pivotal role of MARINA in enhancing maritime education and training for both overseas and domestic seafarers, and in taking over the accreditation, regulation, and monitoring of institutions offering maritime degree programs and technical courses while establishing a shipboard training framework. The Act and its IRR also mandates MARINA to consult with industry stakeholders in crafting training guidelines, underscoring the importance of collaboration in building a responsive and effective maritime workforce.

DMW Assistant Secretary for Sea-Based OFW Concerns Jerome Pampolina, who chairs the Legal Review Committee for the drafting of the IRR, underscored the importance of the finalization of the IRR. “Let this be our legacy and gift to our Filipino seafarers and their families this Christmas,” Pampolina said, reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to uplifting the maritime workforce.

For her part, MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan expressed her gratitude to the whole maritime community in putting their timeless efforts in helping craft, review, and refine the IRR.

“While the review process is not yet fully completed, I am pleased to note that significant progress has been made. With the active participation of relevant government agencies, manning and maritime associations, seafarers’ union and other stakeholders, we have successfully reviewed the entire draft IRR. Substantive recommendations were made and thoughtfully considered, and many of which have already been adopted,” Administrator Malaluan stated.

After the legal review, the IRR will now undergo further review by the DMW, MARINA and other government agencies before being finalized for signing, publication and implementation. Once enforced, it is expected to provide clear guidelines for carrying out the Magna Carta’s provisions.

The DMW and MARINA reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Filipino seafarers’ rights and advancing the maritime sector through their collaborative efforts in finalizing the Magna Carta’s IRR.

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