PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promised Thursday to uphold the welfare of Filipino mariners, as the country observed the International Day of the Seafarer.
“On this International Day of the Seafarer, we honor your service, recognize your sacrifices, and express our gratitude for all that you do for our country,” Marcos said.
The president commended seafarers for their vital role in ensuring the safe transport of passengers and goods around the world.
“Filipino seafarers perform vital work that promotes the movement of people and keeps global trade moving and economies connected with great skill and dedication,” he said.
“They ensure that passengers and economically imported goods reach their destinations safely, while supporting the livelihoods of millions of Filipino families,” Marcos added.
Marcos said Filipino seafarers remain faithful to their duties despite heightened security risks in key shipping routes, including those in the Middle East.
“Amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties affecting international shipping, our seafarers continue to carry out their duties with courage and resolve that reach beyond the vessel that they serve,” he said.
Marcos said that the seafarers’ contributions help strengthen the Philippine economy and uphold the reputation of Filipino workers across the world.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the families of seafarers, many of whom spend months away from their loved ones.
“As the maritime industry continues to evolve through technological innovation and changing global standards, we must ensure that Filipino seafarers remain equipped with the knowledge and the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
Observed every June 25, the Day of the Seafarer is an annual celebration led by the International Maritime Organization to recognize the contribution of seafarers to international trade and the global economy.
The observance was established through a resolution adopted during the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila, which approved amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention.
The Philippines remains one of the world’s largest suppliers of maritime labor, with nearly 600,000 Filipino seafarers and crew members deployed worldwide.
