Intl congress for PH seafarers, families set: 'show is expected to attract over 3,000 delegates'

Intl congress for PH seafarers, families set
May 15, 2019 https://www.manilatimes.net/intl-congress-for-ph-seafarers-families-set/...

The Philippines is the largest supplier of seafarers globally, out of the 1.6 million seafarers on internationally trading merchant ships. The country is also the second biggest contributor of maritime officers, according to the International Chamber of Shipping.

Seafarers also remain to be the largest remitters despite only making 21 percent of the total number of overseas Filipino workers. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Filipino seafarers on foreign vessels wired a total of $1.05 billion in cash remittances via banks from January to February this year, a 10.5-percent growth from $956.15 million during the same period in 2018.

A dynamic industry, seafaring thus benefits from updated and relevant policies and programs, laws and industry standards. All these and more will be discussed at the Seafarer Family International Congress (SFIC), a one-of-a-kind event for seafarer families, to be held on Aug. 14 to 15, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

With theme, “All Aboard: Seafaring Families Engaging the World for Sustainable Well-Being,” the congress aims to create a venue for collaboration between seafarers and their families, maritime industry leaders and the government through discussion on various issues relevant to seafarers and their families.

“We are committed to giving a platform for maritime professionals, their families, and industry stakeholders to exchange their experience and expertise to have a better understanding of the life of sea-based workers and ensure the welfare of the maritime industry’s heart — the seafarer family,” said Marissa Oca, President, Gig and the Amazing Sampaguita Foundation Inc. (GASFI).

Supported by local and international welfare organizations, the show is expected to attract over 3,000 delegates from seafarers and their families, the maritime industry trade and business associations and organizations, members of the academe, local government units, and other industry stakeholders.

Exhibitors include manning agencies, maritime schools and training centers, offshore companies and agencies, Seafarer Unions, Christian maritime associations, Migrant ministries, airlines, automotive dealerships, educational institutions, financial institutions, franchising operators, hospitals and clinics, hotels/resorts and restaurants, insurance companies, mall and shopping complex, as well as companies providing ancillary services to the maritime industry.

Also joining the event are shipping companies, ship builders and dry docking facilities, ship chandlers, port operators, products and services for seafarer families, organizations and cooperatives, telecommunication providers, real estate and property developers, souvenirs and novelty products, food delicacies, theme parks and amusement centers, tour and travel companies, transport operators, and wellness and fitness centers.

SFIC is organized by the GASFI and managed by the Philippine Exhibitions and Trade Corporation. Interested exhibitors may call (02) 832 9303 – 05 or email at [email protected].