Seafarers’ role in economic dev’t cited as they sail home for Xmas

Seafarers’ role in economic dev’t cited as they sail home for Xmas
Leonel Abasola December 23, 2024 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240480

MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday underscored the importance of the Magna Carta for Filipino seafarers in providing enhanced protection and ensuring a safer, more secure working environment for these maritime workers as they return home for the Christmas holidays.

“It is undeniable that Filipino seafarers play a crucial role in our country’s economic growth. They are the lifeline of our maritime industry. We pushed for the enactment of this measure as the government must continuously nurture, protect, and guide our seafarers. Mechanisms must be in place to safeguard their well-being, safety, and fair treatment, wherever they may sail,” Gatchalian said.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed the economic contribution of sea-based Filipino workers with their sent remittances amounted to USD602.35 million (roughly PHP40 billion) in October this year.

From January to October 2024, their total remittances reached USD5.69 billion, marking a 14 percent growth compared to the USD5.61 billion (PHP333 billion) recorded for the same period in 2023.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12021, or An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, in September this year.

Gatchalian, a co-author of the measure, expressed optimism about its benefits.

“With the signing of this measure, Filipino seamen will now enjoy better protection. This will help them improve their work efficiency and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage,” Gatchalian said.

With the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) out soon, the law demonstrates the country’s commitment to upholding international maritime safety standards with a particular emphasis on enhancing the training and accreditation processes for Filipino seafarers, he said.

He added the law seeks to ensure Filipino seafarers have the right to a safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards, fair terms and conditions of employment, decent working and living conditions on board a ship, and appropriate medical care for both overseas and domestic seafarers.

Between 2016 and 2021, the Philippines deployed over 400,000 Filipino seafarers, reflecting the country’s strong maritime heritage.

Further, it is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four to five crew members on board a vessel at any given time.

The Covid-19 pandemic caused a 54 percent decline in seafarer deployments in 2020 but deployment levels bounced back in 2021, averaging around 40,000 monthly –approaching pre-pandemic figures. (PNA)