The European Commission (EC), the executive branch of the European Union (EU), has decided to continue recognizing certificates which the Philippines issued for its seafarers and marine officers onboard European-registered vessels.

Over 49,000 Filipino marine offers and their families will benefit from the EC decision.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista today ( Saturday, April 1) lauded the EC's move to extend its recognition of the countrys compliance to the International Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

"We are deeply elated by this decision, confirming we have adequately addressed many of the findings of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)," he stated this morning.

The EC acknowledged that the Philippines demonstrated concrete progress and improvement in complying with the requirements of the STCW Convention.

The DOTr and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) adequately addressed many of the findings in the EMSA final inspection report of March 2021 as well as ECs assessment report of December 2021.

But while the Philippines continues to enjoy such recognition, some issues still need to be addressed, according to the EC.

"We commit to address the remaining areas identified by EC that require further improvement," Secretary Bautista pledged.

The transport chief also welcomed ECs offer of technical assistance to improve the implementation and oversight of minimum education, training and certification requirements as well as the living and working conditions of Filipino seafarers.

Filipino seafarers are a significant part of the European and global shipping industry's maritime workforce, noted EC Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean.