Government agencies deserve praise for their efforts in bringing about the positive development for Philippine seafarers, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Saturday, April 1.

Hontiveros issued the statement following a decision of the European Union (EU) to continue recognizing certificates of Filipino seafarers.

The EU Commission on Transport cited Manila’s serious efforts to comply with the international Convention on Standard Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had warned that 50,000 Filipino seafarers deployed in the EU would be at risk of losing their jobs if EU standards are not met.

Last  December, 2021, the EU had warned the Philippine government that its seafarers’ certificates   would be revoked if it fails to follow international standards

‘’Thanks to the collaboration of the inter-agency task force, mapapanatag kahit paano ang ating mga marino (Our seafarers will now feel at ease). I am also hopeful that serious reforms are being put in place,’’ she said.

Let us continue to push for industry-wide reforms. Kailangang may natutunan sa naging banta sa hanapbuhay ng ating seafarers (Let us learn from the threat to our seafarers’ livelihood). Hence, it is imperative that concerns voiced by seafarers themselves, such as unreasonable fees, corruption in training and maritime schools, requirements, and others, be given greater consideration,’’ she said.

‘’It is also important to observe that the majority of negative findings were due to the deficiencies in the education system. We call on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Marina (Maritime Industry Authority)  to continue to remedy such deficiencies,’’ she stressed.

‘’Ultimately, as a lawmaker, I will continue to advocate for the passage of the Magna Carta of Seafarers, which will protect and advance the rights and well-being of our seafarers,’’ she added.