President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was elated by reports that the European Union (EU) has decided to continue recognizing the certificates of Filipino seafarers.

In a statement sent to Malacañang reporters, the President said the 15-year problem was the first thing he worked on when he went to Belgium in December last year for the EU-ASEAN Summit. 

“Labis kong ikinagagalak na nabigyan ng extension ng European Commission ang ating mga seafarers sa kanilang certification upang patuloy silang makapagtrabaho (I am very happy that the European Commission gave our seafarers an extension on their certification so they could continue working),” he said.

“Dahil dito, ang panganib na mawawalan ng trabaho ang 50,000 nating seafarers ay ating napigilan (Because of this, we averted the risk of 50,000 Filipino seafarers losing their jobs),” he added. 

Marcos vowed to do everything to address the issues Filipino seafarers face. 

“Gagawin natin ang lahat upang mabigyan natin ng solusyon ang mga isyung kinakaharap ng ating maritime industry upang patuloy tayong mag-develop ng mga world-class at magagaling na seafarers para sa buong mundo (We will do everything to resolve the issues our maritime industry faces so we can continue developing world-class and talented seafarers for the entire world),” he said.

The European Commission released their decision late Friday evening, March 31.

📢EU continues to recognise Filipino seafarers’ certificates. 🇵🇭= major maritime labour supply country🚢

Efforts to improve system for training & certifying seafarers much appreciated. 👷🛠️Technical assistance offered to support further improvements.https://t.co/c7xCeiRJop pic.twitter.com/IOQKPTjhwj

— EU Transport (@Transport_EU) March 31, 2023

In a statement, EU Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean said they appreciate the constructive cooperation of Philippine authorities and welcome their efforts to improve the system for training and certifying seafarers.

"The Philippines provide a significant and valued part of the European and global shipping industry's maritime workforce – indeed, with roughly 50 000 Filipino masters and officers currently working on EU-flagged ships," she said.

"The Philippines can count on our technical support to further improve the implementation and oversight of minimum education, training, and certification requirements, as well as living and working conditions," she added.

In the coming months, the Commission intends to provide the Philippines with technical assistance to further improve its education, training, and certification system for seafarers.

In December 2021, following a detailed assessment of the training and certification system in place, the Commission informed the Philippines that recognition of their seafarer certificates would be withdrawn unless serious measures were taken, including compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).