The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday, June 25, recognized the “crucial role” of Filipino seafarers in contributing to the growth of the maritime industry and promised to equip them with new skills to “maintain our competitive edge in the global maritime industry.” Filipino seafarers (Photos from the Maritime Industry Authority) In a statement, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo gave tribute to seafarers on the observance of Day of the Seafarers, which was first declared in Manila on June 25, 2010. “The Department of Foreign Affairs, expresses its appreciation for the important contributions of seafarers, in particular our Filipino seafarers, to the continuing flow of commerce and trade in our globalized economy and to sustainable development, on this the Day of the Seafarers 2023,” he said. While the Philippines will continue to “embrace” new technologies in shipping, such as the advancement of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and use of alternative low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels in international shipping, the DFA chief underscored the need to improve the skills of seafarers in the Philippines, one of the world’s largest maritime labor supply countries. “The upskilling and reskilling of seafarers will remain at the forefront of our agenda as we ensure their continuous professional development and maintain our competitive edge in the global maritime industry,” Manalo said. This came after the decision of the European Commission (EC) to extend the recognition by the European Union (EU) of the Philippine certificates for seafarers onboard European vessels. The Philippines has committed to ensure that the country would follow the education and training requirements in line with the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers after an earlier threat that some 50,000 Filipino seafarers could lose their jobs. French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz and the United Nations (UN) also gave recognition to seafarers around the world. “#DayofTheSeafarer Congratulations to the seafarers around the world for their amazing work, keeping us connected, supplied, provided with vital goods,” the French envoy wrote on Twitter. “Seafarers are on the frontline of many challenging crises, helping to maintain the flow of vital goods, such as food, fuel & medical supplies. On Sunday's #DayoftheSeafarer, we join @IMOHQ in thanking them for their efforts,” the UN said. Maintaining the Philippines’ commitment to the goals of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in ensuring the welfare of seafarers, Manalo said this year’s theme of “MARPOL at 50 - Our commitment goes on” resonates with the Philippines’ “dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable development.” “As a maritime nation, we value a clean and healthy marine environment for our economic prosperity and the well-being of future generations,” he added. The secretary also stressed the work being done in promoting maritime protection and green practices. The regional forum co-hosted by the Philippines with Denmark last May 2023 in Manila with the theme “Seizing Opportunities for Green Shipping in Asia and the Pacific” discussed sustainable practices, decarbonization, and environmental stewardship in the maritime sector. “This also reaffirmed our commitment to a greener future, and we stand ready to collaborate with our international partners for a more sustainable and resilient maritime industry. Our seafarers are a key consideration in this endeavor,” he said.