The Philippines is seeking for a re-election in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council to further advance and protect the country's marine industry, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday, Sept. 27.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the inclusion of the country to the advisory body would sustain the government's technical cooperation projects and allow it to implement state administration responsibilities as required under relevant conventions, codes, and protocols.
He added that the DOTr wants to continue contributing to the policy formulation and decision-making of the IMO Council.
"We believe our seat at the Council is rooted at our being the preferred choice of seafarers in the global crew manning market as well as being the fifth largest shipbuilding nation," Bautista said in a speech delivered by DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Emer Francisco during a diplomatic reception for the country's candidature to the IMO Council.
The Philippines deployed a total of 385,000 Filipino seafarers around the world in 2023, making it the largest nationality in terms of global maritime crew.
More than 171,000 certified Filipino officers were also onboard marine vessels worldwide as of April.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is the fifth largest shipbuilding nation as it constructed 569 ships for domestic use and 47 vessels for export last year.
Bautista cited the country's role as a "responsible steward of green shipping and marine environment protection" as among the reasons why it should be re-elected in the IMO Council.
He said the country is "seriois" in protecting the marine environment by reducing greenhouse gas emmissions and plastic pollution of the seas through partnerships with international organizations.
He said the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) monitors the compliance of Philippine-registered vessels with sulfur limit on fuel oil; the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is prioritizing its Green Port initiative towards sustainable port operations; and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is improving its strategies in responding to oil spill incidents.
The Marina, PPA, and PCG are all attached agencies of the DOTr.
"We pledge to remain a proactive member of the IMO at ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, sustainable shipping, and environmentally sound marine industry," Bautista added in his message.
The Philippines has been a member of the IMO since 1964.
It was elected to the IMO council in 1997, and is a signatory to the ratification of 28 IMO Conventions.