The Philippines, recognized as a cornerstone of the global maritime industry, contributes one in every four seafarers worldwide, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Maritime Sector Elmer Francisco U. Sarmiento said on Monday, Nov. 18, during the Hong Kong Maritime Week.
“We, in the Philippines, contribute one out of four seafarers. Seafarers are very close to our heart,” he said in a summit, which is part of the activities for the maritime week.
Sarmiento highlighted the significant contributions of Filipino seafarers, who often face security threats while at sea navigating the vast oceans.
“Whatever security threat is present at sea, seafarers are at the forefront of these challenges,” he said.
New law safeguards seafarers’ rights
The Philippine government, according to Sarmiento, has been ramping up efforts to support its maritime workforce, including the recent passage of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers.
Signed into law by President Marcos in September, he said the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers ensures the protection of their rights, grants them essential benefits, and prioritizes their well-being.
“Essentially, it is a law that protects the interests of the seafarers, granting them rights, benefits, and also protection,” he said.
“So, I believe that now that I'm in front of the seaboarders, that we can work together for and on behalf of seafarers. Because, again, let me repeat, they are the official shipping and they are the unsung heroes of our time,” he went on.
As such, the DOTr official said the government is developing programs to boost seafarers’ confidence and address their welfare needs.
“That is our direction—helping out the seafarers,” Sarmiento added.
Hope for captive Filipino seafarers
During the forum, Sarmiento also took the opportunity to reflect on the first anniversary of the Galaxy Leader incident, a ship hijacked in 2023. Of the 22 crew members aboard, 17 were Filipino.
“We remain hopeful that they will soon be released and reunited with their families,” he said.
Free movement in maritime trade
Amid ongoing global trade challenges, the DOTr official emphasized the Philippines’ position as an advocate for free trade and the unhampered movement of maritime workers.
“Shipping relies on the free movements of workers or seafarers to embark or disembark from sea vessels,” he said.
Sarmiento stressed the importance of balancing stringent cross-border policies with measures that accommodate both flag and territorial countries to ensure continued global trade.
“The Philippines supports the fight against protectionism and supports the free influx of laborers and seafarers,” he said.
Global partnerships for maritime growth
Per Sarmiento, most of the products the Philippines imports come from China, which is why the government continues to push for increased trade activities with the neighboring country.
“Most of our imported products are made in China. So we would like to encourage, and the government is doing that with provoking trade in the Philippines and China,” he said.
He urged further development in trade exchanges to benefit both nations despite trade imbalances.
The DOTr official reiterated that the government, as a regulatory body, remains committed to promoting the welfare of seafarers while fostering international trade and ensuring maritime safety.
“Our seafarers play a vital role in global commerce. It is only fitting that we protect and empower them,” he said.
The 2024 Hong Kong Maritime Week, running from Nov. 17 to Nov. 23, brings together around 14,000 maritime leaders and stakeholders from around the globe, showcasing the latest developments, trends, and innovations in the maritime industry.
The event serves as a platform for collaboration, discussion, and networking among policymakers, shipping companies, logistics providers, and other key players, aiming to address pressing challenges and shape the future of global maritime trade.