Marcos vows better protection for Pinoy sailors

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos yesterday vowed to strengthen safeguards and assistance for Filipino seafarers, particularly those working in war-risk areas.

Speaking at the Philippine Maritime Convention at the Manila Hotel, Marcos acknowledged the growing security threats facing the country’s maritime workforce.

He said the maritime sector is in “a period of profound change,” with the work of Filipino mariners becoming “complex, and in some cases dangerous.”

He noted that Filipino sailors have found themselves in armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, attacks and other security incidents.

The event coincided with the second anniversary of the signing of Republic Act 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which Marcos signed on Sept. 23, 2024.

“As we commemorate its second anniversary, we renew our commitment to uphold the rights, the welfare, the safety, and the dignity of our seafarers,” Marcos said.

“As security risks have intensified in war-risk areas, the DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) and the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) have heightened safeguards for our seafarers while strengthening our capacity for emergency repatriation. Our support also continues when they return home,” he added.

Marcos cited the Full-Cycle National Reintegration Program, which provides livelihood, wellness, financial literacy and other assistance based on seafarers’ needs and skills.

The Philippines accounts for nearly one in every five deployed seafarers worldwide, making it the world’s leading seafarer-supplying country, Marcos said.