MANILA, (PIA) - - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has pledged to continue supporting Filipino seafarers, who he praised for their contributions to national development.

“This industry needs to be supported to maintain the global recognition it is receiving, training, certification and other compliances, I have no doubt about the competence of our seafarers,” Marcos said in the online post.

Pres. Marcos said that Filipino seafarers are in demand and are known for their skills, diligence, and politeness. He also noted that the Philippines has a long history of seafaring, and that the courage and resilience of Filipino seafarers is a testament to their strength and determination.

Marcos also expressed hope that the celebration of the Day of the Seafarer would inspire Filipino seafarers to continue to excel in their field. “Let us support our sea-based OFWs (overseas Filipino workers).

The modern Filipinos can compete on the international stage. Salute to our seafarers,” he added.

The Day of the Seafarer is a global observance that celebrates the contributions of seafarers to international seaborne trade and the global economy.

It is celebrated every year on June 25, the date that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the revised International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) in 2010.

The IMO established the Day of the Seafarer to recognize the important role that seafarers play in the global economy.

Seafarers transport goods and people around the world, ensuring that the global supply chain is kept running smoothly.

They also play a vital role in the maritime industry, which is responsible for transporting about 90% of the world's trade.

The Day of the Seafarer is an opportunity to thank seafarers for their hard work and dedication.

It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges that seafarers face, such as long working hours, fatigue, and discrimination. House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez, for his part, also expressed support for Filipino seafarers, vowing to champion their rights and welfare.

He said that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes the welfare of seafarers and supports the growth of the maritime industry. Meanwhile, Maritime Industry Authority administrator Hernani Fabia said that seafaring is losing its appeal to the younger generation of Filipinos.

He said that one of the challenges faced by the country today is the waning interest of the younger generation to become seafarers.

For his part, Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte urged the Senate to pass the House-approved “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Act,” which would recognize the significant contributions of seafarers to the economy.

The bill aims to enhance labor protection from recruitment to retirement, empowering the Department of Migrant Workers and relevant agencies.

It can be recalled that the government has been promoting the welfare of seafarers and has created an enabling environment that supports the growth of the maritime industry. (PIA-NCR)