Marking the annual Day of the Seafarer, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. paid tribute to Filipino seafarers, calling them the “quiet strength” behind global trade and maritime operations.
The President commended maritime workers for their discipline, skill, and tireless dedication despite the demanding nature of their work and long periods away from home.
“In every machinery of global trade, and in every sea where a vessel sails, lies the quiet strength of a Filipino seafarer—proud, disciplined, and tireless,” President Marcos said in a message.
“Their work is demanding, their time away from home long, and yet they continue to serve with skills and silent endurance,” the President added.
President Marcos on Wednesday called Filipino seafarers a boon to the world and the Philippines and reaffirmed the country’s collective responsibility to uplift their welfare.
The President emphasized the mission of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to ensure that mariners are equipped, protected, and recognized as part of the nation’s development.
“The MARINA’s mission is grounded in policies that matter, in training that empowers, and in a vision that sees our maritime workforce as a global asset and a national pride,” President Marcos said in his message.
President Marcos said the observation of the Day of the Seafarer reaffirms the country’s responsibility to invest in the long-term development of Filipino sailors by strengthening maritime education and improving deployment conditions.
“Let this day renew our commitment to policies that uphold their dignity, expand their opportunities, and ensure that their contributions are matched by meaningful support both at sea and at home,” President Marcos said.
The global maritime community, led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), celebrates the annual Day of the Seafarer every June 25.
This year, the IMO launched the campaign “My Harassment-Free Ship,” an initiative to promote a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.
The Philippines is one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said about 504,000 Filipino seafarers were deployed in 2024, while the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recorded USD6,941,085 remittances from the sea-based sector in 2024. | PND
