ARTHUR TUGADE. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade challenged the Filipino seafarers to continue their pursuit and display of world class excellence in the maritime industry.

Tugade at the same time reminded the Filipino seafarers of their duty and responsibility, being the ‘ambassadors of the country.’

“Kayo ay maglalakbay sa karagatan. Ang dala ninyo ay ‘di lang inyong sarili; dala ninyo ay inyong pagka-Pilipino, ang bansa nating Pilipinas,” said Tugade who represented President Rodrigo Duterte during last Monday’s National Seafarers’ Day celebration at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

With a theme centered on promoting seafarers’ well-being, the celebration was aimed at bringing the issues and concerns affecting the country’s seafarers, considered one of the best in the world.

“Kaya sa inyong paglayag, sa inyong pakikitungo sa iba’t ibang nasyon at ibang tao, pakiusap, ipagmalaki ninyo ang Pilipinas, ipagranya ninyo ang pagka-Pilipino niyo. Bitbitin niyo, ‘pagkat yun lang po ang iisang bayan natin,” added Tugade.

Tugade also assured the seafarers that the President values their contributions and greatly respects the work that they do.

“Nararamdaman ng ating Pangulo ang inyong sakripisyo. Damdam niya ang kalungkutan at hirap na sa inyong paglayag ay iiwan ninyo ang mahal sa buhay upang magampanan ang tungkulin,” added Tugade.

“Alam rin niya ang inyong kontribusyon sa ekonomiya at kanya itong kinikilala. The President sends his congratulations. Ang sabi nya maraming salamat. Binibigyan niya kayo ng halaga. Mahal niya kayo at matindi ang kanyang respeto sa inyong propesyon,” Tugade said.

Through the efforts of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), several reforms have already been put in place for further improvement of the seafarers.

Tugade also took the opportunity to cite the ease on securing Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (or the Seaman’s Book) which he said used to take weeks to finish but is now done online in just a day.