The revamped “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure project of the Duterte administration is set to give the maritime sector a much-needed boost.

The Philippines has been re-elected as a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for Biennium 2020 to 2021.

In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said the election happened during the 31st Session of the IMO Assembly at the IMO Headquarters in London on 29 November 2019.

DoTr said the Philippine delegation emphasized the indispensable role of the country in forwarding the vision, mission, and goals of the IMO, which is the major provider of the maritime workforce to the international fleet.

Maritime Industry Authority Officer-In-Charge Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. said the country’s competitive stance in the seafaring industry is brought about by the deeply-rooted trust and confidence which foreign principals or ship owners share towards Filipino maritime professionals. He noted that they are well-educated, well-trained and well-equipped to move the world through shipping.

“It is along with these capacities and contributions that the Republic of the Philippines banners its membership in the IMO Council,” he said.

The IMO Council Members under Category C state that they have a special interest in maritime transport or navigation, and whose election to the Council will ensure representation of all major geographic areas of the world. The country has been an active council member under the said category since 1997.

Filipino seafarers deployed in internationally-flagged vessels are estimated to be at more than 440,000, or about 30 percent of the total seafaring population, making them the world’s seafarers of choice.

Meanwhile, the government announced that the revamped “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure project of the Duterte administration is set to give the maritime sector a much-needed boost.

DoTr confirmed that 22 social and tourism port projects are all set to be turned over as of October this year.

These include six locally-funded projects in the CALABARZON region; five in Bicol; 10 in Eastern Visayas and one in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.