Filipino seafarers recognized for strength, sacrifice in global trade

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday vowed to uphold the rights of Filipino seafarers, honoring their unquestionable skills and silent endurance — even as they remain far from their families to fulfill their duties in the global shipping industry.

“In every machinery of global trade and every sea where a vessel sails, lies the quiet strength of a Filipino seafarer — proud, disciplined, and tireless. Their work is demanding. Their time away from home is long, and yet, they continue to serve with skill and silent endurance,” the President’s message, read by Maritime Industry Authority administrator Sonia Malaluan, said during the celebration of the Day of the Seafarers 2025 at the Rizal Park Hotel in Manila.

Marcos also vowed to strengthen maritime education and improve deployment conditions, reaffirming the government’s responsibility to invest in the long-term development of the country’s sailors.

“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. As we navigate the waters towards a Bagong Pilipinas, the courage of our seafarers must be our compass. Let their discipline inspire a culture of excellence, and their resilience become the tide that moves every Filipino forward,” the President further stressed.

This year’s Day of the Seafarer, themed “My Harassment-Free Ship Campaign,” aims to spotlight efforts to foster a culture of zero tolerance for abuse in the maritime industry, according to International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

In a video message, Dominguez emphasized the IMO’s efforts to highlight seafarers who have successfully cultivated cultures of respect and accountability aboard their ships.

“We will also amplify the voices of those who have dealt with harassment, learning from their stories and ensuring they are heard. IMO is also doing its part. We have taken a decisive step to amend the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code, mandating training for all seafarers on preventing and addressing violence and harassment,” he explained.

He added that the IMO is developing interactive platforms to connect seafarers with best practices and support networks across the globe.

“No one should feel alone in their struggle. Join me in supporting the ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’ campaign, fostering a culture of zero tolerance on ships where respect, safety, and inclusivity are the standard, and where every individual working at sea can do so with dignity and security,” the IMO chief urged.

The Day of the Seafarer, recognized by the United Nations, was established through a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference of the IMO in Manila, which revised the STCW Convention.

The Department of Migrant Workers said that as of 2024, approximately 504,057 Filipino seafarers are deployed overseas — accounting for around 25 percent of the world’s estimated 1.6 million seafarers.