MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to safeguarding Filipino maritime workers, pledging to establish a more resilient support system as global geopolitical risks continue to escalate.
Speaking at the Philippine Maritime Convention 2026 held at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday, September 23, the President underscored the nation’s responsibility to protect its maritime workforce against emerging security threats abroad.
“Let us ensure that every Filipino that sails under the Philippine flag, or represents the Philippines aboard an international vessel, carries the confidence that their country stands behind them,” Marcos said.
“They have spent generations connecting the Philippines to the world. We owe it to them to build a system worthy of their sacrifice, their trust, and their dreams,” he added.
Marcos pointed out that Filipino seafarers are frequently caught in the crossfire of international disputes, suffering injuries or casualties despite having no role in the underlying disputes. He stressed that a sustainable maritime sector cannot exist if those powering it remain unprotected.
To bolster support for the sector, the Chief Executive detailed several key administrative measures:
- International Compliance: Strengthening compliance with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention and Code to maintain high maritime education and global competitiveness.
- Updated Governance Rules: The signing of the 2026 Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Sea-Based Rules and updated Standard Employment Contracts to enforce greater accountability and worker protection.
- Dedicated Support Infrastructure: Establishing a dedicated Seafarers’ Welfare Center to handle legal, medical, educational, and family support services.
- Emergency Measures: Enhanced safeguards and heightened emergency repatriation protocols via the DMW and OWWA for crew members navigating designated war-risk zones.
- Reintegration and Domestic Support: Rolling out the Full-Cycle National Reintegration Program to offer financial literacy, wellness, and livelihood support, while implementing regulatory relief to bolster the domestic shipping sector.