The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) marked on Thursday World Maritime Day by honoring Filipino seafarers, recognizing them as “not only the lifeblood of the global fleet, but as crucial navigators of the maritime industry’s green and digital transition.”
In a statement, the DFA emphasized its dedication to advancing policies to empower sailors with the next-generation skills required to command the sustainable, automated, and technologically advanced vessels.
“The DFA will continue to advocate tirelessly for the rights, safety, and security of all mariners against peril in the high seas,” the statement read.
The DFA also reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation “that supports a sustainable blue economy and positions the Philippines at the forefront of this global shift.”
“We call upon all stakeholders-from ship owners and operators to port authorities and energy innovators-to collaborate in building a maritime sector that is both economically vibrant and environmentally responsible,” the DFA stressed.
The agency further urged countries to constantly adhere to international laws, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and its dispute settlement mechanisms.
On September 3, the Philippines adopted the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Rights, Safety, and Well-Being which aims to protect the “dignity, welfare, and human rights” of seafarers worldwide.
