The Philippines on Thursday announced it contributed an additional $60,000 to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) — the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping — to support programs on climate action, women in maritime, and technical cooperation amid growing geopolitical tensions affecting global shipping routes.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) emphasized that this contribution reflects the Philippines’ ongoing commitment to strengthening multilateral maritime cooperation during a time of rising geopolitical tensions.
“As global maritime trade faces heightened pressures, sustained support for the IMO’s capacity-building work is seen as vital in ensuring stability, resilience, and the continued safe and efficient flow of international shipping for the benefit of all,” the statement read.
The donation was formally presented by Philippine Permanent Representative to the IMO Teodoro Locsin Jr. to Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez at the IMO Headquarters in London.
“The Philippine Government remains steadfast in championing the welfare and protection of all seafarers, especially Filipinos who make up a significant number of the profession, and recognizes the importance of contributing to global efforts that enhance maritime governance, improve safety standards, and foster fair and inclusive opportunities across the maritime sector, especially for women, who want to work in this field,” Locsin said.
“By helping the IMO, we are aiding not only ourselves but the entire global community in mitigating the devastating impacts of climate change that severely affect our country,” he added.
The donation will be channeled through the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Program within the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, focusing on implementing strategies to reduce shipping-related GHG emissions and supporting the technical cooperation committee.
It will also help Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, aligning with the Philippines’ commitment to assist fellow developing nations.
A portion of the funds will support the IMO’s Women in Maritime Program, which aims to expand opportunities for women in the maritime industry and foster greater gender inclusivity, recognizing that more Filipina women are entering seafaring roles.
Currently, the Philippines is a member of the IMO Council’s 40-seat category, having been reelected in November 2025 under Category C, which includes states with special interests in maritime transport or navigation.
