As Filipino seafarers returned home for the Christmas holidays, Senator Win Gatchalian highlighted the importance of the Magna Carta for Filipino seafarers in providing enhanced protection and ensuring a safer, more secure working environment for these maritime workers.
“It is undeniable that Filipino seafarers play a crucial role in our country’s economic growth. They are the lifeline of our maritime industry. We pushed for the enactment of this measure as the government must continuously nurture, protect, and guide our seafarers. Mechanisms must be in place to safeguard their well-being, safety, and fair treatment, wherever they may sail,” Gatchalian said.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reveals the economic contribution of sea-based Filipino workers.
From January to October 2024, the total remittances of Filipino seafarers reached $5.69 billion.
In October this year alone, overseas Filipino seafarers sent home cash remittances amounting to $602.35 million. From January to October 2024, their total remittances reached $5.69 billion, marking a 14% growth compared to the $5.61 billion recorded for the same period in 2023.
The President signed RA 12021, or An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, in September this year. Gatchalian, a co-author of the measure, expressed optimism about its benefits.
“With the signing of this measure, Filipino seamen will now enjoy better protection.”
“With the signing of this measure, Filipino seamen will now enjoy better protection. This will help them improve their work efficiency and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage,” the veteran legislator said.
With the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) out soon, the law demonstrates the country’s commitment to upholding international maritime safety standards with a particular emphasis on enhancing the training and accreditation processes for Filipino seafarers, the seasoned lawmaker added.
The senator explained that the law seeks to ensure that Filipino seafarers would have the right to a safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards, fair terms and conditions of employment, decent working and living conditions on board a ship, and appropriate medical care for both overseas and domestic seafarers.
Between 2016 and 2021, the Philippines deployed over 400,000 Filipino seafarers, reflecting the country’s strong maritime heritage.
Further, it is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every 4 to 5 crew members on board a vessel at any given time.
The COVID-19 caused a 54% decline in seafarer deployments in 2020, but deployment levels bounced back in 2021, averaging around 40,000 monthly – approaching pre-pandemic figures.
