19th National Seafarer's Day: “Marinong Pilipino: Haligi ng Pagbabago

Filipino seafarers are the living saints – they travel the high seas with a vocation and

purpose. These were the words of Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioko during the high mass last Sunday, September 28, 2014,   at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium  in celebration of the  19th National Seafarer's Day. This year’s theme is “Marinong Pilipino: Haligi ng Pagbabago”.

Bishop Ongtioko compared Filipino Seafarers to two Filipino saints – San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod. With faith as a weapon, the saints and the Filipino seafarers  sailed with a mission – to be the soldier of change not only in the Philippines but also to the whole world.

“Treasure your faith wherever you are. Translate your faith into actions – be the pillars of love of god,” he said. “Kung walang haligi, babagsak ang bahay. Marami mamamatay. Bawat isa ay may mission sa pagbuo ng matibay  na simbahan.”

Seafarers and their families  participated in the nationwide activities for the 18th National Seafarer's which included the Memorial at Sea, High Mass, Grand Parade, Oratorical/ Art/ Photo Contest, Karaoke challenge, 

The Grand Parade from Rajah Sulayman park in Malate to Ninoy Aquino Stadium  was participated in by more than 4000 stakeholders from maritime schools, government agencies, manning agencies, training centers, maritime organizations, unions, families and private institutions.

The high mass was celebrated by  Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongsioko while Vice-President Jejomar Binay was the keynote speaker.

 Another highlight is the awarding of the winners in the different NSD contest   including the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP): Elijah Jose C. Barrios (John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo) Inc.) Boy George R. Benavente, John B.Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod Inc; Niño C. Copones ( Mariner's Polytechnic Colleges Foundation-Canaman Campus); Shiela May M. Diaz  (Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific CGSO Campus);  Emmanuel D. Dotillos Jr. (University of Cebu LapuLapu and Mandaue); Christian John B. Fajarito ( Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Inc.); Frank Stevens O. Mendoza (Asian Institute of Maritime Studies); Roger Roland S. Roullo (Philippine Merchant Marine Academy);  Joseph Ryan S. Sanchez (DMMA College of Southern Philippines); and John Lawrence G. Tabanao (Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific CGSO Campus)

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Former president Fidel V. Ramos earlier issued on July 9, 1996 Proclamation No. 828 declaring August 18 as National Seafarers' Day (NSD) wherein  the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sector in   activities related to the celebration of said event. The purpose of the Proclamation is to give due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime country. Later,  Proclamation No.1094 was issued in 1997 by President Ramos which moved NSD    during the last Sunday of September every year. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the other hand, in its Circular No. 1884 dated July 11, 1996, requested all member nations to “celebrate’ World Maritime Day (WMD )during the last week of every September (maritime week) of each year. Consequently, Presidential Proclamation No. 866 dated Sept. 6, 1996 declared Sept. 27, 1996 and the last Friday of September every year, as National Maritime Day (NMD) spearheaded alternatively by the government agencies , to wit Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and  Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). 

                 

The Philippines is considered as the major supplier of maritime labor globally as there is an estimated one Filipino seafarer for every four complements  on board a vessel.  Per Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data,. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data showed that there are 367,166  Filipino seafarers with POEA approved contract that were  deployed in 2013 who  brought in dollar remittances that reached US$5,215,378,000  . As of 2013, the seabased sector’s remittance comprise at least 22% of the total dollar remittances of OFWs. Remittances help spur domestic consumption in the Philippines and a key ingredient in the country’s drive to achieve higher but sustainable growth.

Given the vast Philippine coast line (twice the size of the United States and nearly three times more than China), Filipinos have natural maritime instincts that place them at an advantage over other nationalities. Foreign shipowners are known to prefer Filipino seafarers for equally important qualities: dedication and discipline, industry, flexibility, loyalty, English language fluency, adaptability, positive work attitude, law-abiding, and problem-solving capability.

Ironically, the Philippines almost lost its slot on the historical first thirty ratifying countries of the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (MLC2006).  It took the Philippines six years to ratify MLC2006 on August 13, 2012 after it became a signatory of the so called international magna carta for seafarers rights. The convention sets out minimum standards and fair working conditions for seafarers worldwide. Philippines is the thirtieth country to ratify MLC 2006 out of the 314 signatories and one of the first thirty ratifying countries required for the convention to take effect. 

2013 National Seafarers' Day

   

 

Seafarers nationwide are invited to participate in the nationwide activities for the 18th National Seafarer's Day.

 Activities nationwide include the Memorial at Sea, High Mass, Grand Parade, Oratorical/ Art/ Photo Contest, Karaoke challenge, and the Search for Top Ten Outstanding Maritime Students. The Grand Parade from Rajah Sulayman park in Malate to Ninoy Aquino Stadium  will be  participated in by more than 4000 stakeholders from maritime schools, government agencies, manning agencies, training centers, maritime organizations, unions, families and private institutions.

The high mass will be celebrated by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle while Vice-President Jejomar Binay will be the keynote speaker.

Former president Fidel V. Ramos earlier issued on July 9, 1996 Proclamation No. 828 declaring August 18 as National Seafarers' Day wherein  the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sector in   activities related to the celebration of said event. The purpose of the Proclamation is to give due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime countryLater,  Proclamation No.1094 was issued in 1997 by President Ramos   during the last Sunday of September every year. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the other hand, in its Circular No. 1884 dated July 11, 1996, requested all member nations to “celebrate’ World Maritime Day (WMD)during the last week of every September (maritime week) of each year. Consequently, Presidential Proclamation No. 866 dated Sept. 6, 1996 declared Sept. 27, 1996 and the last Friday of September every year, as National Maritime Day (NMD) spearheaded alternatively by the government agencies , to wit Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and  Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). 

                  The Philippines is considered as the major supplier of maritime labor globally. Per Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data,. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data showed that the deployed Filipino seafarers in 2006 (274,497), 2007 (266,553), 2008 (261,614), 2009 (330,424), 2010 (347,150), and 2011 (400,000) brought in the dollar remittances that have also been constantly increasing from US$1.9B in 2006, US$2.2B in 2007 , US$3B in 2008, US$3.4B in 2009, US$3.8B in 2010 to S$4.3B in 2011. As of 2013, the seabased sector’s remittance comprise at least 22% of the total dollar remittances of OFWs. No specific reason can be identified in the increase in dollar remittance despite the drop of supply globally in 2007 and 2008. But perhaps it is a result of increase in the salaries of the seafarers, on one hand, or the more aggressive “remittance” attitude of the Filipino seafarers, on the other hand. On the other hand, the Philippines as a flag State has a registered fleet comprising around 1.4% of total world tonnage.

Given the vast Philippine coast line (twice the size of the United States and nearly three times more than China), Filipinos have natural maritime instincts that place them at an advantage over other nationalities. Foreign shipowners are known to prefer Filipino seafarers for equally important qualities: dedication and discipline, industry, flexibility, loyalty, English language fluency, adaptability, positive work attitude, law-abiding, and problem-solving capability.

 Ironically, the Philippines almost lost its slot on the historical first thirty ratifying countries of the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (MLC2006 It took the philippines six years to ratify MLC2006 on August 13, 2012 after it became a signatory of the so called international magna carta for seafarers rights..The convention sets out minimum standards and fair working conditions for seafarers worldwide. Philippines is the thirtieth country to ratify MLC 2006 out of the 314 signatories and one of the of the first thirty ratifying countries required for the convention to take effect. 

National Seafarers' Day 2012

The Filipino seafarers are not only major contributors to the country’s economic growth, they are also ‘saint potentials’, thus said  Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle during the 17th National Seafarers' Day (NSD) last  September 30, 2012 .  

 The archbishop was referring to Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Blessed Pedro Calungsod, the soon-to-be second Filipino saint as he noted that  these Philippine Catholic Church’s two martyrs were seafarers and missionaries at the same time before they became saints. He added that Ruiz and Calungsod sailed to other countries and died for a mission: “to teach the Good News.”

 “You should be instruments for what is good work and not of temptations,” he added. “The Filipinos today are sailing everywhere. Bring with you the best of the Filipinos.”

The Philippines is celebrating this week NSD carrying the theme "MARINONG PILIPINO: DAKILA PA RIN ANG KAGITINGAN; One hundred years after the Titanic”. One of the consequences of the sinking, in 1912, of the Titanic, in which 1,503 people lost their lives,  was the adoption, two years later, of the first International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (the SOLAS Convention). The convention  is still in force today, amended and updated many times.

 The NSD theme was patterned after the 2012 Maritime Week theme selected by the of International Maritime Organization (IMO) to pay tribute to all those who, in the course of the 100 years, have contributed to improvements in maritime safety. The celebration also aimed to examine whether the lessons drawn from amongst the most costly (in human lives lost) accidents of the last 100 years have been learnt to the full.

  Under Proclamation No.1049 issued in 1997 by then president Fidel V. Ramos,  the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sector in   activities related to the National Seafarers’ Day during the last Sunday of September every year. The purpose of the Proclamation is to give due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime country. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the other hand, in its Circular No. 1884 dated July 11, 1996, requested all member nations to “celebrate’ World Maritime Day (WMD)during the last week of every September (maritime week) of each year. Consequently, Presidential Proclamation No. 866 dated Sept. 6, 1996 declared Sept. 27, 1996 and the last Friday of September every year, as National Maritime Day (NMD) spearheaded alternatively by the government agencies , to wit Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and  Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The Philippines is considered as the major supplier of maritime labor globally. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data showed that the deployed Filipino seafarers in 2006 (274,497), 2007 (266,553), 2008 (261,614), 2009 (330,424),  2010 (347,150),  and  2011 (400,000) brought in  the dollar remittances that have also  been constantly increasing from US$1.9B in 2006, US$2.2B in 2007 , US$3B in 2008, US$3.4B in 2009, US$3.8B in 2010 to S$4.3B in 2011. On the other hand, the Philippines as a flag State has a registered fleet comprising around 1.4% of total world tonnage.

Given the vast Philippine coast line (twice the size of the United States and nearly three times more than China), Filipinos have natural maritime instincts that place them at an advantage over other nationalities. Foreign shipowners are known to prefer Filipino seafarers for equally important qualities: dedication and discipline, industry, flexibility, loyalty, English language fluency, adaptability, positive work attitude, law-abiding, and problem-solving capability.

For his part, Vice President Jejomar Binay said the government is ensuring that the rights of the Filipino seafarers are protected. He mentioned the recent ratification in the Senate of the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 being pushed by different maritime labor institutions, organizations and even the Church.

 Ironically, the Philippines almost lost its slot on the historical first thirty ratifying countries of the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (MLC2006 It took the philippines six years to ratify MLC2006 on August 13, 2012 after it became a signatory of the so called international magna carta for seafarers rights..The convention sets out minimum standards and fair working conditions for seafarers worldwide. Philippines is the thirtieth country to ratify MLC 2006 out of the 314 signatories and one of the of the first thirty ratifying countries required for the convention to take effect. 

 Activities nationwide include the Memorial at Sea, High Mass, Grand Parade, Oratorical/ Art/ Photo Contest, Karaoke challenge, and the Search for Top Ten Outstanding Maritime Students. The Grand Parade from LUSWELF Kalaw to the Philippine Port Authority (PPA) gym  was participated in by more than 4000 stakeholders from maritime schools, government agencies, manning agencies, training centers, maritime organizations, unions, families and private institutions.

See me at 2:30 of this Balitanghali coverage by GMA of the Mass during the offertory in front of VP Binay.

Congratulations to the Top Ten Maritime Students of the Philippines during this year's National Seafarers' Day celebration. I was one of the judges who interviewed the short-listed 34 students from the original 70 plus hopefuls nationwide. After the 10-hour interview with each student giving their best within 15 minutes each, these top ten students were chosen. Some of the questions we asked them:    a) if your boat had an accident and only two are left (you and one of the other hopefuls) will you give him the remaining salbabida? (b) how will you deal with discrimination on board? (c) due to high income, will the "expected compulsory" monetary support to family members cultivate a culture of mendicancy (d) the "utility boy" phenomenom; and (d) sell yourself to a manning agency as a promising future Filipino seafarer. The search was sponsored by Western Union.

Top Ten Maritime Students of the Philippines

Four of the Top Ten Maritime Students of the Philippines during this year's National Seafarers' Day celebration being interviewed live over our radio program Bantay OCW Kabalikat ng Marino last September 27, 2012 . It is aired every thursday. 1230:00 p.m. to 2:00pm Radio Inquirer DZIQ 990AM. Then at 8:00p.m. Friday NBN channel4

National Seafarers' Day 2011

 "Sa inyong pagalalayag ay dala ninyo ang katangiang Pilipino - kasipagan, pagmamahal sa pamilya at paniniwala/ takot sa Diyos (In your journey you bring with you unique Filipino traits - reliableness, love of family and faith/ fear of God)", thus declared His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, during the mass in celebration of the 16^th National Seafarers’ Day (NSD)  at the Manila Cathedral.

The homily of Cardinal Rosales centered on the significance of the seafaring profession both in the Philippine economy and the lives of the stakeholders. He stressed that more often than not, you can recognize a Filipino seafarer on board the vessel by looking into his cabin and the pictures posted in his wall - his family along with that of Jesus Christ, Mary or any other saint, signifying the source of  his strenghth amidst the hardships and challenges of his profession.

Per Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data, there were 330,424 Filipino seafarers deployed abroad in 2009 comprising almost 30 percent of the global maritime labor force. Although the number of deployed Filipino seafarers has decreased from 2006 (274,497), 2007 (266,553) to 2008 (261,614), the dollar remittances have been constantly  increasing from US$1.9B in 2006, US$2.2B in 2007 , US$3B in 2008, US$3.4B in 2009 to US$3.8B in 2010.

The mass was preceded by the grand parade from LUSWELF in Kalaw to the Manila Cathedral participated by more than  five thousand stakeholders coming from the schools, government and private sector (organizations/ unions, manning agencies, training centers, etc). Earlier, there was wreath laying ceremonies held at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) compound in honor of the deceased seafarers.

Under Proclamation No.1049 issued in 1997 by then president Fidel V. Ramos,  the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sector in   activities related to the National Seafarers’ Day during the last Sunday of September every year.   This year's 16^th National Seafarers’ Day celebration fell on September 25, 2011, . with the  theme “Marinong Pilipino: Lakas ng Pagkakaisa!” It embodies the unified attitude of the Filipino Seafarers’ ideals, morals and cause.

This year's NSD served as the kick- off of the National Maritime Week (NMW). On July 17, 2008, then President Gloria M. Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1560 declaring last Friday of September of every year as “National Maritime Day” , spearheaded by the government agencies , to wit : Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)/ Cebu Ports Authority. 

Both celebrations focused on two main issues affecting the Filipino Seafarers: piracy and the maritime labor convention.

The recent piracy incidents are  reality checks  to the risk faced by seafarers , particularly Filipino seafarers.  The Philippines, which supplies a third of the world’s seafarers’ population, is among the most adversely affected and seriously alarmed by incidences of piracy in the Somali basin and the Gulf of Aden. The hijacking of dozens of vessels, ranging from massive oil tankers to chartered supply ships carrying UN food aid for Somalia, has become a highly lucrative industry with millions of dollars paid in ransom each year.

  Seafarers are on the frontline of the piracy problem. In recent years, thousands of seafarers have been killed, injured, assaulted, taken hostage or threatened as piracy and armed robbery have increased dramatically.. All seafarers transiting the Gulf of Aden and Northern Indian Ocean, have to live with the risk of attack. When ships are attacked by pirates, crews suffer the stress of being fired upon with guns and rocket propelled grenades and those captured can be held hostage for months. Following a piracy attack those involved can be seriously affected by post traumatic stress. 

            As a policy, the Philippine government does not negotiate with nor pay ransom to kidnappers, but gives ship owners the free hand in negotiating for the release of abducted Filipino sailors

On the other hand, it is now  incumbent upon the Philippine government to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (MLC2006) in order that it will be one of the thirty ratifying countries required  for the convention  to take effect. 

With the recent  ratification by Antigua and Barbuda last August 11, 2011 of the MLC 2006 last June 15, 2011 , 18  member States of the International Labour Organization (ILO)  have now ratified this important Convention, which sets out minimum standards and fair working conditions for seafarers worldwide. While the first requirement for entry into  force of the Convention – coverage of 33 per cent of the world gross tonnage – has already been attained, Antigua and Barbuda’s ratification is an important step towards achieving the second requirement: 30 ratifying countries. It is expected that the additional 12 ratifications will be obtained before the end of 2011, indicating that the MLC, 2006 will enter into force in 2012.

The convention was already ratified by  18 countries/ states, to wit: Liberia  (June 7,2006), Marshall Islands  (September 25, 2007 ), Bahamas (February 11,2008), Panama (February 6, 2009), Norway (February 10, 2009) , Bosnia and Herzegovina  (January 18, 2010) , Spain (February 4, 2010), Croatia  (February 12, 2010) , Bulgaria (April 12, 2010) , Canada (June 15,  2010),Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (November 9, 2010) , Switzerland (February 2, 2011), Gabon (May 12, 2011) Benin (June 13, 2011), and Singapore ( June 15, 2011). Denmark (June 23, 2011)  Latvia (August 12, 2011), Antigua and Barbuda (August 11, 2011).

The  MLC  contains a comprehensive set of global standards, based on those that are already found in 68 maritime labor instruments. It modernizes the global  standards to: (a) set minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship; (b) address conditions of employment, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection; (c) promote compliance by operators and owners of ships by giving governments sufficient flexibility to implement its requirements in a manner best adapted to their individual laws and practices; and (d) strengthen enforcement mechanisms at all levels, including provisions for complaint procedures available to seafarers, shipowners’ supervision of conditions on their ships, the flag States’ jurisdiction and control over their ships, and port State inspections of foreign ships.