President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipino maritime workers on Wednesday to continuously adapt to technological advancements and navigating geopolitical conflicts, reassuring them that the government remains steadfast in safeguarding their welfare and rights.
Addressing the Philippine Maritime Convention (PhilMarCon) 2026, President Marcos pointed out that rapid modernization across the global shipping sector demands continuous upskilling from maritime personnel.
He noted that technological developments are transforming vessel operations and digitizing maritime systems, making ongoing training essential for crew members to stay competitive.
“The way we prepare and protect our seafarers must evolve with the world they sail in,” the President added.
Beyond technological shifts, the President drew attention to the growing security hazards confronting mariners worldwide. He noted that Filipino seafarers increasingly find themselves caught in armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, attacks, and security incidents that they did not create and in which they had no part, which have resulted in injuries and fatalities.
To protect maritime workers from these threats, Marcos outlined several key government interventions, including full compliance with the international Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention and Code, enforcement of the 2026 Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Sea-Based Rules and updated Standard Employment Contracts for Overseas Filipino Seafarers, and the operation of the Seafarers’ Welfare Center to provide dedicated healthcare, legal support, training, and welfare assistance to mariners and their families.
Through the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the government has heightened emergency repatriation capabilities and implemented the Full-Cycle National Reintegration Program. The initiative assists returning mariners through financial literacy, wellness support, livelihood assistance, and the 2026 LIKHAng MARINO Business Plan Competition, which offers technical guidance and seed capital for winning entrepreneurial proposals.
Marking the second anniversary of the passage of Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, enacted on September 23, 2024, Marcos reaffirmed the state’s obligation to protect workers.
“As we commemorate its second anniversary, we renew our commitment to uphold the rights, welfare, safety, and dignity of our seafarers,” he added.
Highlighting that Filipinos account for nearly one in every five deployed seafarers globally, making the Philippines the world’s leading supplier of maritime labor, Marcos stressed the importance of maintaining their strong international reputation.
“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.