‘Itaas mo ang iyong tinig sa panunumpa! Dahil ang pagpupugay sa bandila ay pagmamahal sa bansa.”
Thus declared Kapuso actor and Major Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes as he read the “Pagpupugay sa Busilak na Bandila” during the “Stop and Salute Flag-Raising Ceremony” on September 23, 2024 at the Independence Flagpole of Rizal Park Luneta in honor of Filipino seafarers and reservists.
The flag-raising event coincided with the celebration of the 29th National Seafarers’ Day (NSD) and the 25th National Maritime Week (NMW).
NSD is celebrated by virtue of Proclamation No. 828 s. 1996 by President Fidel V. Ramos declaring August 18 as NSD. It was later moved to the last Sunday of September every year by Proclamation 1094 s. 1997. 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.
NSD this year is set on September 29, 2024 with the theme “Marinong Filipino: Ligtas na Paglalayag!”
The NSD coincides with the NMW celebrated every last week of September, spearheaded alternatively by the government agencies Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
C/E Elizsa Chomi of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) led the oath of allegiance that states: “Ako ay Pilipino. Buong katapatang nanunumpa sa watawat ng Pilipinas, at sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag; na may dangal, katarungan at Kalayaan; na pinakikilos ng sambayanang maka-Diyos,maka-kalikasan, maka-tao at maka-bansa!” Chomi is the MAAP female graduate to act as chief engineer onboard.
Filipino seafarers are “sailing ambassadors” for demonstrating the best traits of the Filipinos before the international maritime community.
The Philippines is considered as one of the major supplier of maritime labor globally as it is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four to five complements on board a vessel at any time.
According to the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)/International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Seafarer Workforce Report 2021, the top five largest supplier for both officers and ratings are the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Indonesia, China, and India. Together, these countries supplied 44 percent of the global seafarer workforce.
In 2023, Filipino seafarers deployed reached 578,626 with the corresponding dollar remittances amounting to $6,852,362,000.
The sea-based sector’s remittances comprise at least 20 percent of the total OFW dollar remittances that amounted to $33,490,930,000 in 2023.
“Government positions should not serve as a means for personal gain or privilege,” a reminder from Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo in his homily during the September 22, 2024 mass at the PCG headquarters in Manila as part of the NSD/NMW opening ceremonies.
Bishop Santos is the Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris-Philippines, which is the Catholic Church’s missionary work to the peoples of the sea, particularly seafarers, whether they are on merchant, passenger, war or fishing vessels.
Stella Maris Philippines is tasked to coordinate with the public and private sectors the NSD-related activities including nationwide masses and prayers for the safe voyage of seafarers as well as grand parade, processions, seminars, oratorical, art and karaoke contests. Wreathe and flower-throwing activities are also offered for the deceased seafarers and fishers, as well as for those who have perished or missing at sea.
“Let us choose those who will truly help us, not those who will just sing or dance for us, or only make us laugh. And not those who will do or say nothing when our God is mocked and our Catholic faith is disrespected,” Santos said.
The bishop also said that voting should not be based on camaraderie, promises, endorsements, or popularity.
Bishop Santos added: “Voting is our right. It is about our future. We must choose correctly, wisely, and worthily. Because if we don’t choose correctly, we will regret it and suffer in the end. But if we vote for those who are honest, true, and genuine, we can expect good and effective leadership.”
“We are grateful for the sacrifices you have given this country—and indeed this is the perfect place, the cradle of heroes, to honor your excellence, dedication, heroism and your significant contributions to our economy,” said Monique Pronove of the Salute To A Clean Flag Movement, which organizes the monthly flag raising ceremony that aimed to reignite love of country, to remind citizens of their civic duties, and to inspire the youth to push for change.
Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.
