Filipino seafarers deployed in 2023 reached 578,626, with their corresponding dollar remittances amounting to $6,852,362.00.
In terms of deployment, the records from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) showed that the total number of Filipino seafarers deployed overseas reached 376,663 in 2017; 337,502 in 2018; 507,730 in 2019; 217,223 in 2020; 345.52 in 2021; 385,239 in 2022 and 578,626 in 2023.
The sea-based sector’s remittances comprise at least 22 percent of the total OFW dollar remittances.
Records from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas indicate the sea-based sector’s remittances reached $6,870,827,000 in 2017; $6,139,512,000 in 2018; $6,539,246,000 in 2019; $6,353,522,000 in 2020; $6,545, 002,000 in 2021; $6,715,880,000 in 2022 and $6,852,362 in 2023.
The data showed that remittances increased in 2018 by $731,315,000, then increased in 2019 by $399,734,000, then decreased in 2020 by $185,724,000, then increased in 2021 by $191, 480,000, then increased in 2022 by $172,878,000, then increased by $136,482.00 in 2023.
Stella Maris Philippines said that the significance of Filipino seafarers in the Philippine economy should be complemented with prayers for safety, strength, and sound health in their journey.
“The sea is your life. Let me encourage you: just like our life here on earth is our voyage, there are times as you sail, you will experience or encounter waves that are rough and violent. Being out in the sea can pose many challenges and difficulties. But no matter how rough the sea may be, it will return to its reassuring calmness,” declared Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos, the Bishop-Promoter of Stella Maris-Philippines.
Stella Maris 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.
The 2010 Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) held in Manila adopted a resolution establishing the Day of the Seafarer every June 25.
Its purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.
The hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea looks at the seafarers’ contribution to making the maritime sector a safer workplace.
“To you, our dear Seafarers, I encourage you to continue to perform your job diligently in keeping your workplace safe and protecting our marine environment. Stay committed to your work. You play an important role in protecting your work environment and the ocean wellness by enhancing maritime safety and security. Whether you are an experienced seafarer or a new one, be faithful to what God has called you to do,” Bishop Santos said.
The hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea is related to the theme of this year’s World Maritime Day that will take place on September 26, 2024, which is “Navigating the future: Safety first!”
The 2024 World Maritime Day theme reflects the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance maritime safety and security, in tandem with the protection of the marine environment, while ensuring its regulatory development process safely anticipates the fast pace of technological change and innovation.
2024 also marks 50 years since the adoption of the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.
SOLAS is an important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships. It ensures that ships registered by signatory States comply with minimum safety standards in construction, equipment and operation of ships.
The tragic sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912 redefined the concept of maritime safety and led to the adoption of SOLAS Convention in 1914.
The 1914 version was superseded by SOLAS 1929, SOLAS 1948, SOLAS 1960 (the first adopted under the auspices of the IMO) and SOLAS 1974.
In the Philippines, Stella Maris is tasked to coordinate with the public and private sectors the activities related to the celebration of National Seafarers Day (NSD).
Masses and prayers for the safe voyage of seafarers are traditionally part of the annual NSD, which is celebrated by virtue of Proclamation 828 by President Fidel V. Ramos on July 9, 1996 declaring August 18 as NSD. It was later moved to the last Sunday of September every year by Proclamation 1094.
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.
This year’s NSD is set on September 29, 2024 with the theme “Marinong Filipino: Ligtas na Paglalayag!.”
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.
ABO
