Seafarers observe National Maritime Week

The domestic maritime industry led by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) held various celebrations in observance of the National Maritime Week this month.

AMOSUP, the largest union of seafarers in the country and in the world, will lead the kick off rites for this year’s week-long celebration that highlights the “National Maritime Day” on Thursday, Sept. 27, and the “Filipino Seafarers’ Day” on Sept. 30.

Dr. Conrado F. Oca, the union president and chairman, together with his executive vice president VAdm Eduardo Ma. R. Santos AFP (ret.), will converged as early 7 a.m. at the Seafarer’s Memorial along the baywalk of Roxas Boulevard, near the Manila Yacht Club (MYC) to kick off the NMW 2018 celebration.

Earlier, MARINA hosted a mari- time safety forum, which banners the theme, “Kaligtasan at Kaunlaran ng Paglalayag Tungo sa Isang Bansang Matatag” to coincide with the nation’s observance of the Maritime and Archipelagic National Awareness Month (MaNa Mo) and the National Maritime Week.

The discussions in the maritime industry forum highlighted the status quo of maritime safety in the Philippines and the government’s efforts to promote safety and security of life and property at sea.

MARINA OIC-Deputy Administrator for Planning and OIC-Executive Director for STCW Office Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. explained the corrective measures being undertaken by the Philippines to ensure its compliance with the findings of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on the implementation of maritime education, training and certification systems in the Philippines.

ANGKLA Partylist Representative Jesulito Manalo talked about the government’s legislative agenda on maritime safety while International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Ambassador Carlos Salinas will discuss his maritime safety advocacies for the Philippines.

Magsaysay Maritime Corporation President and CEO Doris Magsaysay Ho tackled the blue economy or the sustainable use of maritime resources for economic development while conserving marine life.

A maritime industry forum for Mindanao will also be held at SM Lanang in Davao City on 29 September 2018, which featured the maritime industry development in Mindanao.

The Philippine Coast Guard, which is the lead agency in the celebration, will lead in the dressing up of ships and horn-blowing, fun run and port/ wharf activities, supported by Philippine Ports Authority and MARINA, Department of Transportation.