Filipino seafarers honored on Int'l Seafarers Day
A non-government organization for seafarers on Wednesday led the commemoration of International Seafarers' Day in Manila.
The SeaFaring Family International (SeaFam) is set to hold a series of programs aimed to honor Filipino seafarers and their families, including a job fair for maritime workers to be participated by around 24 employers.
SeaFam started the events with a flag-raising ceremony in Rizal Park, which was joined by several government officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
'Without seafarers baka walang groceries na ma-provide, even 'yung gasolina. Ang laki ng impact. Kung walang magde-deliver talagang ang hirap makakuha ng supply baka walang sasakyan sa EDSA,' SeaFam vice president Glenn Blasquez said in Jherome Apresto's report on 'Unang Balita.'
(Without seafarers there probably wouldn't be groceries to provide, even gasoline. They have a huge impact. If nobody delivers these supplies, there might be no vehicles on EDSA.)
The group is also offering wellness programs for seafarers and their families.
'Each sector will be giving their pledge of commitment to keep our crews safe onboard and here sa land. The government, they are doing everything they can so the OFWs and seafarers can be repatriated safely,' said SeaFam president Arianne Rocha.
'My harassment-free ship'
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), for its part, joined the global celebration as it reaffirmed it expressed its support for the end of harassment and bullying on board ships.
'About a quarter of the world's seafaring workforce are Filipinos. As the leading source of seafarers, a strong advocate for human rights at sea, and a champion for gender equality, the Philippines strongly supports the campaign 'My harassment-free ship' launched by the International Maritime Organization on this Day of the Seafarer,' the department said.
'This call for action to build a maritime culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment on board ships is timely as it is necessary,' it said.
The DFA likewise reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with its partners to ensure safe and decent living condition for Filipino seafarers.
'In a world undergoing profound shifts and upheavals, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to continue working with all partners to further advance safe decent and living conditions for all seafarers,' it said.
The Philippines will hold the International Conference on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety and Well-being on September 1 to September 3, it added. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA Integrated News
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