Pinoy Seafarers’ Rights
Atty.
Dennis R. Gorecho
21st
National Seafarers Day
The 21st National Seafarers’
Day (NSD) is all set on September 25,
2016 which is celebrated every last Sunday of September as a tribute to our
Filipino seafarers.
The Philippines is considered as the major
supplier of maritime labor globally as it is estimated that there is one
Filipino seafarer for every four complements on board a vessel at any
time.
Given the vast Philippine coast line (twice the size
of the United States and nearly three times more than China
), Filipinos have natural maritime instincts that place them at an
advantage over other nationalities. Foreign shipowners are known to prefer
Filipino seafarers for equally important qualities: dedication and discipline,
industry, flexibility, loyalty, English language fluency, adaptability,
positive work attitude, law-abiding, and problem-solving capability.
Philippine
Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data showed that there are 44L,826
Filipino
seafarers with POEA approved contract deployed in 2014. On the other hand, ,
the deployed seafarers in 2015 brought in US$
5,792,459,000 as dollar remittances. The seabased sector’s remittance comprise at least 22% of the total dollar remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
5,792,459,000 as dollar remittances. The seabased sector’s remittance comprise at least 22% of the total dollar remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
These remittances help spur domestic consumption in
the Philippines and a key ingredient in the country’s drive to
achieve higher but sustainable growth.
However, away from his family and working on board vessels
sailing non-stop for weeks or months the world’s oceans, the Filpino seafarer
is physically, mentally and emotionally stressed. Constantly exposed to
fluctuating temperatures caused by variant weather changes of extreme hot and
cold as the ships cross ocean boundaries, not to mention harsh weather
conditions, the risks of his getting killed, injured or ill are high.
Led by the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS)
Philippines, this year 's NSD theme is "MARINONG PILIPINO: TATAK NG
KAHUSAYAN!" with nationwide activities that include the Memorial at Sea, High Mass,
Oratorical/ Art/ Photo Contest, Karaoke challenge, and the Search for Top Ten
Outstanding Maritime Students. One of the highlights is the Grand Parade to be
participated in by more than 4000 stakeholders from maritime schools,
government agencies, manning agencies, training centers, maritime
organizations, unions, families and private institutions
Former president Fidel V. Ramos earlier issued on July 9, 1996 Proclamation No. 828 declaring August 18 as National Seafarers Day wherein the AOS-Philippines was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sector in activities related to the celebration of said event. 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. Later, Proclamation No.1094 was issued in 1997 by President Ramos which moved NSD to every last Sunday of September every year.
The
NSD coincides with the National Maritime Week last week of September spearheaded
alternatively by the government agencies , to wit Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Ports Authority
(PPA).
Atty.
Dennis R. Gorecho is a graduate of UP College of Law
No comments:
Post a Comment