Philippines & international Partners Chart Course for Stronger Maritime Ties
MANILA, september 4, 2025 - The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is actively forging stronger international collaborations aimed at bolstering maritime education, seafarer welfare, and global shipping standards, following a series of bilateral meetings held alongside the International Seafarers’ Conference (ISC) in Manila.
Administrator Sonia Malaluan led the Philippine delegation in discussions with representatives from New Zealand, myanmar, georgia, Greece, Mexico, Oman, and Sri Lanka during the conference, which commenced on september 1st and brought together over 200 delegates from more than 30 nations. The meetings, according to a MARINA statement released today, focused on identifying opportunities for joint initiatives in key areas.
“During the meetings, the Philippines expressed its gratitude to the delegations for thier active participation in the conference and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights, safety, and well-being of seafarers,” MARINA reported.
Specifically, discussions centered on enhancing maritime education and training programs, strengthening protections for seafarers, and ensuring adherence to global shipping standards. MARINA officials, accompanied by International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), also used the opportunity to solicit support for the Philippines’ bid for a seat on the International Maritime Association (IMO) Council.
The agency emphasized that gaining recognition for Philippine seafarer certificates - issued in accordance with the STCW Convention – is a priority, as it directly impacts employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers.
The ISC,themed “Seafarers’ Human Rights,Safety,and Well-being,” provided a platform for high-level dialog between senior goverment officials,international organizations,labor groups,and shipping industry leaders. The conference aimed to drive concrete action towards improving conditions for seafarers and strengthening the global maritime sector.
