FOLLOWING the approval of the Magna Carta for Seafarers, Sen. Grace Poe vowed to continue pushing for policies and programs for the welfare of workers in the maritime industry.

“It has been 10 years since we first filed the Pilipino Marino bill to protect the interests and welfare of Filipino seafarers.

The long overdue Magna Carta is no longer a dream,” Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, said.

The Senate on late Wednesday approved on third and final reading the bill on Magna Carta for Seafarers, a measure earlier certified urgent by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Poe said relevant government agencies should remain vigilant to ensure that the seafarers reap the benefits of the Magna Carta once signed into law.

“As legislators, we vow to continue pushing for a maritime related policies and support programs and projects that will further improve and promote the development of the maritime industry,” she said.

Now a step closer to becoming a law, Poe said the Magna Carta augurs well for the welfare of nearly half a million seafarers working in passenger and cargo ships around the world.

In 2022, their remittances accounted for $6.71 billion or 1.66% of the country’s gross domestic product.

“Hindi maitatanggi na malaki ang kontribusyon ng marinong Pilipino sa pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya lalo na ng maritime industry hindi lamang dito sa ating bansa maging sa buong mundo. Kinikilala sila sa kanilang angking sipag, dedikasyon at professionalism,” Poe said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Camille P. Balagtas