📷 DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac | ABS CBN News
Filipino seafarers are still leading the lead in the global maritime industry as they comprise about 30 percent of the world’s mariners, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Saturday.
During the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac underscored the significant presence of Filipino seafarers in the global workforce.
“Noong 2023 naka-all-time high tayo eh, umabot nang mga limang daan—lagpas sa limang daang libo kaya’t ang ating demand for maritime seafarers ay patuloy,” Cacdac said.
This impressive figure underscores the Philippines’ vital role in the maritime sector, with over half a million Filipino seafarers deployed in 2023, marking an all-time high for the country.
The demand for Filipino seafarers remains robust, driven by their reputation for professionalism and skill in the industry.
However, Secretary Cacdac also noted the unprecedented challenges that have been encountered during this year.
“Of course, kakaiba itong taon na ito – sa unang quarter ng istatistika natin hindi nakita nating apektado masyado but it remains to be seen whether or not itong Red Sea at Gulf of Aden situation ay nakaapekto sa kabuuang bilang for 2024.”
The geopolitical tensions in regions such as the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have raised concerns about their potential impact on the deployment numbers for 2024. Despite these uncertainties, the 2023 figures demonstrate the resilience and sustained demand for Filipino maritime professionals.
“But definitely 2023 we had an all-time high sa deployment ng seafarers,” Cacdac said.
The Philippines has once again been included in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) white list.
The Department of Transportation attributed the country’s inclusion to its dedication to upholding high standards in maritime education, training, and certification for Filipino seafarers.
Being on the white list indicates that seafarers trained and certified in the Philippines comply with the stringent international standards established by the IMO Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. (TCSP)
