Manila: The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has partnered with other government agencies and maritime industry leaders for a landmark study on seafarers' role in the Philippine economy.
According to Philippines News Agency, MARINA announced the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between MARINA, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA), the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), and the Center for Research and Communication Foundation, Inc. (CRC). The study, entitled 'Overseas Seafarers' Industry Profile, Structure, and Impact on the Philippine Economy,' seeks to generate data-driven insights to guide the creation of responsive, complementary policies to boost the global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers.
The agreement aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and adaptability of the Philippine seafaring sector amid global industry shifts and technological advancements. Under the terms, MARINA, DMW, and AMOSUP will provide data and information relevant to the study within the scope of their mandate and subject to existing laws and regulations. This includes documentation and certification records as well as insights on deployment trends and challenges.
During the MOA signing, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted the study's importance in developing effective and future-proof policies. She emphasized that the study will provide a clearer picture of the economic contributions of seafarers, noting that their impact extends beyond remittances to include a significant multiplier effect on the economy and communities. Malaluan also noted that the study would help Filipino seafarers by exploring their challenges and opportunities.
Malaluan expressed her goal to not only retain the Philippines' position as the largest supplier of seafarers globally but to also increase its share in the global market, particularly in officer deployment. She pointed out that international projections indicate a looming shortage of officers, and the study is expected to help address this issue effectively.
