Three Filipino mariners were conferred “The Outstanding Filipino Seafarers Award" (TOFSA) at the sidelines of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) International Diplomatic Conference at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City Tuesday.

Demosthenes C. Quiñones, Master Mariner Abelardo M. Pacheco, and Master Mariner Ricardo M. Salunar were the first recipients of TOFSA, an award that aims to recognize valuable contributions of the Filipino seafarers not only in domestic shipping but in the world maritime industry, which was launched last May by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) in partnership with the private sectors.

“I express pride and pleasure at this historic, first three seafarers who were bestowed this award,’’ said DoLE Secretary Marianito D. Roque.

“The TOFSA fittingly honors the Filipino seafarers by way of the models and exemplars in their ranks who through their outstanding skills, competence, and qualities have contributed to the growth and development of the Philippine maritime industry,’’ he said.

Labor Undersecretary for Maritime Affairs Noriel P. Devanadera said the three awardees were bestowed the TOFSA “for their notable accomplishments that lend credence to their competence, professionalism, and dedication.”

Roque also cited the other Filipino seafarers, saying they all play a crucial role in enhancing the global seafaring industry.

He said the country today has become the largest and most viable source of shipping crew around the world and “the most professional, reputable, adaptable, and capable individuals working in vessels of foreign flags.’’

According to Roque, the award is significant in the light of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) global declaration of 2010 as the “Year of the Seafarers.’’

Meanwhile, IMO Sec-Gen Admiral Efthimios Mitropoulos paid tribute to the country’s world-class, global standards-compliant maritime training system during his visit the other day to the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) in Bataan, and the training ships of the Philippines and other countries berthed at Pier 13 of the South Harbor.

Mitropoulos acknowledged the Philippines’ role in accounting for 25 percent of the seafarers in the entire global shipping.

He also cited the training ships’ presence for according symbolic honor and importance to the IMO proceedings in the Philippines, which paves the way for new and updated global standards for seafaring in the 21st century.

In his earlier speech, the IMO sec-gen emphasized the importance of the UN body’s global declaration of 2010 as the “Year of the Seafarer.”

“We must keep our seafarers constantly in mind and that we do care for them. At the same time, we need to prioritize efforts against the scourge of piracy in the high seas, alongside the urgent need to join forces and attend to the agony of the families whose seafaring loved ones have been hostaged and victimized,” he said.

The IMO sec-gen likewise noted that the effort of adopting amendments to the STCW Convention now ongoing at the PICC would “effectively address inconsistencies and outdated provisions affecting seafaring amid global technological advancements, upgrade seafarers’ conditions on board ship and ensure environmental protection and safety of life at sea.”