The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has recognized the Philippines as the Manning Capital of the World. There are more than 200,000 Filipinos on board ocean-going ships plying the world’s oceans and seas the whole year-round. Japan alone employs some 50,000 Filipino seafarers as crew, stewards, and deck officers. In fact, IMO lauded the Philippines as one of the countries maintaining high standards for its seafarers’ qualifications, necessary and vital to sustain the world’s maritime industry.
In the hands, thus, of Filipino seafarers depend the future and the fate of millions of traders and businesses all over the world. Our people accordingly play a major role in global trade and commerce.
Joangas and karakoas, vessels that carried some one thousand men and, during the Spanish era, the galleons – fortresses at sea – were built and manned by Filipinos. As early as 300 A.D., accounts mention that emissaries of the Chinese emperor rode on ships built and manned by Philippine islanders.
The Philippines is a maritime country and will continue to be one. Its insular character has fostered the maritime spirit in the Filipino people. This explains why our people are great shipbuilders, seafarers, and navigators.
The last week of September is annually observed in our country as National Maritime Week to highlight the vital role played by the maritime industry in the life of our nation. The Maritime Industry Authority leads the observance of this special event in conjunction with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) and maritime industry organizations.
Let us revitalize and nourish our maritime industry and continue it as a pillar of our country’s economy and a major employer of our people.
