The Philippine government and European Union (EU) on November 11 launched a technical assistance project to improve training, education, and working conditions for Filipino seafarers.
Running until November 2027, this initiative will strengthen the country’s maritime education and certification systems to ensure Filipino seafarers continue playing a key role in the global maritime industry.
“The European Union is partnering with the Philippines to improve and sustain the quality of the country’s system of maritime education, training and certification, and of recruitment and placement of seafarers for the benefit of its people, economy and ultimately also of global trade,” said EU’s ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro at the launch event.
EU Waterborne Transport Director Fonti Ioannidou highlighted the project’s broader impact on international shipping. “The project will not only bring mutual benefits to both the Philippines and the EU but also contribute positively to the global shipping industry, recognizing Filipino seafarers as a cornerstone of the maritime workforce worldwide,” she said.
Key Philippine institutions — including the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Commission on Higher Education, various maritime higher education institutions, and the Philippine Coast Guard — are collaborating on the project.
MARINA oversees the implementation of international standards for maritime training and labor, aligning with the International Labor Organization’s conventions.
MARINA’s administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized the significance of the EU’s support, saying: “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to enhancing the standards of maritime education and training for Filipino seafarers, and fostering sustainable maritime practices in line with our collective global aspirations.”
During the project’s official launch, Malaluan described this initiative as an invaluable opportunity for the Philippines to incorporate international expertise and strengthen its maritime education systems to align with global standards.
The project also aligns with recent national legislation, Philippine Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. This act affirms the welfare and protection of Filipino seafarers and gives MARINA jurisdiction over maritime education.
“This legislation affirms the right, welfare, and protection of our seafarers, both domestically and internationally. It also provides for the overall jurisdiction of MARINA over maritime education,” Malaluan said.
Official launch of seafarer technical assistance project on November 11.
Meanwhile, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista expressed strong support for the EU’s assistance in elevating the Philippines’ training and certification systems.
“We must welcome the assistance of the European Union in strengthening the education, training, and certification of our seafarers, who remain the top choice as crew in the global shipping industry,” Bautista said.
As a part of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE), the project has a budget of EUR 60 million (PHP 3.75 billion) and strengthens economic and cultural ties between the EU and ASEAN.
The SCOPE initiative is also a component of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainable investments in areas like energy transition, digital infrastructure, and education.
By ensuring that Filipino seafarers’ certifications meet international standards, this project will secure their employability worldwide. The Philippines, supplying 25 percent of the world’s maritime workforce, plays a vital role in global seafaring.
“The technical assistance will boost our confidence that we can improve transport connectivity and technical cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries, focusing on digital solutions, and social and environmental sustainability,” Bautista said. He assured Ambassador Santoro of the Philippines’ commitment to upholding international maritime standards and adopting European benchmarks for training and certification.
This partnership exemplifies a forward-looking collaboration that benefits both Filipino seafarers and the global shipping community, setting high standards for maritime education and workforce quality.
All photos credit: Department of Transportation
Top photo: MARINA’s administrator Sonia Malaluan.
