- EU and Philippines Launch €4 Million Project to Boost Seafarer Training.
- Philippines and EU Collaborate to Enhance Seafarers’ Education and Working Conditions.
- EU Supports Philippine Seafarers with New Training and Certification Initiative.
The Technical Assistance Project to improve the quality of training, education, and working conditions for Filipino seafarers was launched by the Government of the Philippines in partnership with the European Union. This project falls within the scope of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package and is funded by the European Commission under the total EU allocation of €4 million, reports European Commission.
Importance of the Shipping Sector
The shipping industry is an important sector of the Philippine economy. On top of that, it directly accounts for 4% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Another 1.7% is indirectly sourced from remittances of Filipino seafarers. In fact, the Philippines ranks third when it comes to the supply of maritime talent, with about 1.15 million seafarers currently employed in the global fleet and contributing roughly 25% of the world’s seafaring workforce.
Project Objectives and Focus Areas
The three objectives of the project focus on improving the training, certification, and well-being of seafarers of Filipino nationality so as to continue enjoying competence in the global shipping industry. These Would focus on improving the education of seafarers and working conditions thus allowing them to work anywhere in the world with a certificate. The project will support these efforts for the next three years to sustain the high standard of training and labour conditions.
Key Collaborating Institutions
Several Philippine institutions are involved in the project, including:
- Department of Transportation (DOTr)
- Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
- Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
- Maritime Higher Education Institutions
- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
EU Officials Comment on the Partnership
Speaking in the margins of the launch event, Fotini Ioannidou, Director for Waterborne Transport at the European Commission, said:
“The European Commission is delighted to support this significant project, further strengthening the Philippines’ education, training, and certification system for seafarers, and demonstrating the solid partnership between the Philippines and the European Union. The project will not only bring mutual benefits to both the Philippines and the EU but also contribute positively to the global shipping industry, recognising Filipino seafarers as a cornerstone of the maritime workforce worldwide.”
H.E. Massimo Santoro, EU Ambassador to the Philippines, said:
“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 of ultimately also of global trade.”
Philippine Department of Transportation Secretary, Jaime J. Bautista, said:
“A law was recently signed – the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers – ensuring the protection and benefits of our highly-skilled mariners. We most welcome the assistance of the European Union at strengthening the education, training and certification of our seafarers who remain the top choice as crew of the global shipping industry.”
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Source: European Commission
