Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has assured Filipino seafarers of enhanced protection of their rights and welfare during the opening of a manning exhibition on Monday.

In his speech at the Marino World: Manning Expo and Conference 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, Cacdac reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protect and empower the almost 2 million Filipino seafarers deployed around the globe.

“Gusto ko lang ibahagi ang assurance mula sa inyo na we at the DMW are doing our part. Regulatory policy work and the protection of our dear seafarers. We are proud to have the Maritime League, the government, and stakeholders present here as our partners (I just want to share the assurance from you that we at the DMW are doing our part. Regulatory policy work and the protection of our dear seafarers. We are proud to have the Maritime League, the government, and stakeholders present here as our partners),” he said.

The opening of the manning exposition coincided with the 30th National Seafarers Day, celebrated every last Sunday of September since its declaration under Proclamation 828 in 1996 by then-President Fidel Ramos.

The day serves as a national tribute to Filipino seafarers, whose work sustains global trade and supports millions of families at home.

The exposition, organized by Marino World and co-located with the Maritime League Expo and Beacon Expo 2025, also offered a job fair onsite and features speakers from the maritime industry with the theme “Shaping the Future of Filipino Seafarers for Sustainability.”

It also showcased innovations, best practices, and policy directions in the maritime and shipping sector.

In his speech, Cacdac also shared personal accounts of Filipino workers, including seafarers, who have recently received government assistance.

Early this month, the DMW reaffirmed its commitment to protect Filipino seafarers through the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being, held in the country.

The Philippines secured the support of 14 nations, including Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, India, Spain, and the Netherlands.

The Manila declaration builds on key reforms such as the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, enhanced regulatory systems, and expanded welfare programs for seafarers and their families, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard migrant workers at sea and at home.

International shipping companies consistently regard Filipinos as among the most skilled and dependable in the industry given their training, discipline, resilience, teamwork, and strong command of English.

The Philippines supplies about a quarter of the world’s seafarers and remains a key player in global maritime trade. (PNA)