President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on various concerned agencies to ensure the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers provide robust and reliable support for Filipino seafarers.
President Marcos made the call during the Ceremonial Signing of the IRR of Republic Act No. 12021 in Malacañang.
“To the DOTr, MARINA, DOLE, DMW, and other concerned agencies, please ensure the immediate issuance of all remaining guidelines relative to the implementation of this IRR and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” the President said.
“Monitor its strict compliance by all stakeholders, and assist our seafarers to maximize the benefits that it provides,” he added.
“Let us ensure that every provision of this law and its IRR are not just words that appear on paper but a bulwark that our seafarers can rely on,” he added.
The IRR was designed to enhance the welfare and protect the rights of all Filipino seafarers, who are vital to the global maritime industry and the Philippine economy.
Its provisions include employment standards, social protection, health and safety, skills training, and family support to improve quality of life.
The law also safeguards Filipino seafarers by preventing exploitation, offering legal assistance, and improving regulations to guarantee that each of them will be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, both at home and overseas.
“Para sa mga kababaihan sa maritime industry, ang IRR na ito ay ilan lamang sa mga paraan para kayo ay maprotektahan at mapahalagahan. Sinisiguro ng Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers at IRR nito ang inyong mga karapatan laban sa diskriminasyon at pananakot,” the President said.
“Ang hakbang na ito ay hindi lamang nagbubukas ng pagkakataon sa industriya, ito rin ay sumasalamin sa ating dedikasyon sa mas progresibo at mas pantay na patakaran sa industriya ng maritime,” he added.
Among also the features of the IRR is the establishment of One-Stop Shop Centers for Seafarers aimed at simplifying processes to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles.
Before concluding his speech, the President acknowledged the big contribution of seafarers in giving honor to the country.
“Sa ating mga marino: Saan mang dako kayo ng mundo, patuloy ninyong binibigyan ng karangalan ang ating bansa dahil sa taglay ninyong kasipagan, kahusayan, at katatagan.”
“Kaya naman, sa bawat paglalayag, sa bawat paglalakbay ninyo, kami po ay nasa likod ninyo, naglilingkod upang higit na maitaguyod ang inyong seguridad, dignidad, at karapatan.” (PND)
