The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to inform all Filipino nationals within its jurisdiction that on 3 June 2011, President Benigno Aquino signed Proclamation No. 183 declaring June 25 of every year as the “Day of the Filipino Seafarer.”
Proclamation No. 183 implements a resolution declaring every 25th of June each year as the “Day of the Seafarer”. It was approved by the Conference of Parties held in Manila in June 2010, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It may be recalled that that the Conference principally adopted major revision otherwise known as the “Manila Amendments” to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers and its associated Code.
In the resolution, the IMO encourages governments, shipping organizations. Companies, ship owners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the “Day of the Seafarer” and take action to celebrate it meaningfully.
In Proclamation No. 183, Filipino seafarers deserving respect are accorded due recognition and gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the national development efforts of the country. While braving the perils of the seas, they serve as our “sailing ambassadors” by demonstrating before the entire global maritime community the best traits of the Filipino as a professional.
For its part, the United Nations Organization (UNO) continues to recognize the important role that seafarers play in the continued growth of the global economy and in the promotion of safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment and has included the “Day of the Seafarer” in its list of days for observance.
