The Philippines reinforced its stature as a global maritime leader at the 34th International Maritime Organization (IMO) General Assembly, spotlighting its commitment to a future-proof maritime sector centered on competent seafarers, environmental sustainability, and advanced digitalization.
In his statement delivered during the IMO Assembly, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for Maritime, Asec. Villamor Ventura S. Plan, formally announced the country’s bid for re-election as a Member of the IMO Council – Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium.
“The Philippines stands ready to continue contributing to the IMO Council with vigor, responsibility, and vision,” Asec. Plan declared. “We pledge to continue giving voice to seafarers, to champion sustainability, and to uphold the principles of safety and inclusivity in global shipping.”
Recognizing the pivotal role of Filipino seafarers, Asec. Plan stressed that the Philippines, through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), is actively strengthening seafarer competence to support a maritime just transition. This includes crucial upskilling in alternative fuels and emerging technologies.
Asec. Plan also acknowledged the risks faced by Filipino seafarers due to geopolitical tensions, citing recent incidents in the Red Sea, and extended gratitude to IMO partners for their support to affected crews and their families. Furthermore, the country is actively participating in the STCW Convention review to ensure global standards remain relevant.
The Philippines highlighted significant steps toward maritime sustainability and safety:
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Ship Recycling: Reporting progress toward accession to the Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling.
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Shipbuilding: Advancing efforts to modernize the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) sector, maintaining the country’s position among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations.
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Marine Environment: Strong support for IMO initiatives protecting the marine environment, including measures for ballast water and biofouling management, marine litter reduction, and the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from ships.
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Domestic Safety: Domestic efforts to improve ferry safety and develop electric ferries.
In alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision, Asec. Plan showcased MARINA’s digital shift. Key digitalization projects include the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online (MISMO) System and the Blockchain-Enabled Automated Certification System (BEST), which ensure secure, efficient, and tamper-proof transactions for seafarers.
Asec. Plan concluded his address with a call for unified global action: “By strengthening these partnerships, together, through mutual trust, shared responsibility, and coordinated action, we can advance maritime safety, sustainability, resilience, and progress.”
The Philippine delegation included officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), MARINA, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Embassy in London.
