The Philippines has strongly reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, rights, and well-being of the world’s maritime workforce, calling for more responsive global protection for seafarers amid escalating risks at sea.
Speaking at the “ILC Lunch Conversation” on June 8, 2026—held on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC)—Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul, Jr. led the discussion reflecting on the landmark Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006. While acknowledging the significant gains achieved two decades since the MLC’s adoption, Undersecretary Rasul emphasized that the convention must continue to evolve to meet modern threats.
“The global maritime landscape has shifted,” Rasul stated, pointing to urgent, present-day challenges that directly threaten seafarers’ lives and well-being. “The MLC must remain dynamic and responsive to risks like armed conflict, war, piracy, and ongoing geopolitical crises.”
As the source of roughly one-fourth of the world’s maritime workforce, the Philippines holds a uniquely critical stake in international shipping and global trade. Undersecretary Rasul underscored that because Filipino seafarers are vital to keeping global supply chains moving, the Philippine government remains proactive in shaping future international maritime labor standards.
Aligning with the direct mandates of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippines has rolled out a sweeping suite of domestic reforms and policy updates designed to institutionalize top-tier protections for its sea-based workers. Key initiatives highlighted at the conference include:
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The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers: A comprehensive legislative milestone securing the fundamental rights, fair wages, and welfare of Filipino mariners.
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The Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being: A framework positioning human dignity and safety at the core of maritime operations.
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New DMW Rules and Regulations: Overhauled guidelines governing the deployment and employment of sea-based Filipino workers.
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Updated Standard Employment Contracts: Modernized contracts tailored to protect the specific nuances of modern seafaring and commercial fishing.
Through these combined efforts, the Philippines continues to champion fair, safe, and humane working conditions, leading by example to elevate labor standards across the global maritime industry.
