Philippines Highlights Maritime Credentials for IMO Council Bid

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo (top) and DOTR Undersecretary for the Maritime Sector Elmer Francisco U. Sarmiento (bottom) delivered speeches during the launch of the PH Candidature for International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council Category C for 2024-2025 (Photos courtesy of DFA-OPCD Royce Pantua)

MANILA 02 October 2023 – The Philippines launched its candidature for a seat in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for term 2024-2025, highlighting its maritime credentials including its tradition of producing competent maritime professionals and status as one of the largest shipbuilding countries in the world. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and MARINA co-hosted a diplomatic reception to launch the candidature of MARINA for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the term 2024-2025 at the Manila Diamond Hotel on 26 September 2023. The event was attended by Ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives of IMO member countries with embassies in Manila. 

Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for the Marine Sector Elmer Francisco U. Sarmiento and MARINA were the keynote speakers and promoted the Philippines’ candidature in the IMO Council. 

Secretary Manalo shared the importance of IMO to the Philippines. “Safety at sea is particularly crucial for the Philippines as the top global source of maritime professionals. Ensuring the safety of Filipino seafarers through implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and agreements is a key national interest.”

The Secretary highlighted that the Philippines is a party to 28 IMO Conventions, and is in the process of acceding to other relevant IMO and International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions and Protocols.

He further added, “Through its active engagement in the IMO, the Philippines remains at the forefront in improving the welfare of seafarers around the world and promoting international cooperation for marine environmental protection and a vibrant and responsible maritime shipping industry. ”

The Philippines also actively supports discussions on climate-smart green transition initiatives in the shipping industry.

He stressed that, “If re-elected to the IMO Council, the Philippines will continue to be a voice of developing countries and actively promote the interests of seafarers – upon whom the global maritime industry and commerce depend.” The Secretary requested for the support of IMO member states for the Philippine bid. 

DOTr Undersecretary for the Maritime Sector Elmer Francisco U. Sarmiento, on behalf of Transportation Secretary Bautista, announced the important role of the Philippines in the Maritime Industry, “Our level of cooperation with the IMO has always been high because we take pride in being a major provider of competent seafarers to the global crew manning market. The Philippines represents the largest nationality of maritime crew serving the international maritime fleet. In fact, records show that more than 385,000 Filipino seafarers were deployed in 2022. In 2021, Filipino seamen comprised the largest nationality by rank and ratings, and across all merchant cargo vessels.” 

And in addition, Undersecretary Sarmiento disclosed the achievements of Philippine shipbuilding Industry,  “Not to be sidelined by this global reputation as the preferred seafarers of choice, the Philippines is also regarded as the fifth largest shipbuilding nation in terms of global shipbuilding order book.”

MARINA’s Atty. Jean Ver P. Pia, Maritime Attache, then presented an audio-visual presentation on the Philippine candidature to the IMO Council. The AVP, as well as other materials for the bid, can be accessed through the following link: https://marina.gov.ph/imo-council-c-candidature-2023/ 

Elections for the IMO Council will be held during the 33rd Session of the IMO Assembly on 27 November to 06 December in London, United Kingdom. END

(Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Royce Pantua)