On 11 November, the Government of the Philippines and the European Union launched a Technical Assistance Project to improve seafarers’ training, education and working conditions in the Philippines.
The project is part of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) and is funded by the European Commission with a total €4 million allocated.
Over the next three years, the project will support the improvement of the training, certification, and wellbeing of Filipino seafarers so they can continue working internationally and under good labor conditions.
Furthermore, the shipping sector is a key pillar of the Philippine economy, making substantial contributions to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2022, the industry directly accounted for 4% of the Philippines’ GDP, with seafarers’ remittances adding another 1.7%.
The project will not only bring mutual benefits to both the Philippines and the EU but also contribute positively to the global shipping industry, recognising Filipino seafarers as a cornerstone of the maritime workforce worldwide.
…said Fotini Ioannidou, Director for Waterborne Transport, European Commission.
Moreover, with approximately 1.15 million seafarers, the Philippines is a leading supplier of maritime talent, providing approximately 25% of the global seafaring workforce.
A law was recently signed – the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers – ensuring the protection and benefits of our highly-skilled mariners. We most welcome the assistance of the European Union at strengthening the education, training and certification of our seafarers who remain the top choice as crew of the global shipping industry.
…said Jaime J. Bautista, Secretary, Department of Transportation of Philippines.
Key Philippine institutions collaborating on this project include the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Maritime Higher Education Institutions, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
