MLC provides comprehensive rights and protection to more than 1.2 million seafarers
A Vatican official urged the Aquino administration to approve the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) of 2006 to ensure “fair employment practices” for Filipino seafarers.
According to the International Labour Organization, the MLC “provides comprehensive rights and protection at work for the world’s more than 1.2 million seafarers.”
“The Convention aims to achieve both decent work for seafarers and secure economic interests in fair competition for quality shipowners,” the ILO added.
Archbishop Antonio Maria Veglio, president of Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, said a law providing protection and just treatment is crucial because Filipinos make up for about 20 percent of the world’s seafarers.
In a statement issued for National Seafarers’ Day on September 25, Veglio also asked the Philippine government to approve the Seafarers’ Identity Document (SID) Convention 1958 (ILO 108)-C185.
As the Philippines is not a signatory to the convention, Filipino seafarers were not allowed to go onshore in some countries unless they have a visa, an article posted at the website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said.
Veglio said Filipino seafarers said Filipino seafarers stand to benefit if the Philippine government approves the two conventions for seafarers.
The Philippines is known as “the crewing capital of the world,” with more than 300,000 Filipinos working on seas around the globe.
According to the International Maritime Bureau, about 300 Filipinos have become victims in 25 piracy attacks or hijacking incidents.
National Seafarers’ Day
Meanwhile, Filipino seafarers and their families will be feted in the upcoming 16th National Seafarers Day on Sunday.
With the theme, “Marinong Pilipino: Lakas ng Pagkakaisa (Philippine Seafarers: Strength in Unity),” the celebration will include an Ecumenical Memorial at Sea at 7 a.m. and a grand parade at 9 a.m. on September 25.
Over 2,500 participants are expected to attend the event, spearheaded by the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) in Manila.
Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales will lead a Mass for seafarers at the Manila Cathedral at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
The annual celebration is pursuant to Proclamation No. 1094, signed by former President Fidel Ramos.
The AOS is a Catholic organization that assists seafarers worldwide. It was first introduced in the country in 1958, and is part of the Archdiocese of Manila’s Ministry for Social Services.
Source: GMA News
