TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre, chairperson of the House committee on overseas workers affairs, alongside Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers and Kabayan party-list Rep.Ron Salo, led a pivotal dialogue with international maritime leaders during the ALMA Fellowship Dinner Meeting in Manila.
Hosted by the ALMA Maritime Group, the event focused on strengthening connections and addressing critical maritime industry issues, including updates on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
Acidre emphasized the vital contributions of Filipino seafarers, who comprise about a third of global shipping crews, and discussed measures within the Magna Carta to shield them from exploitative practices, earning praise from industry figures.
The dialogue also tackled security risks in the Red Sea passage, urging enhanced safety measures for Filipino seafarers.
Discussions highlighted the need for sustainable recruitment, advanced training, and career progression opportunities to ensure Filipino seafarers’ long-term success.
Acidre called for stronger collaboration between the government and industry to fully realize the Magna Carta’s protections and promote a competitive, welfare-focused maritime sector.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
