Malacanang recognized the contributions of Filipino seafarers as the world celebrates ‘International Seafarers’ Day’ today.

“Kaisa tayo ng sambayanan sa pagbibigay-pugay sa mga Pilipinong mandaragat o seafarers. Sa buong daigdig, kinikilala at tinatanghal natin sila bilang pinakamahusay, pinakamasipag at may kakayahang maghatid ng mataas na kalidad ng paglilingkod,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a radio interview on Saturday.

“Dahil dito, ang mga Pilipino seafarers ang pinakamarami sa buong pandaigdigang industriya maritima.“

 Filipinos are highly regarded in the global maritime industry because of their competence, skill and high level of professionalism, he told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

The secretary-general of the International Maritime Office (IMO), Kitack Lim of South Korea, was supposed to lead the gathering Saturday of thousands of seafarers for the International Seafarers’ Day at the SM Convention Center (SMX) in Pasay City.

The chief of the IMO was expected to talk about his insights and plans for the estimated 1.5 million seafarers all over the world.

IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. It was organized in 1948 with 171 member states and three associate members.

The main role of the IMO is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

The International Seafarers’ Day is an official United Nations event under the auspices of the IMO, which aims to increase public awareness on the world’s 1.5 million seafarers and their contribution to the world economy.

This year’s theme for the Seafarer’s Day is “At Sea For All.”  PND (as)