The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) outlined ongoing reforms under the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers as government and maritime industry stakeholders gathered for the Philippine Maritime Convention 2026 at The Manila Hotel on September 22, 2026.
DMW Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia said the government’s approach to seafarer migration is moving beyond workforce development toward a system centered on protection and long-term welfare.
“We must not only produce world-class seafarers but also build a world-class system that protects them for a changing future in global shipping. After this speech, we expect world-class protection for our Filipino seafarers,” Atty. Olalia said.
Olalia identified several areas being pursued under the reforms, including closer coordination among institutions, rights-based safeguards, preventive measures, reintegration support, and stronger systems covering recruitment, employment contracts, and assistance during maritime crises.
The convention session also examined how the Magna Carta can be translated into protections that Filipino seafarers can access and use in actual workplace and employment situations. Representatives from the maritime sector and labor groups raised concerns linked to the changing demands of international shipping.
Among the areas discussed were mechanisms for improving financial security and accountability, more effective medical services and dispute-resolution procedures, and broader training opportunities involving emerging maritime technologies. Regulatory improvements and the continued digitalization of maritime-related processes were also identified as areas requiring sustained attention.
DMW Assistant Secretary Julyn S. Ambito-Fermin, who moderated the session, called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, employers, labor organizations, and other stakeholders as implementation of the Magna Carta progresses.
She said stronger worker protection must be pursued alongside compliance responsibilities and the competitiveness of Filipino seafarers in the global maritime sector, with reforms intended to improve access to rights, welfare services, legal remedies, and due process.
The discussion brought together key maritime industry and labor representatives, including International Maritime Employers’ Council CEO Francesco Gargiulo, Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines Vice President for Internal Affairs Atty. Jesus P. Sale Jr., and Joint Manning Group Vice Chairman for External Affairs Ericson M. Marquez.
