
Ni NOEL ABUEL
Ipinangako ni Tingog party list Rep. Jude Acidre na ipagpapatuloy nito ang suporta sa mga Filipino seafarers at Magna Carta of Seafarers bilang pagkilala na rin sa kontribusyon ng mga ito sa ekonomiya ng bansa.
Ginawa ni Acidre, chairman ng House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, ang pahayag sa pagbubukas ng Seafarers’ Hub na matatagpuan sa 1123 A. Mabini St., Malate, Manila City.
“This important occasion marks a significant milestone in recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of our seafarers to our nation and the world. It is a testament to our collective commitment to support and uplift those who serve as the backbone of the global maritime industry,” sabi ni Acidre.
Ang Seafarers’ Hub ay mayroong wi-fi, charging stations, maayos na lounge areas, at coffee corner para sa mga seafarers sa paligod ng Kalaw Avenue sa Manila.
Magbibigay rin ang Seafarers’ Hub ng malawak na serbisyo tulad ng training programs, legal aid, healthcare at mental health support.
Ang nasabing pasilidad ang pangako ng gobyerno sa pamumuhunan sa kinabukasan ng mga marino, na binibigyan ng mga kinakailangang kasangkapan at suporta upang maging mahusay sa kanilang mapaghamong mga propesyon.
Noong 2022, nakapagbigay ang mga Pinoy seafarers ng nasa USD6 bilyon mula sa remittances sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas.
“These remittances are a lifeline to countless Filipino families, supporting not just their basic needs but also their dreams and aspirations. The hard work of our seafarers translates into better education, healthcare, and opportunities for their families, fostering a cycle of development and progress that benefits our entire nation,” ani Acidre.
Sinabi pa ng mambabatas na ang Pilipinas, isa sa pinakamalaking supplier ng maritime labor, ang tradisyon sa paglalayag, kung saan ang mga Pilipinong marino ay lubos na hinahanap para sa kanilang dedikasyon, kasanayan at propesyonalismo.
“Their expertise and reliability enhance the competitiveness of our maritime sector, attracting more business and investment. This, in turn, creates more jobs and stimulates economic growth, underscoring the broader impact of our seafarers on the national economy,” ayon pa dito.
Ibinahagi rin nito ang ginagawa sa Kongreso sa Magna Carta of Seafarers, isang landmark na batas na naghahangad na mapabuti at protektahan ang mga karapatan ng mga marino.
“This Magna Carta will enshrine into law the protection of seafarers’ rights, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to medical care. It will provide a legal framework that upholds the dignity and respect our seafarers rightfully deserve,” aniya.
“The Magna Carta of Seafarers is more than just a piece of legislation; it is a commitment to uphold the highest standards of justice and fairness for those who serve at sea. It will address critical issues such as labor rights, safety standards, and healthcare provisions. It will also include measures to combat
exploitation and abuse, ensuring that our seafarers are protected from unfair practices and conditions,” pahayag pa ni Acidre.
