MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday underscored the importance of the Magna Carta for Filipino seafarers in providing enhanced protection and ensuring a safer, more secure working environment for these maritime workers as they return home for the Christmas holidays. “It is undeniable that Filipino seafarers play a crucial role in our country’s economic growth. They are the lifeline of our maritime industry. We pushed for the enactment of this measure as the government must continuously nurture, protect, and guide our seafarers. Mechanisms must be in place to safeguard their well-being, safety, and fair treatment, wherever they may sail,” Gatchalian said. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed the economic contribution of sea-based Filipino workers with their sent remittances amounted to USD602.35 million (roughly PHP40 billion) in October this year. From January to October 2024, their total remittances reached USD5.69 billion, marking a 14 percent growth compared to the USD5.61 billion (PHP333 billion) recorded for the same period in 2023. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12021, or An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, in September this year.

LINK: https://seafarertimes.com/2020-21/node/9220