25th National Maritime Week kicks off in Iloilo City

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The 25th National Maritime Week opened in Iloilo City with the Daloy Daloy Festival Dance Competition on Sept. 23 at the Iloilo Sports Complex Auditorium.

With the theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” the weeklong event highlights the significant contributions of Filipino seafarers to global maritime trade, emphasizing safety.

Dance troupes from various maritime schools in Iloilo showcased their talents during the event. Present at the opening ceremony were MARINA Region 6 Director Jeffrey Bangsa, Philippine Coast Guard Commander CGDWW Capt. Weniel A. Azcuna, PPA-PMO Panay-Guimaras Port Manager Allan Rojo, WIMAPHIL Chapter President Dr. Ma. Teresa Sarabia, and Councilor Johnny Young, representing Mayor Jerry Treñas.

In his speech, Bangsa emphasized the importance of maintaining strict safety standards and thanked the Philippine Coast Guard and other industry stakeholders.

“Today, we come together to celebrate the 25th National Maritime Week under the theme ‘Navigating the Future: Safety First.’ This highlights the critical importance of prioritizing safety standards, with the ultimate goal of saving lives,” he said.

Capt. Azcuna echoed Bangsa’s sentiments, stressing the maritime sector’s role in ensuring safe passage and protecting lives at sea. He emphasized that the industry must remain committed to upholding safety standards.

Councilor Johnny Young, representing Mayor Treñas, delivered a keynote speech, reaffirming the city’s support for the maritime sector and seafaring community.

In conjunction with the celebration, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, or Republic Act No. 12021. The law aims to protect the rights of Filipino seafarers, granting them safe passage, legal representation, immediate medical care, access to communication, and fair treatment in the event of maritime accidents.

“The MARINA Regional Office 6 is thrilled by the approval of the Magna Carta,” Bangsa said in an interview.

“This law provides enhanced protection and privileges for Filipino seafarers, particularly those deployed abroad. Filipino seafarers are highly regarded for their professionalism, and this law further strengthens their position in international trade,” he added.