Responses of ASEAN Member States to Seafarers’ Access to Crew Change

[MikeLigalig.com]

THE PHILIPPINES AS A CREW CHANGE CAPITAL IN THE WORLD

Press Release - The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies in the Maritime sector, have committed to the call of the international community to enhance and uplift the woking conditions of seafarers, in the midst of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

In the virtual forum "Intersessional Discussion on COVID-19: Responses of ASEAN Member States to Seafarers’ Access to Crew Change, Repatriation, and National Vaccination Programmes” held from 27 to 28 May 2021, DOTr Assistant Secretary Narciso A. Vingson, Jr., headed the Philippine delegation, and conveyed the various plans, programs and initiatives of the Duterte administration in response to this global clarion call, with a presentation titled “The Philippines as a Crew Change Capital of the World."

Asec. Vingson’s presentation centered on the commitment of the DOTr to the call of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to boost the welfare of seafarers as the world fights the virus.

In particular, Asec. Vingson reported on the establishment of crew change hubs in Subic, Bataan, the Port of Manila, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao. With the aim for the Philippines to be a crew change capital, Asec. Vingson shared that 4,218 ships and 77,121 seafarers have already been served in the Philippines by the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) for seafarers.

Asec. Vingson further discussed the additional efforts being made by the national government on COVID-19 testing, the establishment of quarantine facilities, and vaccination.

In promoting the well-being and ensuring the smooth movement of these key workers, Asec. Vingson further underscored the need to have universal access to healthcare and COVID-19 vaccination for seafarers.

The DOTr official echoed the statement of Sec. Art Tugade on including Filipino seafarers in the priority list in the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program of the Philippines.

In a recent statement, Transportation Secretary Art Tugade highlighted this inclusion of seafarers in the vaccination rollout priority, saying “This is a very good development for our maritime industry champions – our seafarers. Now, our Filipino seafarers will be given priority to be vaccinated."

“Paulit-ulit ko pong inilalarawan ang ating maritime workforce bilang mga silent workers ng bayan. They work silently, yet their contricution is as crucial as keeping the economy thriving. Not only are they frontliners, but they are undoubtedly heroes, too,” the DOTr Secretary emphasized.

#DOTrPH #MaritimeSectorWorks


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