The Philippines will be celebrating the 29th National Seafarers Day (NSD) and the 25th National Maritime Week (NMW) this year on September 29, 2024, with the theme “Marinong Filipino: Ligtas na Paglalayag!”
President Fidel V. Ramos issued Proclamation No. 828 s.1996, declaring August 18 as NSD. It was later moved to the last Sunday of September every year by Proclamation 1094 s.1997.
The purpose of the proclamation is to give due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers in the development of the Philippines as a maritime country.
Stella Maris Philippines is tasked with coordinating NSD-related activities with the public and private sectors. These activities include masses, novenas, and prayers for the safe voyage of seafarers.
Stella Maris acts as the Catholic Church’s missionary outreach to people of the sea, particularly seafarers, whether they are on merchant, passenger, war, or fishing vessels. It provides practical and pastoral care to all people of the sea, regardless of nationality, belief, or race, through chaplaincies in ports across all continents.
The NSD coincides with NMW, held every last week of September and alternately spearheaded by government agencies such as the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) by virtue of Proclamation No. 1560 s.2008. This year, it will run from September 22 to September 29, 2024.
The Philippines is considered one of the major suppliers of maritime labor globally, with an estimated one Filipino seafarer for every four to five crew members aboard a vessel at any given time.
According to the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)/International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Seafarer Workforce Report 2021, the top five largest suppliers of both officers and ratings are the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Indonesia, China, and India. Together, these countries supply 44 percent of the global seafarer workforce.
In 2023, the number of Filipino seafarers deployed reached 578,626, with corresponding dollar remittances amounting to US$6,852,362,000.
The sea-based sector’s remittances comprise at least 20 percent of the total OFW dollar remittances, which amounted to US$33,490,930,000 in 2023.
The NSD/NMW activities in Manila will run from September 21 to 29, 2024.
On Saturday, September 21, International Coastal Cleanup Day will be observed.
On Sunday, September 22, an ecumenical mass will be held at the PCG grounds to open NMW, followed by a wreath and flower-throwing ceremony in honor of deceased seafarers and fishers, as well as those who have perished or are missing at sea. There will also be a simultaneous blowing of horns and the dressing of ships.
On Monday, September 23, a “Stop and Salute Flag-Raising Ceremony” will be held at the Independence Flagpole of Rizal Park Luneta to honor Filipino seafarers and reservists, followed by the Kapehan media breakfast forum.
On Tuesday, September 24, students from different maritime schools nationwide will compete in oratorical and art contests. Winners of the SeamanOnline wacky photo contest will also be announced.
On Wednesday, September 25, a mental health awareness activity organized by the PCG will take place, along with dental consultations and a hybrid webinar hosted by Marino World.
On Thursday, September 26, a maritime safety conference will coincide with World Maritime Day (WMD) under the theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First!”
On Friday, September 27, the 14th Boses ng Marino karaoke challenge will showcase talented singers at Seafarer’s Shed at Kalaw, Luneta. Preceding this will be an activity organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) called the Special Day for Overseas Filipino Seafarers.
On Saturday, September 28, another coastal cleanup activity will be held alongside a mangrove planting event.
On Sunday, September 29, the NSD proper will be celebrated with a grand parade starting from Raja Sulayman Park in Malate and ending at the San Andres Sports Complex. The high mass will be followed by the NMW turnover ceremonies from PCG to PPA, the NMW closing ceremonies, and a mini-concert by the PCG band.
In Cebu, NSD activities will also include a nine-day novena and the pilgrimage of the Image of Our Lady of the Star of the Sea to various maritime institutions. Apart from the holy mass, there will be a foot parade, fluvial processions, motorcade, and friendly basketball games.
There are currently 17 Stella Maris centers nationwide: five in Luzon (Batangas, La Union, Manila, Palawan, Pangasinan), six in the Visayas (Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Leyte), and six in Mindanao (Basilan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos City, Iligan, Zamboanga).
Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email [email protected], or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.
