TINIYAK ni House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairman at TINGOG Rep. Jude Acidre ang patuloy na pagsulong ng karapatan at kapakanan ng mga Pilipinong manlalayag sa tulong ng lehislasyon bilang pagkilala na rin sa kanilang kontribusyon sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya ng bansa.

Ito ang sinabi ni Acidre sa kaniyang talumpati sa pagbubukas ng Seafarers’ Hub nitong Lunes.

“This important occasion marks a significant milestone in recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of our seafarers to our nation and the world,” sabi ni Acidre “It is a testament to our collective commitment to support and uplift those who serve as the backbone of the global maritime industry.”

Ang binuksang Seafarer’s Hub sa Kalaw Avenue sa Maynila ay mayroong wifi, charging station, maayos na lounge area o pahingahan at pa-kape para sa mga marino.

Magbibigay rin ito ng mga serbisyo gaya ng training programs, legal aid, healthcare, at mental health support.

Sa pamamagitan ng pasilidad ay nabibigyang-diin ang pangako ng pamahalaan na mamuhunan para sa kinabukasan ng mga marino, mabigyan sila ng sapat na kasanayan at suporta upang mapahusay at mas gumaling pa sa kanilang propesyon.

Noong 2022, nakapag ambag ang mga marino ng higit $6 bilyon na remittance 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,” saad ni Acidre.

Binigyang-diin din niya ang mahalagaang papel ng mga seafarer sa posisyon ng Pilipinas bilang may pinakamalaking pakikibahagi sa industriya ng shipping sa buong mundo.

Bilang isa sa pinakamalaking supplier ng maritime labor, ipinagmamalaki ng Pilipinas ang tradisyon ng pagmamarino kung saan kilala at mas pinipili ang mga Pilipinong marino dahil sa kanilang dedikasyon, kakayanan 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,” sabi pa ni Acidre.

Ibinahagi rin nito ang binuong Magna Carta of Seafarers ng Kongreso na isang makasaysayang lehislasyon na layong pagbutihin at protektahan ang karapatan ng mga seafarer.

“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,” sabi niya.

“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,” dagdag pa ni Acidre.

Susuportahan ng Magna Carta ang nagpapatuloy na professional development ng mga marino para paghusayin pa ang kanilang kakayanan at para sa career advancement.

Magtatatag din ito ng training program para matulungang ang mga seafarer sa kinakailangan nilang kaalaman ukol sa nagbabagong maritime industry at titiyak sa isang matatag na sektor sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon at mga pagsasanay.

Kasamang nanguna sa pagpapasinaya sina Overseas Workers Welfare Association Administrator Arnell Ignacio, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, Rep. Marissa Magsino, Rep. Ron Salo, SSS President Rolando Macasaet, at Integrated Bar of the Philippines Head Atty. Antonio Pido.

“As we inaugurate the Seafarers’ Hub today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the welfare and development of our seafarers. They are the backbone of our maritime industry, and it is our duty to support them in every possible way.”

“Let us continue to work together—government, private sector, and civil society—to create a brighter future for our seafarers and their families,” pagtatapos ni Acidre

Matatagpuan ang hub sa 1123 A. Mabini Street, Malate, Lungsod ng Maynila.