Seafarers

Being that our beautiful archipelago of delicious coconuts and smiling carabaos is among, if not, the top country in the world that produces seafarers (those who are employed to serve aboard any type of marine vessel), it is truly commendable that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recently signed into law Republic Act 11982 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
The Philippine Information Agency-Cordillera reported the law codifies the protection of the rights and overall welfare of domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers, as well as the promotion of their full employment.
The newly-enacted law also ensures equal opportunities in the maritime industry, including access to education, training and development consistent with existing domestic and international laws, standards and conventions.
Since it is a role of government to look after the welfare of its people, among others, we hope that this law will indeed make life better for our hardworking seafarers who sacrifice being away from their families, usually for long periods of time, in order to provide for their families.
This near-sighted Ibaloy writer also thinks that the creation of an agency that focuses on the welfare of our overseas Filipino workers, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), is a step in the right direction, since the government has long considered our OFWs as the country’s modern heroes. They need concrete and sustained support from our government and not mere lip service.
Meanwhile, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) under Engr. Charles Carame will conduct an Incident Command System (ICS) training Level II-Integrated Planning Course, March 18 to 22, at New Rajah Soliman Hotel, Bokawkan Road, aimed at bolstering the city’s disaster response capabilities.
Participants to the activity are individuals from various local government departments, line agencies, and other organizations.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong, CDRRM Council chairperson, said the training will serve as a prerequisite for the ICS, focusing on the integrated planning aspect of incident management.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.