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A study on seafarers’ impact on the Philippine economy is underway
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The study will guide the creation of responsive and complementary policies to boost global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers
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Maritime Industry Authority administrator Sonia Malaluan said the study “is a vital tool in crafting timely interventions, as it gives us a clearer picture of the economic contributions of our seafarers”
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Under a MOA, MARINA, Department of Migrant Workers, and Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines will provide data and information relevant to the study
A study on seafarers’ impact on the Philippine economy is underway. The study will guide the creation of responsive and complementary policies to boost global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said in a statement.
A memorandum of agreement was signed on June 17 between MARINA, Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), and Center for Research and Communication Foundation, Inc. for the conduct of the study.
The “Overseas Seafarers’ Industry Profile, Structure, and Impact on the Philippine Economy” study seeks to generate data-driven insights to guide the creation of responsive, complementary policies to boost the global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers, MARINA said in a statement. It also aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and adaptability of the Philippine seafaring sector amid global industry shifts and technological advancements.
During the MOA signing, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said the study “is a vital tool in crafting timely interventions, as it gives us a clearer picture of the economic contributions of our seafarers.”
“We often recognize their role through remittances, but there is much more beyond that—especially the multiplier effect on the economy and communities,” she added.
She further stressed the need to move beyond traditional data sets and integrate socioeconomic contributions of seafarers, including the challenges they face and the opportunities available, particularly in officer-level positions.
“As MARINA Administrator, it is my goal—not just to retain our position as the largest supplier of seafarers globally — but to increase our share in the global market, especially in officer deployment. International projections already indicate a looming shortage of officers, and this study will help us respond effectively,” she noted.
Under the MOA, MARINA, DMW, and AMOSUP will provide data and information relevant to the study, within the scope of their respective mandates and subject to existing laws and regulations. These include documentation and certification records, as well as insights on deployment trends and challenges.
