Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo highlights the contributions of Filipino seafarers to global trade during a speech at the Philippine Independence Day reception at the IMO headquarters.

17 June 2019 LONDON—“Courage and compassion are the very same values that our compatriots who depend on the sea for their livelihood, whether as fishers, traders or seafarers, exhibit,” said Ambassador and Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo during the Philippine Independence Day reception the Philippine Permanent Mission hosted at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on 12 June.

According to the Ambassador, Filipino seafarers, who make up around 30% of all seafarers on-board ocean going ships are globally known to be technically competent, hard-working, and reliable.

“Being exposed to adverse weather conditions and other forces of nature at sea can be challenging but it is in these types of conditions that Filipino seafarers continue to thrive,” he said.  “They not only have an important contribution to international seaborne trade and the global shipping industry but to our nation’s economy as they support their families back home.”

During his speech, the Ambassador highlighted the Philippines’ strong maritime tradition and its role in the international community to uphold the stability and security of seaborne trade. According to the United Nations-Business Action Hub, a staggering 90% of global trade is carried by sea. This underscores the vital role played by seafarers in the movement of goods and the growth of economies around the world.

The IMO is the primary UN agency tasked with setting standards for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of pollution by ships in order to promote a safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable international shipping industry. END