As we walk through another day less in the Duterte administration's term, we at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) remain committed to work, serve, and build until the last day.
In our Maritime sector, our government recognizes the vital role of SEAFARERS in the global economy, and has been a very active participant in shaping world maritime policy that seeks to enhance and protect the welfare of seafarers.
This is why the DOTr, under the strong-willed leadership of Secretary Art Tugade—along with its attached Maritime agencies, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Office for Transportation Security (OTS), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), has activated more crew change hubs in the country.
This initiative not only aims to help address the global need for fresh manpower for maritime vessels but also to ensure the overall well-being and employment of our seafarers as key workers amid the pandemic.
In the last three weeks, we have activated additional crew change hubs located in the Ports of Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This addition has brought to a total of seven (7) crew change hubs under the PPA, joining the Manila South Harbor; Port Capinpin in Orion, Bataan; Sasa Wharf in Davao, and Batangas.
All in all, the country currently has nine (9) crew change hubs, including those in Cebu and Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
We at the DOTr recognize the essence and importance of crew change and how it will greatly help our seafarers and benefit the country’s maritime sector and the economy as a whole.
Rest assured that we are fully determined to further deliver initiatives like this, to bring into fruition the vision of Secretary Tugade of making the Philippines an international manning and crew change capital.
For our seafarers. For the country. For the people.