Through Circular Number 1884 dated 11 July 1996, the IMO, the maritime policy-making body of the United Nations requested all member nations to celebrate the World Maritime Day during the last week of September of every year. Likewise, under Presidential Proclamation Number 866 dated 06 September 1996 declared 27 September 1996 and the last Friday of September every year as National Maritime Day.

In the Philippines, the National Maritime Week is celebrated by virtue of Proclamation Nr 1094, which integrates the observance of the National Seafarers Day, National Maritime Day, and National Maritime Week in recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers in the country’s economic development.

Various activities were lined up by the PCG together with the Apostleship of the Sea to celebrate the National Maritime Week and National Seafarer’s Day which will be joined by numerous government and private agencies.

The PCG will kick off the activities to be held at the PCG national headquarters in Manila to be followed by a press briefing. Few highlights of the week-long event ranges from simultaneous blowing of ship’s horn and dressing up their respective ships while in the port, maritime forum, seminar on Anti-Fouling System and Maritime Pollution Annex VI, coastal clean-up, scubarero, sports fest, grand parade, and ecunemical rites at sea, participated by maritime industry partners, students and other stakeholders. Other activities included Harana by the bay with the PCG Symphonic Band.

As a maritime search and rescue service of the country, a capability demonstration and fleet sea review will be showcased by PCG and PCG Auxiliary’s floating assets including the balangay boats of Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation followed by the closing ceremony of the celebration on the 28th of this month at the SM MOA by the bay.