Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan underscored the agency’s milestones in 2024 and laid out strategic goals for 2025 during the year-end press conference "Kwentuhan with MARINA Administrator" on December 19, 2024, at the MARINA Central Office in Manila.

“Our top priority this year was the implementation of our digitalization project,” said Malaluan, highlighting the blockchain-enabled certification system launched on July 1. “We have registered 7,216 users, and by mid-2025, all seafarer certificates will be fully electronic, eliminating the need for manual applications.”

Malaluan also emphasized the success of the nationwide maritime safety awareness campaign, conducted in partnership with local governments. “We’ve signed 11 memoranda of agreement with local government units to promote passenger safety, environmental protection, and awareness of passenger rights,” she said.

On the international front, MARINA submitted proposals to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for amendments to the STCW Convention. “This year, we didn’t just attend IMO meetings; we submitted five proposals. The Philippines’ voice is now being heard,” Malaluan stated. She also noted ongoing partnerships with countries like Saudi Arabia, which have strengthened the global recognition of Filipino seafarer certifications.

For 2025, Malaluan stressed the agency’s commitment to expanding digital systems and aligning with global sustainability initiatives. “We aim to interface seamlessly with international systems, reducing burdens on seafarers while ensuring compliance. This includes pursuing the Magna Carta for Seafarers, which will be a key focus in the coming year,” she added.

By: Dave Florian Balanon

The father of a Filipino deck cadet has requested a comprehensive probe into his son's disappearance while onboard a vessel in international waters.

According to the initial report, Ralph Anthony Bobiles, a 28-year-old deck cadet at Prestige Ace, a Panama-flagged car carrier, was reported missing on December 5 while the vessel was cruising the Gulf of Mexico en route to the United States.

In a phone interview, Ralph Anthony’s father Elias Bobiles, Jr. asked the authorities and relevant agencies to assist their family in uncovering the truth about his son's disappearance. 

Elias is currently serving as Barangay Captain in San Roque, Tabaco City, Albay. 

He said that he cannot believe the initial report of the manning agency, Parola Maritime Agency Corporation that his son may have jumped overboard, because they have a happy family and there is no reason for his son to commit suicide.

Elias recalled his last video call with Ralph on December 4, when the ship was departing from Veracruz Port in Mexico. His son was very happy stating, “Papa pagdating ko ng Pinas before Christmas, isang buwan lang ako dyan, balik agad ako kasi napromote ako bilang OS.”

("Dad, when I arrive in the Philippines before Christmas, I will only be there for a month, I’m going back right away because I was promoted to OS.")

“Torture sa isip ko kasi matutulog ako nakikita ko yung mukha ng anak ko na masiyahin na bata.” (It's torture in my mind, as I go to sleep, I see my son's face, a happy child.)

Elias is waiting for the manning agency to approve his request to visit the vessel and see Ralph's cabin’s window, which, according to the captain's initial report, is where his son may have gone overboard. Furthermore, they would like to recover the things left by his son.

He said that the agency has not provided them with any additional information to date. “It was all their family’s initiatives to obtain more data with the help of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).”

Elias stated that his latest meeting with the company's vice president occurred on December 23. However, the executive was accompanied by an insurance representative, who failed to provide him with any updates regarding the investigation.

“Masyado akong nasaktan. Bakit insurance agad may conclusion na agad sila,” Eliaz lamented.

("I'm deeply hurt. Why do they have an insurance representative that immediately comes to a conclusion?"

Elias reiterated his call ‘Ang pinaka importante sa amin dito yung justice kasi yung pera pag masipag ka makakakuha ka, pero ang buhay isa lang po, hindi na maibabalik, yun ang pinaka inportante sa pamilya ko.” The most important thing for us here is justice, because if you work hard, you can get money, but life is only one, it can't be brought back, that's what's most important to my family."

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) is calling on the government to ratify the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 188, also known as the Work in Fishing Convention 2007, to address widespread exploitation and abuse in the fishing industry.

The convention sets international standards for fair treatment, safety, and health of fishers. It includes provisions for minimum working conditions, medical fitness, written contracts, fair wages, and access to social security. It also ensures occupational safety and health measures, requiring proper food, accommodation, and safety equipment on fishing vessels.

The call for ratification gains urgency as a recent documentary by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) exposes systemic abuses suffered by Filipino fishers aboard distant water fishing vessels. Based on testimonies from 135 survivors, the documentary highlights issues such as forced labor, human trafficking, debt bondage, and physical abuse.

The TUCP noted that House Resolution No. 2059 was filed in the 19th Congress to urge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Senate to adopt the convention. A similar resolution was adopted during the 18th Congress.

The TUCP emphasized the importance of fair labor practices, ethical recruitment, and better working conditions in the fishing industry. “This is a matter of dignity, justice, and human rights,” the TUCP stated.

The group reiterated its commitment to working with the government, civil society, and international organizations to push for the immediate ratification of ILO Convention 188 and to stand with Filipino fishers in their fight for justice and better lives.

(by: Dave Florian Balanon)