The Education Inclusion Clause: A Vital Component of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers

The signing of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers by Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was delayed due to jurisdictional issues between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The bill is intended to serve as an enabling law for the Maritime Labour Convention (2006) under the ILO, ensuring that the provisions outlined in the MLC 2006 are reflected in national laws.

One of the key points of contention with the bill is the inclusion of maritime education, which has raised concerns among the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI). They argue that including maritime education in the Magna Carta could have negative effects on the sector, potentially leading to increased fees and limited enrollment, making maritime education less accessible to ordinary Filipinos.

PAMI believes that a more effective approach would be to enhance existing laws or create a separate law specifically focused on education and training, rather than including multiple subjects in a single law. The association also raises concerns about the quality of training provided by maritime academies, as only a small percentage of graduates go on to serve onboard ships, highlighting the need for improvements in the education and training of Filipino seafarers.

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