The Philippine government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers as it marked the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006.

In a video message Monday evening, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted the significance of the MLC 2006, adopted by the International Labour Organization on Feb. 23, 2006.

“The Maritime Labor Convention, the international bill of rights that strengthens, solidifies the maritime rights, labor rights of our dear seafarers,” he said.

Cacdac noted that hundreds of thousands of Filipino seafarers continue to be the “number one seafarer of choice” globally.

He said the Philippines has maintained a proud heritage of maritime labor protection anchored on social dialogue and cooperation among government, employers and workers.

He also stressed that the country was the first government chair of the International Labour Organization (ILO)-MLC Special Tripartite Committee, which was tasked to oversee the convention implementation.

Cacdac cited legislative reforms enacted to align domestic laws with international standards that culminated in the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which ensures compliance with the MLC 2006.

He cited the latest amendments adopted during the International Labor Conference (ILC) in June 2025, under the country’s participation in the Special Tripartite Committee during the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“The ILC, International Labor Conference, adopted during the period of participation of the Marcos Jr. Administration in the STC-ILO-MLC-2006 Committee, (ensures) that there are stronger rights, especially protection from abandonment, as well as protection or freedom from harassment and anti-bullying measures that served as amendments to the MLC-2006,” Cacdac said.

“And so, we are so thankful, we are so proud to be part of the international maritime community that continues to uphold the International Seafarers’ Bill of Rights and further strengthen and protect our dear Filipino seafarers,” he added. (PNA)