Publisher’s Note
GOING BEYOND SAFETY, AND INTO
FAMILY CONCERNS
I
t was a milestone of sorts for our hardworking seafarers when
the Manila Declaration for the Fair Treatment in The Event of a Maritime
Accident last November 13 at The Manila Hotel. We congratulate the
International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), the ITF Seafarers Trust and
our Department of Labour and Employment for their invaluable support and
strong endorsement of this declaration. IN AS MUCH as our seafarers do need
special protection via laws, measures and other forms of support in case they
are caught in grave incidents such as sea piracy, the unexpected hijacking of
vessels as well as similar acts that jeopardize their safety and well-being, let us
also consider that so-called 'separation syndrome' where a lot of our men and
women sacrifice and leave their families behind for long periods--especially if they
happen to be the breadwinners.
PROVIDING SECURITY NETS for families is also part and parcel of the rights that must
be considered to ease the pain of our seafarers who endure those long periods away
from their loved ones. Be it provisions that could come in the form of financial
assistance, livelihood training, educational grants for their dependents, and much
much more, there are indeed positive ways that can keep their families sane, safe and
sound. Not to mention, the wonders of technology that keeps them within
their fingers' reach. IN CULTURES such as the Philippines’ that value the concept of
family, let us also hope concerned agencies and stakeholders consider how this shape
as well as strengthen the values and well-being of our seafarers. One cannot
do without the other.
PHILIP O. ORTALEZA
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