PH Consulate General in SF Joins the World in Celebrating Seafarers’ Day on June 25
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco joins the world in celebrating International Day of Seafarers on June 25. This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Your voyage — then and now, share your journey.”
According to a U.N. report, the Philippines is the largest source of seafarers in the world, with an estimated 700,000 deployed on domestic and foreign-flagged seagoing vessels. There are also a number of foreign-born seafarers who trace their ancestral roots to the Philippines.
“We thank the seafarers from all over the world for their sacrifices and the vital work that they do, especially during the pandemic when they continued to ensure the delivery of critical supplies needed to recover from the global crisis,” said Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer.
In 2010, Consul General Ferrer served as President of the Diplomatic Conference to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW Convention), which was held in Manila. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) convened the Manila Conference to adopt a comprehensive set of amendments to the STCW Convention and Code. Exactly 12 years ago, on June 25, the Conference formally adopted the amendments to the STCW Convention, referred to as the Manila Amendments.
The Manila Conference also agreed that the unique and all-too-often overlooked contribution of seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole, should be recognized globally and marked annually with a “Day of the Seafarer.” Since then, the United Nations has included June 25 as the Day of the Seafarer in the annual list of observances to pay tribute to the world’s seafarers – men and women from all nations.
In May 2022, Consul General Ferrer had the opportunity to meet with the United States Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Commander, Capt. Taylor Lam, and Sector SF Deputy Commander Filipino American Capt. Jordan Baldueza, as well as other officers of the sector. Consul General Ferrer noted during the meeting that part of the Consulate General’s mission is to look after the welfare of Filipino seafarers calling on U.S. ports within its consular jurisdiction.
Capt. Baldueza, who is proud of his Filipino lineage, shared that his family has over 80 years and counting of honorable Coast Guard service. His father, Jaime Baldueza Sr., and two brothers have served in the U.S. Coast Guard.
