15 June 2023, Seoul - The Philippines participated in the Korea Maritime Week and Ministerial Conference, an annual international event that brings together major stakeholders of the international maritime sector to discuss major current issues and future response strategies.

DoTR Undersecretary Elmer Sarmiento, as head of the Philippine Delegation, participated in the Korea Maritime Week Ministerial Conference where he emphasized the importance of human resource capacity building to address the decarbonization challenges of the international maritime sector.

Highlighting that the Philippines is a major player in the maritime shipping market as one of the world's biggest crew providers, Undersecretary Sarmiento underscored that human resources should be included in the maritime sector's decarbonization plans through the upskilling and capacity building of seafarers in operating new technology and green ships. He likewise informed the meeting that the Philippines will need the assistance of the international community in helping the Philippines expand its green fleet and contribute to the overall decarbonization goals of the international shipping sector.

At the PH-ROK bilateral meeting with ROK Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Vice Minister Song Sang Keun, the Philippines reiterated the importance of a whole-of-community approach in helping developing countries transition to green shipping through various means including government subsidies and green financing for eco-friendly vessels, as well as training for workers in the maritime sector. The Philippines also expressed hope that more shipbuilding companies will bring their business to the Philippines, as the country remains an investment-friendly destination with highly-skilled workers.

Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega likewise expressed her appreciation for the continued support of the ROK Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in the Post's flagship programs, including the annual PH-ROK Maritime Cooperation Dialogue. "Maritime cooperation is now one of the most active areas of engagement between countries, and this was most recently manifested in the swift assistance and donation of the ROK Government of the oil spill cleaning technology to help address the March 2023 Mindoro oil spill," the Ambassador said.

An international maritime sector expert, MOF Vice Minister Song lauded the active and very substantive participation of the Philippines in the IMO. The delegation also had a productive exchange with IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim at the sidelines of the conference.

MARINA Deputy Administrator Sonia Malaluan, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario were likewise part of the Philippine delegation to the conference.

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