DOLE strengthens maritime safety for Surigao-Siargao vessel owners, operators
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In a continuous effort to champion safer and fairer working conditions at sea, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga conducted a comprehensive labour education seminar to vessel owners and operators on the busy Surigao–Siargao route.
The event, held on May 13, also marked the rollout of the second leg of its video advocacy campaign on general labor standards (GLS) and occupational safety and health (OSH) standards.
Hosted aboard the Sean Ferry 2 operated by Evaristo and Sons Sea Transport Corporation at the Philippine Ports Authority in Surigao City, the event further invited vessel crew members and maritime stakeholders.
The morning session kicked off with an intensive labor education seminar led by the DOLE- Surigao del Norte, with topics focusing heavily on maritime occupational safety and health, general labor standards, and mental health awareness.
The activity taught passenger shipping personnel practical tools and knowledge about workers’ rights, critical safety protocols, and the vital role mental well-being plays in high-stakes maritime operations.
The momentum carried into the afternoon with the official launch of the video advocacy campaign, highlighted by an onboard ribbon-cutting ceremony. These new visual materials are designed to break down complex labor laws into accessible, engaging content, making it easier for both operators and crew to remain compliant.
In his message, DOLE Caraga Director Jason P. Balais underscored the strategic importance of the maritime industry to the region’s economy and daily life.
“The maritime sector plays a vital role in connecting our communities and sustaining regional mobility. It is only fitting that the workers who keep this sector running are equipped not only with skills, but also with a strong understanding of their rights, safety, and welfare.’’ Dir. Balais said.
The event manifested strong representation from major passenger shipping lines and maritime institutions operating in the region, including Evaristo and Sons Sea Transport Corporation; Montenegro Shipping Lines Incorporated; JP Shipping Lines Inc.; M/V Vince Gabriel; Romans Road Shipping Lines, Claire Edith Sea Transport, M/V Shaun Jet; M/V Pilar Tuna Passion; SOEMCO Mariner; and the Maritime Industry Academy and the Coast Guard Station- Surigao del Norte.
Attending stakeholders expressed unanimous support for the initiative, pledging a shared commitment to maintaining high labour standards that protect both maritime workers and the passengers they serve.
This productive learning engagement is part of DOLE Caraga’s broader and high-visibility strategy to elevate labor inspections and safety advocacy across the region’s waters as fulfillment of the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)
