QUEZON CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) recently participated in a consultative meeting to review Department Order No. 130-13 or the “Rules and Regulations on the Employment of Filipino Seafarers Onboard Philippine-Registered Ships Engaged in International Voyage,” and the Department Order No. 132-13 or the “Guidelines on Maritime Occupational Safety and Health,” on 21 November 2025 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center, Agham Road, Quezon City.
The meeting was chaired by Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) Director Alvin B. Curada and attended by representatives from labor and employer sectors, members of the Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and other relevant offices and agencies under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Also present in the meeting was Bureau of Labor Relations Director Atty. Arturo Alfonso J. Herbosa. Representing the Institute were Ms. Joyce Anne S. Lumactud, OIC-Division Chief of the Labor and Social Relations Research Division, and Ms. Lyra Cosette B. Dayego, Labor and Employment Officer III.
The session opened with remarks from Undersecretary Felipe N. Egargo, Jr., concurrent head of the Workers’ Welfare and Protection Cluster, who emphasized the importance of aligning national regulations with international standards. During the meeting, Director Curada reported significant progress in the ongoing review of maritime-related issuances, noting that a Technical Working Group (TWG) has been formed to lead the process and that regional consultations were conducted from September to November 2025.
The proposed revisions aim to align existing regulations with international standards and recent legislation. Key updates include the integration of DMW guidelines, enhancement of safety and welfare provisions such as mental health initiatives and anti-bullying policies, updates to social security benefits, and clarification of cadet engagement regulations. Compliance and enforcement will be reinforced through revised complaint procedures and inspection protocols.
A stakeholder validation session is scheduled for 3–5 December 2025 to finalize the amendments with input from government, labor, and industry stakeholders. These developments aim to ensure compliance with global conventions and uphold the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers.
The initiative builds on major milestones, including the Philippines’ ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in 2012, the issuance of Department Orders 130 and 132 in 2013, and the enactment of RA 12021 in 2024. This reaffirms the Department’s commitment to strengthening maritime labor standards and safeguarding the rights of Filipino workers in the maritime industry.
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