The Province of Negros Occidental recently held the simultaneous celebration of National Seafarers’ Day and the culmination of Peace Month, with a series of activities.
The observance of National Seafarers’ Day, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1094, series of 1997 signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos, is in recognition of the vital role our Filipino seafarers play towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime country.
At the same time, the province also celebrated the culmination of the Month of Peace with the theme, “Pagkakaisa at Paghilom: Isang Bansa para sa Kapayapaan”, which aims to remind us that through unity and cooperation our nation can attain genuine and long lasting peace.
A Paralegal Lecture on Seafarers’ Rights was held at the Capitol Social Hall spearheaded by the Provincial Planning and Development Office which acts as Secretariat of the Provincial Committee on Migration and Development, in cooperation with the Provincial Legal Office headed by Atty. Alberto Nellas, Public Affairs Office, Provincial Tourism Office, and the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Office. It was attended by graduating maritime students and scholars of the Provincial Government.
Nellas lauded the future seafarers for they are the economic drivers of the country. The lecturers included Ricca Joy Resula and Angelee Alayon of the PLO who discussed topics on Conditions of Employment, Overtime Pay, Collective Bargaining Agreement benefits, Contract Terminations, Medical Repatriations and Disability Benefits. They were joined by Atty. Jessa Genteroles and Nelie France Sanchez also of PLO.
The participants then joined a Commitment to Peace action, before going on a Culture Hub Tour.
