MANILA, Philippines — Key Philippine maritime agencies and representatives from the European Union met on 6 November 2025 to advance the implementation of the SCOPE–Seafarers Technical Assistance Project, an initiative designed to support the Philippines in upholding high global standards in maritime education, training, and certification.

The inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting took place at the MARINA Central Office, co-led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE). DOTr Assistant Secretary for Maritime Affairs Atty. Villamor Ventura S. Plan and DG MOVE Director for Waterborne Transport Fotini Ioannidou presided over the discussions.

Speaking on behalf of EU Ambassador H.E. Massimo Santoro, Dr. Gemmer expressed the EU’s continued commitment to working with the Philippines to maintain its strong global presence in the seafaring workforce.

The session gathered officials from MARINA, CHED, DMW, DOLE, the EU Delegation, and the MARINA Multi-Sectoral Governance Council. The committee reviewed the initial project progress, finalized governance frameworks, and confirmed the work plan moving forward.

MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan highlighted that the project plays a crucial role in reinforcing the Philippines’ implementation of the STCW Convention, ensuring that Filipino seafarers remain globally competitive. She also acknowledged the EU’s sustained support to the country and its maritime sector.

Ioannidou, for her part, stressed the importance of strong national leadership and effective coordination among agencies to sustain reforms. She also noted that timelines must be followed closely, as no additional extensions are anticipated for the project.