LONDON, United Kingdom — The Philippines strengthened its global maritime alliances and continued its bid for re-election to the IMO Council as the country hosted a lunch reception during the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) General Assembly on 24 November 2025.

The event opened with messages from Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. and DOTr Assistant Secretary for Maritime Villamor Ventura S. Plan, who both stressed the Philippines’ strong commitment to improving the welfare, training, and global mobility of Filipino seafarers.

During the gathering, the Philippines signed two major maritime agreements. The first was a renewed STCW mutual recognition agreement with the Kingdom of Belgium. This updated pact ensures both countries will continue to recognize each other’s seafarer certificates based on international training and assessment standards. The agreement replaces the 2003 arrangement and improves cooperation by allowing regular sharing of updates on certification systems, audits, and maritime regulations.

The second was a memorandum of understanding with the Sultanate of Oman, expanding the Philippines’ maritime ties in the Middle East. Through this agreement, both countries will serve as the Administration and Certificate-Issuing Authority for their seafarers. The MOU outlines clear steps for endorsing and verifying certificates, organizing joint compliance visits, and exchanging information on changes in maritime rules and quality systems.

Signing on behalf of the Philippines was MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, with Director-General Peter Claeyssens representing Belgium, and Undersecretary Eng. Khamis Bin Mohammed Al-Shamakhi signing for Oman.

The Philippine delegation also highlighted the country’s renewed candidacy for a seat on the IMO Council under Category C, presenting the nation’s active involvement in global maritime efforts and its ongoing advocacy for seafarer welfare, maritime safety, and international standards.

The reception and signing ceremony took place on the Assembly’s opening day, attended by more than a thousand delegates from IMO Member States, marking another step in strengthening the Philippines’ global maritime presence.