PASAY CITY — The Philippines and Bangladesh have entered into a new maritime cooperation arrangement that allows each nation to recognize the other’s seafarer certificates issued under the STCW Convention, strengthening professional mobility and employment opportunities for both maritime workforces.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place on 03 November 2025 at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay City. With this agreement, Filipino seafarers may now be deployed onboard vessels registered under the Bangladesh flag without undergoing redundant certification procedures, provided they meet existing international standards.

The Philippines was represented by MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, together with Atty. Jerome T. Pampolina of the Department of Migrant Workers, and Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla of the MARINA STCW Office.

Administrator Malaluan highlighted that the cooperation aims to enhance maritime workforce opportunities while promoting safe, competent, and responsible global maritime operations.

The Bangladesh Delegation was led by Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, accompanied by embassy and government representatives.

Diplomatic officials, including Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh H.E. Nina P. Cainglet, also took part in witnessing the formal signing, which was supported by the DFA Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs.

This development is seen as a positive step in strengthening bilateral relations and supporting seafarers’ career accessibility in the global maritime market.