Manila, Feb. 24 -- The Philippine government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers as it marked the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006.

In a video message Monday evening, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted the significance of the MLC 2006, adopted by the International Labour Organization on Feb. 23, 2006.

"The Maritime Labor Convention, the international bill of rights that strengthens, solidifies the maritime rights, labor rights of our dear seafarers," he said.

Cacdac noted that hundreds of thousands of Filipino seafarers continue to be the "number one seafarer of choice" globally.

He said the Philippines has maintained a proud heritage o...