By Myris Lee
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) added three more crew change hubs in the ports of Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, bringing the country’s active crew change hubs to a total of nine.
The other six crew change hubs are located in the Manila South Harbor; Port Capinpin in Orion, Bataan; Sasa Wharf in Davao; Batangas under the Philippines Ports Authority; Subic; and Cebu.
According to the DOTr, the additional crew change hubs were activated last March 14, March 21, and April 8, 2022, respectively.
The crew change hubs are used to process the documents needed to facilitate the movement of both on-signers and off-signers during the pandemic and to recognize seafarers contribution in the economy.
In a speech during the activation of the new crew change hubs, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade stressed how active DOTr and the other government agencies are involved with the project.
“It takes a whole maritime approach to make crew changes possible in the country. The various government agencies and the stakeholders that are involved remain firm in their strong and active participation to ensure the continuous operation of these crew change hubs, for our maritime industry champions: our Filipino seafarers,” Tugade said. – ag
