By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday welcomed the Senate’s unanimous concurrence in the Philippines’ accession to the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention), 1979.
Seventeen senators voted in favor of the country’s accession after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Instrument of Accession on June 25, 2026.
On Tuesday, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the move advances one of the President’s key objectives for the Philippines to be in sync with the rest of the maritime world, an essential step as the country assumes a leading role in ASEAN this year.
Gavan described the President’s signing of the Instrument of Accession and the Senate’s unanimous concurrence as acts of bold leadership and statesmanship that enabled the Philippines to take the historic step 47 years after the Convention was adopted.
He said the accession strengthens the protection of Filipino seafarers navigating across the globe and maritime safety for the millions of Filipinos and foreign visitors who travel to the country’s island destinations.
“This historic act also earns the Philippines greater respect from the international community as an able, responsible, and willing member of the community of maritime nations,” he said in a news release.
PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the accession translates into greater protection for people who depend on maritime transportation and livelihoods.
“For ordinary Filipinos, this is about saving lives. When a fisherman goes missing, or a passenger vessel encounters an emergency, we need a search and rescue system that can respond and coordinate effectively,” Cayabyab said.
Adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the SAR Convention establishes an international system for receiving distress alerts, coordinating rescue operations, maintaining rescue coordination centers, and enabling countries to assist one another during maritime emergencies.
“With more than 7,000 islands and over 36,000 kilometers of coastline, our people rely heavily on maritime transportation. Stronger SAR coordination allows our responders to act with clearer procedures and stronger cooperation across our maritime areas, including the West Philippine Sea,” Cayabyab added.
She said the Philippines’ accession reaffirms its commitment to protecting all persons in distress at sea.
