PHILIPPINES — Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac called for proactive upskilling of Filipino seafarers on August 27, 2026, as the global maritime industry accelerates its shift toward offshore wind and clean energy. Speaking at The Manila Times Maritime and Offshore Wind Forum, he stressed the need to prepare workers before the jobs evolve.
A Strategic Shift in Skills
Secretary Cacdac said the transition is already happening, not a distant future scenario. Filipino seafarers must become familiar with next-generation propulsion systems, updated safety protocols, and specialized offshore operations. The goal is to ensure that Filipino workers remain relevant, competitive, and protected as the industry transforms.
The Global Wind Energy Council reports that global installed offshore wind capacity reached 92.5 GW by the end of 2025. An additional 327 GW is projected over the next decade. The Philippines, with its deep waters and world-class maritime workforce, is uniquely positioned to lead in this emerging sector.
Real-World Signs of Transition
Cacdac pointed to concrete examples proving the shift is underway. Solstad Offshore Philippines already employs Filipino seafarers as chief engineers, chief officers, and dynamic positioning operators in specialized offshore roles. These positions command significantly higher wages than standard cargo or tanker assignments.
Magsaysay Maritime Corp. has partnered with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific to establish a dynamic positioning training center in Bataan. This facility directly responds to growing demand for skilled personnel in offshore wind and offshore development projects.
Preparing for the Future Today
The DMW is working through its Committee on Active Labor Market Intervention to match worker skills with emerging opportunities. The committee profiles overseas Filipino workers and returning workers, connecting their competencies with potential employment. About 4,000 workers returning from the Middle East have already been matched with jobs based on their profiles.
Cacdac said the department could collaborate with the Department of Energy to align human resources with offshore wind sector needs. He emphasized that the technology is ready and the challenge lies in political will, social dialogue, and bilateral cooperation with shipowners and foreign governments.
Beyond Offshore Wind
The need for preparation extends beyond offshore wind as new technologies and alternative fuels reshape shipping. Electrification, hydrogen, ammonia, and possibly nuclear propulsion will all require new competencies. Filipino seafarers must stay ahead of these changes to maintain their global reputation for excellence.
Cacdac said the decades spent developing trusted Filipino seafarers have built a strong foundation. The transition builds on this legacy, offering opportunities to move into higher-paying technical roles on specialized vessels. This shift protects mariners from job obsolescence.
A Shift from Volume to Value
The initiative marks a broader transformation in the Philippines' labor export model. Instead of competing solely on workforce volume, the country is positioning its workers for high-skill technical specialization. Premium wages for offshore wind specialists translate to greater income stability for families and larger remittance inflows.
Cacdac called for stronger cooperation among governments, shipowners, manning agencies, and training institutions. Public-private collaboration will be essential to subsidize training costs and enforce stricter safety standards. The DMW stands ready to roll up its sleeves and lead the way.
