Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored the nation’s seafarers as the Philippines celebrated the Day of the Filipino Seafarer, and vowed support for the country’s maritime industry.
“Ang industriyang ito ay kailangang suportahan at protektahan upang mapanatili ang kalidad ng pagkilala sa buong mundo,” Marcos said in a vlog published on Saturday.
[Translation: This industry must be supported and protected to keep the quality and recognition worldwide.]
The president earlier said his administration would provide solutions facing the Philippine maritime industry after the European Commission had decided to continue recognizing certificates for Filipino seafarers, citing that the country has made serious efforts to comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers.
In May, the Commission on Higher Education and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said a new maritime education curriculum would be released soon in a bid to “to narrow the gaps and issues” seen by the European Maritime Safety Agency.
In a separate vlog on Sunday, the president expressed his gratitude to seafarers whose hard work benefitted not only their families but also the country.Meanwhile, MARINA also paid tribute to Filipino seafarers, recognizing their “invaluable contributions” in safeguarding oceans.
“Ang kanilang dedikasyon at propesyonalismo ay bumubuo ng pundasyon sa industriya ng maritima at hindi maipagkakaila ang kanilang kontribusyon,” said MARINA Administrator Hernani Fabia in a video message.
[Translation: Their dedication and professionalism comprise the foundation of the maritime industry and their contributions cannot be ignored.]Fabia also noted the challenges facing the industry, saying government, industry representatives, and educational institutions must work together to support the maritime sector.
