Marcos renews call for MARINA, CHED to ensure upskilling of seafarers

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday renewed his call for the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure the upskilling and reskilling of Filipino seafarers.

This as Marcos graced the summit conference “Shaping the Future of Shipping: Seafarer 2050” at Conrad Manila.

“As President, I reiterate my directive to the Maritime Industry Authority and the Commission on Higher Education to work closely with the shipping industry on the upskilling and reskilling of Filipino seafarers to prepare them for the shift of ocean-going vessels from using conventional fuel sources to green ammonia between 2030 to 2040,” Marcos said in his speech.

According to the President, the entire transportation industry has been undergoing a huge transformation, which is marked by the coming of new and sustainable fuels as well as the increasing deployment of digitalization and automation.

Due to the developments in the sector, Marcos said there is a need for the shipping industry “to adapt and integrate new developments into their fleets, starting with the retooling of existing ships and the building of newer and more modern ships equipped with these new technologies.”

Marcos also cited the need to invest in a highly qualified and well-trained workforce that will build, maintain, and man the shipping vessels.

“With all hands on deck, we must come together to envision and shape the future of the industry and global trade for the next 25 years,” Marcos said.

“We can do this by identifying the skills required for the new generation of ships, discussing education and training requirements, and committing to a fair and just transition to build a future-ready and resilient shipping industry,” he added.

To recall, the CHED vowed to coordinate with maritime schools and the MARINA to implement reforms suggested by the European Union (EU) to ensure that Filipino seafarers can continue to work on foreign vessels.

The European Commission announced in March that it would continue to recognize the certificates issued for seafarers by the Philippines.

The President guaranteed that his administration would continue strengthening maritime-related policies and protecting the seafarers and their loved ones. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News