Enverga asks Marina, PCG to train, appoint maritime officers in towns, cities with ports
QUEZON First District Rep. Mark Enverga has suggested to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) the training and appointment of deputized maritime safety officers in towns and cities with ports and coasts.
“Coordinated dapat ito sa mga local government units para maging maayos ang training at deployment ng mga deputized maritime safety officers.
Habang ginagawa pa ang mga training program at policies, paunang hakbang na maaaring gawin ng Philippine Coast Guard ang mag-deploy ng mga coast guard auxiliary sa mga daungang tulad ng nasa Polillo, Quezon, Binangonan, at Talim Island sa Rizal,” Enverga, chairman of the House committee on agriculture and food, said.
Enverga also suggested that financial assistance be extended to small boat operators that ferry passengers and cargo by the Small Business Corporation, an agency attached to the Department of Trade and Industry.
“Para makapagpundar sila ng life vests na magagamit sa kanilang kabuhayan. Maituturing kasing small business ang motorized banca operations,” Enverga said.
The lawmaker also said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Maritime Training Council can have key maritime safety roles.
“Sa ngayon, mayroong boat building standards at courses ang TESDA para sa Able Seafarer Deck NC II, Able Seafarer Engine NC II, Marine Electricity NC II, Sea Freight Transport, Navigational Watch, Engineering Watch, Submerged Arc Welding, at iba’t ibang tech voc courses para sa aquaculture, fishing, at lifeguard services.
Yan ang maaaring ihandog nang libre sa mga motorized banca operators para ma-upgrade ang kanilang kabuhayan at kakayahan,” he also noted.
Enverga said maritime, nursing and medical students can, as part of their practicum and on-the-job training, conduct first aid at drowning rescue training for small boat crew and passengers.
