TWO solons have expressed elation over the recent announcement of some US firms on hiring at least 75,000 Filipino seafarers.

Kabayan Party-list Representative Ron Salo and Marino Party-list Rep. Sandro Gonzalez said this is good news for the Filipinos as well as for the maritime industry.

Salo, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, said this development not only underscores the skills and expertise of our Filipino seafarers, but also highlights the confidence of the international community in our workers.”

It is a testament to the tireless efforts of the government and the private sector to promote the country’s maritime industry and improve the welfare of Filipino seafarers.

“This is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment in providing our seafarers with better opportunities and a brighter future,” Salo added.

Salo also stressed the importance of providing support and assistance to the country’s seafarers as they embark on their journeys abroad.

“The hiring of 75,000 Filipino seafarers by US firms also highlights the strong partnership between the Philippines and the United States. I am confident that this partnership will continue to flourish and bring more opportunities for the country’s seafarers in particular, and to the whole country in general,” Salo said.

“I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez for their unwavering support in making this milestone possible. Their leadership and commitment to the welfare of our overseas Filipino workers have been instrumental in securing this opportunity for our seafarers,” Salo added.

For his part, Gonzalez commended US firms and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. after confirming that mass hiring of Filipino seafarers will ensue in the next three to four years.

This pledge was made by Mr. John Padget, CEO of Carnival Corporation, after his meeting with PBBM in Washington. Padget emphasized that Filipinos are known for their positive work attitude, hospitality, and competitiveness making them one of the preferred labor forces in the global workforce.

“Hearing this from renowned foreign companies like Carnival Corporation is good news to us. It only shows that our Pinoy seafarers remain consistent with the quality of their work output within and outside the Philippines.” Marino Rep. Sandro Gonzalez said.

According to Padget, the character of Filipino Overseas Workers are not just limited to their quality of work, but also include their attitude toward work, and how they bring happiness, smiles, and satisfaction to guests and other clients.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas