Subsidized training for seafarers, OFWS urged
THE MARINO party-list on Tuesday urged the inclusion of subsidized training for seafarers and overseas Filipino worker (OFWs) in the proposed Bayanihan 3 bill in recognition of their role in keeping the Philippine economy afloat during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Our seafarers and OFWs were able to contribute roughly 1.5 trillion pesos to our economy in the form of dollar remittances last year despite the travel restrictions and deployment ban. This has helped the country stay afloat despite the contraction of the country’s economy,” said MARINO Rep. Sandro Gonzalez.
However, Gonzalez said the crisis also prevented others to undergo complete training and acquire proper certifications needed for their deployment resulting in OFWs struggling to balance their resources for food, transportation, and processing of necessary documents.
“Seafarers, at literal risk of their lives, kept the crucial supplies flowing through the maritime lanes of the world, ensuring that countries are fed and stocked with the necessary provisions to combat the pandemic and maintain economic activity. It is only right that we help them stay deployed,” said MARINO Rep. Macnell Lusotan.
The party-list group proposed to include an additional provision and funding that will allow seafarers and land-based OFWs to obtain subsidized series of trainings, including provisions mandating the relevant government agencies in partnership with the local government units (LGUs) to develop and provide entrepreneurship and skills training to qualified seafarers and land-based OFWs.
“We want to make sure that our modern-day heroes can be promptly taken care of if they fall victim to the COVID-19 virus, and so we want free RT-PCR or swab tests for returning and outgoing seafarers and land-based OFWs,” said Gonzalez.
MARINO party-list group filed a resolution in January supporting the prioritization of seafarers in the government’s vaccination program.
“With vaccines now being rolled out, we may be at the end-game of the pandemic. Therefore, Bayanihan 3 must not just look at the mere survival of our countrymen, but also at positioning various sectors to maximize opportunities for the anticipated economic recovery,” said Gonzalez.
