Pinoy seamen nangungulelat na

Hinimok ng isang grupo ng Filipino seafarer ang dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso na magbalakas ng kongkretong modernization program na magpapahusay sa kasanayan ng Pinoy seamen.

Binigyang-diin ni United Filipino Seafarers (USF) president Engr. Nelson Ramirez na kailangang isamoderno ang kakayahan ng mga marino dahil napagiiwanan na ang Pilipinas bilang foreign shipping industry.

“Safe and improved maritime industry is what we need. That’s why we have to come up with an enduring solution, such as a concrete modernization program, that would entail growth in our beloved industry,” ani Ramirez.

“Because if not, the maritime industry will be totally neglected and way beyond the strong condition of our counterparts, and will continue holding the moniker as the ‘Capital of Maritime Disasters in the World,’’ aniya pa.

Nababahala ang UFS, kinikilala sa mundo bilang unyon ng maritime professionals na mayroong 57,000 miyembro, sa pagbagsak ng shipping industry.

Ayon kay Ramirez nasa great limbo ang ang maritime industry -- isang scenario na labis na makakaapekto sa libu-libong Pinoy seamen.

“Our shipping industry is indeed neglected since we are scarce with ships plying internationally, dissimilar before when we have Madrigal Lines, Compania Maritima, Ledesma Shipping Lines, and the United Philippine Lines, among others,” aniya.

Binanggit ng UFS na ang China na ngayon ang nangungunang supplier ng seafarer officers, sa mabilis na pagpapalawak sa shipowning sectors nito.

“The question is are we contented as the best seafaring nation? Remember that seafaring and shipping industries must corroborate to have an effective and tough maritime industry,” aniya.