Lawmakers in Eastern Samar have proposed legislation to establish the region’s first state-run maritime college, aimed at providing local high school graduates with accessible pathways to pursue careers in the global maritime industry. Under House Bill No. 7693, a College of Maritime Studies will be integrated into the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) campus situated in Guiuan, a coastal municipality.
The proposed college will offer two primary programs: the Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation (BSMT) and the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSME). Both programs will adhere to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), which is regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This compliance is crucial for ensuring that the education provided meets international maritime standards and prepares graduates for successful careers at sea.
Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales, who previously served as the mayor of Guiuan, is the primary advocate for this initiative. He is joined by 4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan. Gonzales emphasized the importance of making maritime education more accessible, particularly for students from rural areas who often have to travel significant distances to enroll in existing maritime colleges. He noted the potential for high-paying careers at sea, which could significantly improve the living standards for many families.
This development comes in the context of the Philippines’ long-standing reputation as a leading provider of seafarers worldwide. Approximately 490,000 Filipino maritime professionals are employed on international merchant vessels each year, spanning various types of ships, including bulk carriers, container ships, and cruise liners. The competitive edge of Filipino seafarers largely stems from their proficiency in English and comprehensive technical training.
Gonzales has been an advocate for enhancing public access to education, previously proposing similar measures to transform ESSU extension units in the municipalities of Balangiga and Arteche into full-fledged campuses. These earlier initiatives have already received support from the House committee on higher and technical education and are awaiting plenary approval.
Overall, the establishment of the College of Maritime Studies at ESSU not only aims to broaden educational opportunities for Eastern Samar’s youth but also seeks to bolster the region’s contribution to the global maritime workforce, thereby improving both local livelihoods and national standing in the maritime industry.
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