House Speaker Martin Romualdez imparted inspiring words Friday, Dec. 2 to future seafarers who graduated during the 20th commencement exercises of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP).
Romualdez was invited to the event as guest speaker. The commencement exercises took place in Mariveles, Bataan.
The House leader congratulated the graduates and wished them “a successful future in the maritime industry".
“This year's graduating class deserves a standing ovation for not letting the pandemic lead you to veer off course or put undue pressure on you. This entailed courage, focus, determination and inspiration from loved ones," he said.
"You will now leave the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific having gained knowledge and concrete advantage of an academic degree that is recognized all over the world,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez, Leyte’s 1st district representative, hailed and applauded the graduates’ parents “for all the sacrifices you made to raise your children and provide for their needs".
“Looking back, it was all worth it,” he said.
“To the faculty and staff of MAAP, as you continue in your noble profession, keep in mind that the members of the House of Representatives are your partners in molding world class maritime leaders, experts and professionals,” Romualdez further said.
On the part of the House of Representatives, Romualdez said they are giving “top priority” to the passage of the proposed Magna Carta for Seafarers.
“In fact, it was among the 32 legislative measures specified as priority under the common legislative agenda of the Senate and the House of Representatives,” he said.
“Through this measure, we seek to institutionalize the protection of Filipino seafarers’ rights to to legitimate concerns such as just terms and conditions of work and safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards, free legal consultation and representation, and appropriate accommodation, recreational facilities, proper and adequate nutrition onboard in order to protect and promote health and physical, emotional and psychological well-being of seafarers," he explained.