By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet on Tuesday, Oct. 11, discussed measures to improve and expand the maritime and aviation sectors, to aid economic recovery, and to provide more livelihood for Filipinos.
According to Atty. Cheloy Garafil, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Press Secretary, Marcos ordered for the creation of a Maritime Industry Development Plan to strengthen the maritime and aviation sectors.
“Kasama diyan ang pag-utos din ng Pangulo na ayusin ang ports upang mas marami pang cruise ships na makadaong dito para ma-boost din ang ating tourism industry,” Garafil said.
She said the President also instructed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to address challenges on maritime schools, particularly their non-compliance with educational quality standards that are based on international requirements and guidelines.
“Sinabi ng Pangulo na dapat i-upgrade ang competencies ng mga eskwelahan at ayusin ang training programs to give the students advantage and put them to international standards para mapatuloy ang estado ng bansa na number one supplier ng seafarers sa buong mundo,” she said.
For the aviation sector, Marcos ordered the Department of Transportation to focus on upgrading the Manila airport to meet the increasing demand.
This includes measures such as studying the “existing unsolicited proposals” to modernize existing airports, as well as to upgrade and establish new airports in different parts of the country. -ag
