TMCnet News
Cebu school prexy says seamen not affected by global crisisCEBU CITY, Feb 08, 2009 (Asia Pulse Data Source via COMTEX) -- ? The global financial crisis has not affected the maritime industry and seafarers produced in Cebu continue to be in demand, a Cebu school president said. Lawyer Augusto Go, president of the University of Cebu, said more than 90 percent of goods produced globally need to be shipped, indicating there is continuous demand for seafarers worldwide. Go also urged high school seniors to consider taking a course in marine engineering or nautical science as several sectors are threatened by the economic meltdown, resulting in job losses. Go said the strong demand for seafarers is evident as various international groups have partnered with the University of Cebu to offer more scholarship grants to deserving students who want to embark on a career in marine transportation and marine engineering this year. Go identified some of these partners to include the Norwegian Ship Owners Association, European Ship Owners Association and the Cyprus Ship Owners Association. Go said these groups are going to give scholarship grants to 700 to 1,000 students in his school. These grants cover board and lodging, tuition and books. The scholars are also assured of a high-paying job, he said. He said that aside from scholars identified in June last year, UC?s partnerships with the various shipowners? associations will benefit 500 more students. He said there are about 1,200 students taking up maritime-related courses at UC this year. Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila earlier said that out of the 7.5 million Filipinos working in 120 countries worldwide, more than 200,000 of them are seafarers who contribute 30 percent to the total annual foreign exchange remittances sent to the country ?through formal channels.? |