CEBU CITY — The Konsultahang Bayan, in collaboration with the Metro Cebu Harbor Pilots Co., Inc. and the United Harbor Pilots Association of the Philippines, brought together stakeholders in Cebu for a productive discussion on the Philippine maritime industry with former Senator Ping Lacson. The forum was held at the City Sports Club Center on April 28, 2025.
The Konsultahang Bayan is a forum that aims to gather insights, suggestions, and recommendations from the maritime community to be forwarded to Senator Lacson. In attendance were maritime students from the University of the Visayas, some local government officials, and industry leaders in the maritime sector of Cebu.
The discussion highlighted the importance of providing valuable insights and opportunities for the maritime sector, emphasizing the need to hear the concerns of maritime shipping, seafarers, and other stakeholders, particularly the pressing needs specific to Cebu.
The forum was guided by the theme C.E.B.U., which stood for Cebu, Economy, Batas (laws), and Urgent Matters. Discussions focused on identifying key problems in the maritime industry in Cebu, their implications for the economy, and legislative proposals and urgent priorities for action.
(L-R) Former PCO Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez, Maritime Council of Leaders Adviser Chiefmate Mizrainne Garcia, President/Chief Pilot Metro Cebu Harbor Pilots Capt. Frederick Quiñones, United Harbor Pilot of the Philippines President Capt. Arnold Labadan, former Senator Ping Lacson, President of Interisland Shipping Lucio Lim and Rene Ledesma, Association of International Shippinglines Ports operations Committee Chairman.
The panelists outlined and highlighted different issues concerning the maritime industry in the Philippines, such as the lack of manning power in Cebu compelling many maritime graduates to seek opportunities in Manila, the lack of government-funded scholarships, and the existence of the “backer system” in employment, where connections are often needed to secure jobs. The forum also tackled issues surrounding mandatory training programs and the call for more experienced and competent administrators.
Building on these discussions, Lacson assured participants that the insights and recommendations gathered from the Konsultahang Bayan would guide his policy initiatives if elected back to the Senate. He reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the needs of the maritime industry as part of a broader effort to advance national development.
Lacson pointed out that while seafarers remitted some $6.94 billion in 2024 alone, education for those who want to become seafarers has become “prohibitive.”
“Their contribution to the Philippine economy cannot be discounted… So we must help them because their tuition and training fees have become so prohibitive,” Lacson said.
“We must look into their plight and see if there is a solution based on legislation that will allow seafarers’ parents to afford their training. God willing, if I return to the Senate, I will push for legislation in that direction,” he added.
Lacson noted that demand for seafarers continues to grow, and students have many opportunities to be employed as seafarers. But in the Visayas and Mindanao, the number of students may be declining due to the high costs.
In some cases, he said parents are using their savings and retirement funds for their children to take maritime courses. “Only rich parents can send their children to maritime school,” he lamented.
Lacson also said that should he earn a seat in the Senate in May, he would study possible solutions to issues raised by the stakeholders at the forum, including setting up government-subsidized halfway houses for student seafarers from the Visayas and Mindanao, as there are not enough maritime schools there.
“We have lots and lots of work to do. Just in case I am elected, assure you this will be one of my priority measures,” Lacson said after the forum.
