A 2015 report by Maritime Manpower Development Authority tells us that in 2014, there about 401,826 Filipino seafarers were deployed. By the end of December 2014, these Pinoy seafarers were able to remit $5.575 billion.
Although they form a significant percentage in the global maritime industry, it is still a fact that some of them remain “vulnerable to poverty after their retirement,” according to GMA Network. Besides, Marine Insight reported that seafarers sometimes find it hard to save money and maintain an emergency fund.
An article posted by Research Gate likewise pointed out that part of the financial struggle is that many of the seafarers are supporting extended families.
An article posted by Research Gate likewise pointed out that part of the financial struggle is that many of the seafarers are supporting extended families.
Capt. Gaudencio Morales, head of the Integrated Seafarers of the Philippines (ISP), said that for the ordinary Filipino seafarer, these extended families can be considered an “excess baggage.”
“Karamihan ng nagmamarino galing sa hirap. Kumbaga, excess baggage, marami silang tinutulungan,” Morales pointed out in a press briefing.
(“Many of those working as a seafarer come from poverty. They’re also helping a lot of people which can be considered excess baggage of some form.”)
Morales continued, “Ini-encourage din namin sila, dapat mabawasan ‘yun, kahit konti. Dahil karamihan ng excess baggage umaasa na lang doon sa kanila, so ‘pag hindi napagbigyan, magkakaroon ng sama ng loob.”
Morales continued, “Ini-encourage din namin sila, dapat mabawasan ‘yun, kahit konti. Dahil karamihan ng excess baggage umaasa na lang doon sa kanila, so ‘pag hindi napagbigyan, magkakaroon ng sama ng loob.”
(“We encourage them to lessen the load, so to speak. In most cases, those who depend on them get mad when their wants aren’t provided.”)
Leyzam Gaspay, son of a former seafarer, has a solution for the problem. According to Gaspay, seafarers should teach their dependents to become self-reliant.
Leyzam Gaspay, son of a former seafarer, has a solution for the problem. According to Gaspay, seafarers should teach their dependents to become self-reliant.
“Ang maipapayo ko na tulong sa ganyang bagay, tulungan natin sila kung paano sila makapag self-produce ng sarili nila para hindi habang-buhay [ay] lagi silang umaasa sa ‘yo,” he said. “Nandito tayo para tumulong. Pero siyempre mas maganda kung tayo din tutulungan natin sila kung pano nila mapaunlad yung sarili nila.”
(“My advice about this would be for us to help them learn how to produce on their own so they don’t depend on you for the rest of their lives. We’re here to help but it’s always better if we help them become self-reliant.”)
Gaspay likewise mentioned that seafarers should make it a point to save for the future. Also, pursuing entrepreneurship can be a good idea so that seafarers will have a fall back option by the end of their career.
The Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) National Registration Center for OFWs (NRCO) has collaborated with ISP to come up with a Business Plan Competition for seafarers.
William Gaspay, Leyzam’s father, has won the 2015 contest and received funding for his business proposal. Morales wants to see more seafarers join the competition for this year.
“Inaanyayahan namin ang lahat ng seafarers, pati na ang pamilya ng seafarers, lalo na yung mga misis, na mag-join kayo… para magkaroon kayo, kahit hindi kayo manalo ng grand prize na P500,000, magkakaroon kayo ng kaalaman sa negosyo,” said Morales.
“We invite all seafarers, along with their families, especially the wives, to join… So you can have, if not the P500,000 grand prize, at least some knowledge about establishing businesses.”
via: gmanetwork