FORMER Senator Panfilo Lacson is advocating for legislation that would make education and training more affordable for aspiring seafarers.

Lacson pointed out that while Filipino seafarers remitted around $6.94 billion in 2024 alone, the cost of education for those wanting to enter the profession has become prohibitive.

“Their contribution to the Philippine economy cannot be discounted. We must help them, as tuition and training fees have become too expensive,” Lacson said.

“We need to look into their situation and find legislative solutions that will help parents afford the training their children need. God willing, if I return to the Senate, I will push for such a measure,” he added.

He noted that while demand for seafarers continues to rise, many students—especially in the Visayas and Mindanao—are being deterred by high costs.

In some cases, Lacson said, parents are using their savings and retirement funds just to support their children’s maritime education.

“Only wealthy parents can afford to send their children to maritime schools,” he lamented.

Should he be elected in May, Lacson said he would also explore solutions to issues raised by stakeholders, including the establishment of government-subsidized halfway houses for student seafarers from regions with limited maritime schools.

“We have a lot of work to do. If I’m elected, I assure you this will be one of my priority measures,” Lacson said.