THE HOUSE Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Monday approved the consolidated measures that will allow aspiring cadets from far flung-areas to fulfill their dream of becoming merchant marine and naval officers.

The panel headed by Baguio City Representative Mark Go agreed to endorse for plenary debates House Bill 2458 authored by Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and House Bill 4835 by Pangasinan 6th District Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas.

The measures will mandate the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy to select one cadet from each congressional district every year to comprise its incoming class.

The panel also approved the creation of a technical working group to address the issues and concerns and reflect the proposed changes to HB 953 by Marino Partylist Rep. Sandro Gonzales.

The bill will establish a maritime education and training regime, create a technical committee education and training, as well as centralize shipboard training, among others.