MARINO party-list Representative Sandro Gonzalez sought to reduce the training fees of Filipino seafarers once a blended learning program is introduced.

Gonzalez told Samuel Batalla, officer-in-charge of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping of the Maritime Industry Authority, that the move will help seafarers.

“Ang pagbawas sa training fees ay kabilang sa mandato ng MARINA at malaking tulong ito para sa ating mga seaman na gumagastos ng malaking halaga sa kanilang face-to-face training dito sa Pilipinas,” Gonzalez said.

Batalla gave assurances that MARINA will immediately raise the issue to different concerned agencies.

Gonzales said the e-learning platform will help seafarers save time and money, especially those living far from the training centers.

“Malaking tipid ito pagdating sa accommodation, transportation, at iba pang miscellaneous fees ng ating mga kabaro,” he said.

The e-learning platform will also give seafarers a chance to study even while on-board their ship inside or outside the country or even while on vacation.

Gonzales said the e-learning programs also include the Management Level Courses which provides distance learning programs.