HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez urged maritime graduates to continue imparting their acquired knowledge and work for a successful career in the maritime industry.

“This year’s graduating class deserves a standing ovation for not letting the pandemic lead you to veer off course or put undue pressure on you. This entailed courage, focus, determination and inspiration from loved ones,” Romualdez said at the 20th commencement exercises of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific in Mariveles, Bataan.

“You will now leave the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific having gained knowledge and concrete advantage of an academic degree that is recognized all over the world,” he added.

The lawmaker also applauded the graduates’ parents for their sacrifices.

“Looking back, it was all worth it,” he said.

“To the faculty and staff of MAAP, as you continue in your noble profession, keep in mind that the members of the House of Representatives are your partners in molding world class maritime leaders, experts and professionals,” Romualdez said.

The House leader also assured the maritime sector that Congress will give priority to the passage of the proposed Magna Carta for Seafarers.

“In fact, it was among the 32 legislative measures specified as priority under the common legislative agenda of the Senate and the House of Representatives,” he said.

“Through this measure, we seek to institutionalize the protection of Filipino seafarers’ rights to legitimate concerns such as just terms and conditions of work and safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards, free legal consultation and representation, and appropriate accommodation, recreational facilities, proper and adequate nutrition onboard in order to protect and promote health and physical, emotional and psychological well-being of seafarers,” he said.