Palace lauds Pinoy crew members of Italian liner for bayanihan spirit

Malacañang on Saturday hailed the Filipino crew members of the ill-fated luxury liner “Costa Concordia” for showing a sense of “bayanihan,” or helping one another, when the ship began to list after running aground. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Filipino crew members earned everyone’s respect because they continued to help others even at the risk of their own safety. “Kahit in trouble ang cruise ship nangibabaw ang kanilang, hindi diretsong bayanihan pero kahit sa panganib ang buhay, tinulungan ang ibang kasama kahit Pilipino, kahit hindi Pilipino," she said on government-run dzRB radio. “Ito ang isang magandang naipakita... talagang ang Pilipino, hindi sarili ang iniisip kundi kapakanan ng iba (This is something good they showed, that Filipinos think not of their own welfare but that of others),” she added. On Thursday, a first batch of 100 crew members from the ill-fated luxury liner returned to the country. Another batch of 21 arrive in Manila before noon Friday. The bulk of the seafarers were scheduled to return on Saturday. Valte reiterated the Department of Labor and Employment has assistance packages for the returning crew members, especially those involved in extraordinary circumstances. On Friday, the the Department of Foreign Affairs commended the Filipino crewmembers of the ill-fated liner for their professionalism while the ship was in trouble. DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario also reassured them of the Philippine government’s continued support and assistance as they recover from their experience. “You are men and women of courage, heroism and dedication. We commend you for showing to the world the best traits of the Filipino seafarers. In the words of President Benigno S. Aquino III, you are our ‘sailing ambassadors,’” he said. He said the Philippine Embassy in Rome received important feedback from other crew members as well as passengers of the Filipino crew members’ “brave acts manifesting competence, professionalism and humanity, even under extreme pressure.” The DFA “recognizes and appreciates” all the assistance provided to them by the Philippine Embassy in Rome, the Filipino community in Italy, the local residents of Giglio Island, and the relevant Italian authorities, he added. “We assure you of the Government’s continued support and assistance, as you join your families, recover from your recent sad experience, and return to work at the earliest opportunity,” he said. — LBG, GMA News