Bill requires 2-year local service for PMMA grads

A congressman has proposed that graduates of the state-subsidized Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) be required to work locally for two years before they could apply for jobs that would take them out of the country. The mandatory service requirement is contained on House Bill No. 5734 that seeks to amend Republic Act 3680. Zambales Rep Antonio Diaz, the bill’s author, said it is just proper for PMMA graduates to serve the country first for two years after finishing a subsidized four-year course before seeking employment in international shipping lines. The government spends roughly P270, 000 for each cadet at the PMMA for a four-year Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation or Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering course. PMMA is mandated under RA 3680 to produce efficient and well-trained merchant marine officers to make them competitively comparable with marine officers of progressive maritime countries. Their training should make them capable for the expanding international trade in times of peace and, also to serve as naval and military auxiliary officers in times of war and national emergency. Diaz lamented that most PMMA graduates immediately seek employment in international vessels to earn precious dollars that they can send to their impoverished families back home. Compensation rates offered by international shipping lines, he said, are far higher than what the domestic shippers can offer. “Although it serves a positive purpose for their respective families and impinges on the national economy, PMMA graduates should still give back to the government what is justly due it," Diaz said. -GMANews.TV