Manila, July 17 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured Filipino seafarers that the government would continue reforms to protect their welfare and sustain their competitiveness in the global maritime industry.

During the graduation rites of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) "Salighirang" Class of 2026 at the PMMA Complex in San Narciso, Zambales, Marcos said his administration has strengthened maritime education, training, and certification system to ensure Filipino seafarers continue to meet international standards.

He recalled that the country's maritime education and certification standards faced serious challenges that threatened the jobs of about 50,000 Filipino seafarers serving on the European Union-re...