WITH the dire importance of Filipino seafarers contributing about 30 percent of the US$33 billion overseas remittances, the Norwegian Seafarers Association (NSA) has renewed its support to its partner institution, the University of Cebu-Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) campus.

Lawyer Augusto Go, president of University of Cebu (UC), said there are about 400,000 Filipino seafarers out of the 12 million Filipinos working overseas.

“Many, many, years ago, the Norwegian asked me for five scholars and then they increased it to 25 scholars and even sent an instructor until it became more than 300. I am very happy with the cooperation I have with the NSA because the Philippines needs all the remittances that the overseas workers are giving to our country,” he said.

The NSA Philippines cadet program has helped more than 6,000 scholars and produced more than 4,000 graduates from courses like Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering for future chief engineers and engine officers and Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation for future ship captains and deck officers in UCLM and UC Maritime Education and Training Center.

“You must remember that you’re bringing the name of the Philippines in the international work. You must be hardworking because without you, the Philippines cannot survive,” Go told the cadets during the courtesy visit of NSA chief executive officer Harald Solberg.

Solberg, in an interview, said the Philippines is a preferred source country of seafarers globally.

“The Philippines is the most important country for crew onboard Norwegian ships. In fact, we have 20,000 Filipino seafarers in the Norwegian shipping sector. In the future, there will be an increased demand for shipping services but in the near term, the development will be stable and I think, we have to prepare for that,” he said.

Solberg said Norway’s maritime industry is focusing on reducing emissions on its ships and increasing its digital technology competence.

“We have to prepare for a digital future where we can utilize new technology in the best way to achieve efficient operations,” he said. (JOB)