MABALACAT City Mayor Cris Garbo has vowed to provide Covid-19 vaccines to some 100 seafarers living in the city.
The mayor has underscored the need to prioritize the vaccination of seamen, who are mostly working in international cruise and cargo ships, to help them in their employment.
The seafarers personally visited the office of the mayor on Monday, Mays 24, and requested the city officials to assist them in their job requirements.
Garbo said the seamen are being required to undergo vaccination before they will be dispatched in their respective jobs.
"They are requesting for their vaccination because they will not be scheduled para maka-sakay muli [ng barko]. Kailangan ang requirements doon mayroon silang vaccination," the mayor said.
For humanitarian consideration and livelihood of the seamen's families, Garbo said he is requesting the National Government to allow the local government unit to prioritize the vaccination of the seafarers.
"Iilan lang naman ito e, wala naman silang 100 [na katao] e. Bakit hindi pa natin i priority y'on kasi makakatulong na sa pamilya nila at makakapag hanap buhay na sila," Garbo said.
International cruise firms prioritize the hiring of Filipinos because of their skills, according to the mayor.
"Priority ng mga cruise, yung mga seafarers na Pilipino dahil nga sa mga talent nila at kanilang abilidad na magtrabaho ng mabuti kaya gusto sila ng mga foreign especially yung mga Europeans," Garbo said.
"Kaya ito ang naisip ko, pinapunta ko na sila dito para makita. Papakiusap ko within the week na mabakunahan ang mga seafarers natin," he added.