"(O)nly 5,000 of the 26,000 maritime cadets are accommodated for cadetship slots every year..."

A young Antiqueño's detour to seafaring success
Yashika F. Torib https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/money/a-young-antique%C3%B1o-s-detour-to-...

HAVE you dined in a restaurant recently? Or did you buy something from a mall? Have you maybe received a parcel from a motorcycle courier?

You might have seen a particularly young staff standing a tad too straight, lean and agile but with eyes that were seemingly overcast with veiled frustration.

Then, you could already have been served by an aspiring seafarer whose luck was too down to get him sailing on foreign shores.

Such is the reality for about 21,000 young Filipinos every year who have taken up a degree in marine transportation or marine engineering but were unable to graduate and pursue a career at sea due to inadequate Onboard Training (OBT) opportunities.

According to the Filipino Association for Mariners' Employers (FAME), only 5,000 of the 26,000 maritime cadets are accommodated for cadetship slots every year, leaving 21,000 unable to graduate.

These young dreamers would endure three years of rigid academic studies, underscored by regimental training for some, only to end up underemployed or unemployed due to a gap between education and employment in the Philippine maritime industry.

Mothelo Jess Bantolo, 24, knew the story too well.

Bantolo is a chef for a fine dining restaurant in White Plains, Quezon City. He has served at several chic restaurants in Metro Manila since 2019. He is also an aspiring seafarer.

Bantolo finished his Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) at Saint Anthony's College in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, last year.

His is a story that is a classic with most Filipino cadets — from an underprivileged family, the eldest child is tasked with the responsibility of looking after his family, hence, taking up a career at sea.

Bantolo enrolled at St. Anthony's College at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and set off on the path that would lead him to his dream profession. Luckily for the young man, his school has its training ship to provide OBT for its cadets.

At the time, however, Bantolo hit a snag. He was financially incapable of paying for his OBT.

"I had to work first so I could earn enough for my training expenses. It was a sad reality," Bantolo lamented. "I hope our industry administrators could find a way to provide at least one or two free training [sessions] for cadets. It will increase our knowledge, but most of all, it will boost the morale of aspiring seafarers who are financially challenged."

This obstacle has taken Bantolo back to his second love — cooking. He worked at restaurants until he was able to save for his OBT.

"With God's guidance and hard work, I was able to complete all my requirements for graduation. Today, while waiting for the results of my applications with different manning agencies, I decided to use my time wisely instead of being a tambay. I resumed my work as a chef to augment my finances and harness my passion for cooking. I also do modeling and product endorsements," Bantolo said.

Despite his success in the food and beverage industry, the young Antiqueño is determined to pursue his career as a maritime professional.

"I will become a seafarer. I dreamt, studied and trained to be one! Not only will it take me to see the world and meet people, but it is also the answer to my family's struggles. I will not lose this chance while I am still young and full of aspirations for my family. I believe things that are meant for you will happen in His time."