New state-run maritime college in Guian, Eastern Samar targets future Pinoy seafarers

New state-run maritime college in E. Samar targets future Pinoy seafarers
Samuel D. Candido April 3, 2026 https://pia.gov.ph/news/new-state-run-maritime-college-in-e-samar-target...

BORONGAN CITY (PIA) — Lawmakers are pushing for the establishment of the first state-run maritime college in Eastern Samar, aiming to open more opportunities for high school graduates, especially those from rural communities, to pursue careers in the maritime industry.

Under House Bill No. 7693, a College of Maritime Studies will be established at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) campus in the municipality of Guiuan,

The proposed college will offer Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSME), both aligned with the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The measure was authored by Eastern Samar Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales, a former mayor of Guiuan, in partnership with 4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan, also a native of the province.

Gonzales said the proposed college seeks to expand access to government-supported maritime education, enabling more students to pursue seafaring careers and improve their economic prospects.

“We want to give more high school graduates the chance to access free or affordable maritime education from the government so that, in the future, they can secure high-paying jobs at sea and uplift their families’ lives,” he said.

He added that many students currently have to travel long distances to enroll in established maritime schools.

“Our goal is to reduce the burden of distance and the cost of education,” Gonzales said.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, student Edgar Alpez said the time is right to establish a maritime college in Eastern Samar, noting there is no such school in the province.

“Students cannot afford to travel outside the province to access accredited maritime programs. A state-run institution will provide a cost-effective local option,” Alpez said.

The Philippines remains one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers, with an estimated 490,000 Filipinos serving on international vessels each year—from bulk carriers and container ships to oil tankers and cruise ships.

Aside from the maritime college, Gonzales is also pushing for the upgrade of ESSU extension units in Balangiga and Arteche into full-fledged campuses. These measures have already been endorsed by the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education for plenary approval. (SDC/PIA Eastern Samar)