Philippines to give first-time seafarers new seaman's books for free

By CONSUELO MARQUEZ, GMA News Seaman's books of first-time seafarers will be given free by the Philippine government, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said on Monday. In President Rodrigo Duterte's Talk to the People, Tugade reported that the Maritime Industry Authority also cut by 50% the cost of renewal of expiring seaman's books. "'Yung mga first time seamen, na kukuha ng seaman's book. ang halaga nito P1,000 to P1,800 depende kung san mo kukunin, libre na ho yun," Tugade said. "Paano ang renewal? 50% discount up to December this year," he added. The seaman's book is an equivalent of a working visa for seafarers. —NB, GMA News

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