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VOLUME XIII NO. 5 ISSN 1908-0972
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SEPTEMBER 2018
MARINO WORLD
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Cover Story
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TOYM CONTINUES TO INSPIRE Governance Round Table Discussions LOWER HOUSE SEEKS MARITIME VIEWS
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100 SHIPS FOR RP FLEET
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MANA Mo EVENTS
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Feature MW PRESENTS TIMELESS
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Logistics Filipino to the World XLOG CONFRONTS SMUGGLING
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Content
ABOUT THE COVER Layout by: Jhon Henson Ong
TOYM Project Chair Mark N. David is so hyped with helping for the future of the maritime industry, in
preparing the competitive grade of our seafarers, of inculcating a culture of excellence in our youth.
EDITORIAL BOARD Publisher
Lyn Bacani
Editorial Consultant
Creative Director
B. Cortes Lagac
Jhon Henson Ong
Legal Counsel
Atty. Manuel Obedoza Jr.
Eva Tan
News and Feature Writers Coca H. Strobar
Ligaya Caban
Contributors Ms. Merle San Pedro
RAdm. Adonis Donato
Atty. Cristina Beltran
International Contributors
F R Chowdhury
Mark Millar
Special Project Manager Gel Miranda
Photographer Jerome Reyes
Richard Teo
Visayas Correspondent Boy Ilano
Production Assistant Joana Marie Tud
EDITORIAL OFFICE Tel. / Fax (632) 521-3633 Mobile (63) 906-491-2777
1732 Modesto St., Malate, Manila, Philippines marinoworldpublication@gmail.com
Published by Bacani & Associates Media Services Co. (BASMS) www.marino-world.com
Publisher Note
NATION ACHES WHEN SEAFARERS BLEED A cultural resurgence is initiated by the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo), mana an Austronesian word for power and authority and Pilipino (Tagalog-based) for heritage. For 2018, the theme is “Inclusive and People-Centered Development through Maritime Heritage Awareness”.
on our boast that Filipino merchant mariners are the best in the world --skilled, disciplined, educated, speak English. Cheap. The valid and widely-held perception positioned us as the Manning Capital of the World barring Chinese seamen actually limited to their domestic fleets.
It provides everyone the opportunity to take a look at our maritime culture and history, to look forward to addressing concerns through the collective efforts of the Filipino people.
This lead is sustainable as we have the manpower, be it deck and engine officers, ratings or cruise ship personnel. Our population is a young one, our academic and training institutions more than sufficient. Government policies are positive, though with occasional ambivalence given partisan politics and vested interests.
But in that common weal are we in a great fix. For dysfunctions have collateral negatives, as when a finger hurts, the arm ails. A machine bogs when parts fail. This truism extends to the workings of the nation. The State cannot ignore marginalized sectors even if the others are reeking with success. Justice on political life demands universal and inclusive application. The late Ramon Magsaysay popularized, “there can be no justice for all of us unless there is justice for each of us.” We see pragmatic similarity with the threatening derecognition of the Philippines by the European Union (EU) should the European Commission (EC) endorse the negative conclusions of the European Maritime Safety Administration (EMSA) on its 10-year audit of the maritime guts of the Philippines. The EMSA audit is the fly-in-ointment
Now come dark clouds, double whammy if you please: we may be derecognized in Europe and lose blocks of jobs; other nations are not ready alternatives to us as they are still reeling with red ink on their financial ledgers. Where are fingers pointed? The businessmen and stakeholders, the Government? The infra institutions of learning, of training and of compliance with international Conventions? Neither, yet all; not the sage but the synch. Quite simply, like a multiple choice test: all of the above. When problems compound, the system is expectedly pilloried. This is allowing the whole to be blamed, not the parts which have agents to defend or skirt clean. The position is as hollow (or brazen) as the claim Mindanao is under-developed
because the Philippines is poor. And as neo-scholastics would expand the critique to minutest details, the endquestion is the classic which is first, the chicken or the egg. Yeah, everybody know more but understand less. Marino World holds on the two pragmatics: (1) EMSA axe may fall on maritime stakeholders but will bleed the body national. Shipowners may just pick on other nationals. How will the Philippines compensate on lost foreign remittances, dislocated seafarers, unsupported families, bankruptcy of manning outfits, schools and training centers, other allied services?; (2) No one is entire faultless nor anyone extremely guilty. The compromise is for everyone to pitch in, both internal shake-up and external reforms, for economic goals and nationalistic pride. Forget the “hero complex” colonialists drummed into our consciousness. That a Great Man (read, the imperialists) will appear on the horizon to save the nation. We have grown and about time to debunk the myth of external Intervention rather than internal Will. Our islands are rich in biodiversity, a cluster of pearls on the Pacific blue, the birth and cradle of great seafarers --- by the stars, with the sextant and on marine autonomous surface ships as the future dawns on humanity.
MARINO WORLD
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GOVERNANCE
Cong. Bertiz and CoS Aguilar
Round Table Discussions
LOWER HOUSE SEEKS MARITIME VIEWS by Ligaya Caban Stakeholders participated en force at the roundtable discussions (RTD) July 12th sponsored by Cong. Aniceto “John” Bertiz III (ACTS OFW Partylist) held in Quezon City at the RVM wing of the House of Representatives. Seven are major groups: Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union (AMOSUP), Masters and Mates (MMAP), Marine Officers and Ratings (AMOR), Overseas Filipino Seafarers and Families Welfare (OFSAFWAI), Maritime Training Centers (PAMTCI), Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) and Archipelago Phil Ferries (AFCI-FastCat with PROA, association of roro operators).
officials quoted still to read the Philippine response which are “too voluminous.” Experts from our diplomatic corps say this is very unlikely as countries honor commitments on the pacta sunt servanda (that agreements must be kept) principle. In this case, EC has given deadlines and must wait on the compliance/expiry of the timelines before acting with partiality or finality, whether fully executory or on calibrated imposition. The rumor on the partial ban appears emanating from a participant of a recent Intl Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting in London, England.
Government policy makers came from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).
But as in the nature of rumors, there are “value add-ons” as these flit ears.
__________________________________
Targets.
Breaking news.
In aid of legislation, Bertiz hopes the RTD unifies positions on different maritime issues, the resolution and the decision coming directly from stakeholders themselves. These could be remedial measures and should be proactive.
At our presstime, a rumor strongly circulates that the European Commission (EC) has partially banned the Philippines and derecognized. MARINA sources debunk this claim as EC is yet to respond by October this year, with some EC
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MARINO WORLD
_________________________________
He fears the possible de-accreditation of
the country based on the negative report of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) which for ten years made facility and policy audits on the Philippines. Bertiz noticed the absence of ANGKLA Partylist of the maritime sector. But he announced the nominee, Rep. Jess Manalo, is reportedly abroad. Bertiz promised to furnish Manalo with the proceedings of the RTD. Bertiz himself was obviously time-pressed that day, fleeting from calls of The Speaker of the House and to rushed meeting with the Secretary of Labor and Employment (DOLE). He exhorted the discussants to solidify positions, not to wait for Congress to act. They should not rely only on Congress but may collaborate with other prime movers like the mass media, to include MARINA Administrator Guerrero whom he believes a good and qualified man. The RTD proceeded informally to elicit more information, not meticulous in documentation as in Congressional hearings. But Chief of Staff (CoS) Jun Aguilar confirms RTD has a clear target of passing relevant resolutions before this Congress winds up by October.
No holds barred. Aguilar ministered the RTD as he admitted his limitations on the topics. While of Marine Engineering Batch 77 at the Technological University (TUP), he shifted to mechanical engineering to be a landbased OFW. He was a shareholder of a shipmanagement firm, have classmates, friends and blood relatives in the merchant marine profession. The CoS clarified RTD has no intention to “outface” anyone. “We want every stakeholder to take part… broaden so that all spectrum will be seen.” Targets. The six-hour RTD aimed at: •
Compliance or not of the Philippines in the STCW as cited by EMSA, and implications
•
European Commission (EC) Reassessment Report Jan 2018
•
Philippine IMSAS Draft Audit Planning for 2021
•
Actions of stakeholders for full compliance
•
Other matters, time allowing
Government. MARINA Jonrey Calderon, Supervising maritime industry development specialist, cited the background of EMSA inspections, detailing the chronology. He is also Vice Chair of the MARINA EC Task Force created in February, 2018. Ms. Eleanor Fernandez, Chief, OPSDCHED, has guarded pronouncements: “We know that EMSA visit took place even before the CHED was part of the issue.” Hence, Fernandez prefers to beg off comments on all the EMSA findings because “it is the responsibility of MARINA.” She explains CHED has submitted to MARINA corrective actions consolidated in The Philippine Report submitted to the EC on April, 2018. Ahem… Asked point blank on the status of Philippine compliance, Calderon hemmed with details: Based on about ten years
inspections (actually, audits) in “2006, 2010, 2012, 2013 (twice) 2014…7th inspection March 2017… “we must wait, comply, wait...ho-hum.
implemented these correctly,” Calderon quotes the writer.)
He thinks the “inspection of EMSA not comprehensive but random.” Topics are as EMSA wiles, be it policy, facility or implementation --- and on EMSA perspective, not ours. ” Thus, the Philippines is pushed to a mendicant position of “continuous cycle of compliance.”
Three deadlines: April 30, 2018, Philippine report must contain “measures done, or intended, to areas mentioned.” Next deadline is October 31st, for submission of “evidence of implementation” and a year after, 31 October 2019, the Philippines must show “evidence support Information Technology (IT) systems have been developed.”
To illustrate, after the 7th inspection, EMSA gave us a draft report. MARINA worked at once on this and submitted corrective measures. Then came the final EMSA report, with comments on the Philippine submission. Next move.
Over and above.
Not asked. Calderon says the 2019 deadline for the computer system was not asked by EC nor EMSA but our VCAP promised it. Because of the Pinoy penchant to give answers even without any question, EC itself inserted the term “voluntary” as VCAP volunteered things not asked.
Back to the drawing board, MARINA focused on it from July to first week of September, 2017. By end of September, the Philippines submitted our voluntary corrective action (VCAP) MARINA Calderon which was forwarded to the EC. Both EMSA Report and the VCAP were evaluated for compliance with the Convention on training, certification and watchkeeping (STCW), as amended. EC analyzed the EMSA Report and the VCAP alongside STCW with thrust on the safety of life and property at sea, the protection of the marine environment. The process took EC from October 2017 to early January 2018, sending us by end of the month an Assessment Report. Calderon says MARINA submitted to EMSA on April 27 a reaction to this Assessment Report comprising of two voluminous documents. An EC response is expected by October, 2018. (Calderon claims that in a meeting of the MARINA Administrator and the writer of the EC Report, the Europeans revealed they have not read the submission being “too voluminous”. “What we want you to submit are factual evidence by October that you have
Further reflecting EC objectivity, some EMSA points were not taken in the EC Assessment. The Philippines should not knee-jerk on the EMSA Report but react just on points taken by the EC Assessment, frills avoided or deleted. The EC Assessment is the binding decision and official act of the European Union. Each extraneous point we “volunteer” is additional requirement we impose on ourselves. (In the IMO assembly meeting of November 29th, Calderon, Atty. Vera Joy Ban-eg and a legal officer met informally with EC officials. The three were advised not to submit anything not asked; just
LOWER HOUSE SEEKS MARITIME VIEWS
answer points asked and do not impress with extra collaterals. And wait for EC answers, not pepper with more answers to questions not asked.) To wit, the February 2018 Task force is created, assuring EC and EMSA their observations will be corrected, fast. Yet to date, VCAP remains practically a concept. Aguilar concludes: “Now it’s clear… the Philippines has put the cart ahead of horse. This is how we interpret it.” He is concerned we cannot do what we volunteered to do. Stakeholder views. PAMTCI President Arsenio Padilla notices EMSA questions firefighting and advance firefighting, not the other courses. But Circular 2018-02 changed just about everything, on top of earlier contradicting circulars and advisories, asking for more investments in re-development, tools and facilities --- in six months! MMAP VP Jaime Quinones claims the April 2015 EMSA audit took only “3 ½ hours and we completed everything because everything has been cleared and everything has been accepted by EMSA.” Quinones was a technical adviser then to MARINA on this shortest audit but “this is (only) my personal opinion,” he qualifies.
MMAP Quinones
Quinones postulates in auditing, the scope, objectives, and limitation must be clear and agreed by both auditor and auditee. But this is not the case in EMSA which picks what it wants and thus the carousel of auditor observations, auditee
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MARINO WORLD
compliance, remarks on the remarks --- and worst --- new topics and new concerns, ad infinitum. Capt. Diofonce Tunacao, PAMTCI EVP as Training Director of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific says PAMTCI has been asking for the assessment of EMSA on the VCAP but secured one only March or April. He believes he could have contributed as an actual operator, having observed with his chief engineer the pilot-testing of the ATFF in Sariaya, Quezon, by the New Simulator Center (NewSim). With our expertise, the Philippine could have submitted better answers to EMSA which found weakness on the Philippine response (as maybe, it is just from a limited circle of MARINA insiders and not a synthesized industry position). Calderon retorted on Tunacao’s views that MARINA has “corrected by incorporating the missing item and allotting time for the practical training. “He gave a slight snide in that “Hindi naman kayo pinagbabawalan na mag input.” (No one is preventing you to input.) Cooler heads. Quinones dosed the potential simmer: MARINA should exercise better transparency so that we all could contribute as a country for the economy. It is not to belittle MARINA capabilities but the technical expertise of professionals in the field may come in handy. He continued, “What we have today is a clear and present danger from EMSA. We stand to be eliminated at any time if and when we cannot reply with the requirements…” with about 50,000 jobs lost to our seafarers. Quinones went on to warn this concern is not who is brighter but “the national economy that will be affected by the loses of employment of our very own brothers in seafaring.” He appealed for unity and suggested to remember the Three “C”: communicate, coordinate, cooperate. With these, it is impossible to fail.
CHEd Fernandez
Asks but don’t do. Responsible sources in the industry claim MARINA do consults with the public and private sector. But they also say they are never appraised what of their suggestions are officially included, and what reactions these gathered from EMSA and EC. Even members of the STCW Advisory Council are in the blind. Aguilar agrees MARINA should be more open, as a “report is supposed to be disseminated so that the stakeholders would be having knowledge…” and be more useful on subsequent waves. He also assured RTD “… is not just to find fault but to really come up with a better solution.” MMAP President Edwin Itable laments MARINA has not honored commitment to present to stakeholders Philippine answers prior to submission to EMSA and EC. AMOSUP legal counsel, Emmanuel Partido, notes we are a party to so many conventions but shortfalls are not as harsh as the STCW which could collapse the national economy. He observes that to retain leadership in global manning, we cannot be complacent as Indonesia and China are knocking at our backdoor, even if we are still reputed as the best merchant mariners. He adds, EMSA is a creation of EU, with member-nation Denmark and Norway independently sending audits before EMSA to countries of their choice. Hopefully, EU does not confirm EMSA’s conclusions as a recent law obliges all member-nations to follow all EC edicts.
Partido agrees with Quinones parameters must be resolved before any audit. While AMOSUP has agreements with European owned, managed or operated vessels, Partido is uncertain these AMOSUP labor agreements could be invoked over EMSA sanctioned by EC. There may also be the trend Europeans may be recovering jobs lost to aliens, from ratings to officers, with the lowering of wages and perks. In Asia, Singapore
PAMTCI Padilla
trending to increase of remittances. About 73,200 Filipino seafarers (officers and ratings) are on board EU flagged vessels. According to EMSA 2017 Outlook, there are 28,874 Filipino seafarers holding Certificates of Competency and Endorsements attesting recognition by EU countries valid in 2014. Data network. EMSA also runs an STCW information system which contains objective and comparable information on seafarers holding EU certificates/endorsements and, therefore, able to work on board EU registered ships. Should the Philippines fail again, future certificates issued by MARINA will no longer be recognized by the EU. However, officers (not ratings) with valid COCs may continue sailing until renewal time. This is aside from Port States sanctions and implementations yet to be discussed.
shipowners are aggressive in recruiting nationals other than Filipinos. Partido is happy Cong. Bertiz, possibly with Cong Manalo, may come in for Congress to fund the right person at competitive salary to deliver the pivotal expertise. Figures. MARINA says we have 695,742 seafarers (from traditional and hospitality sectors), 17% are merchant marine officers and 35% ratings produced from MHEIs, Bridging Programs and Senior High Schools (the latter claim too premature as it has just begun). Other estimates round off to 700,000, of these 130,000 are officers. The numbers are huge— yet, each is a person with a story to tell. Remittances from sea-based workers total US$5,578,000,000 for 2016; US$3,344,956,000 just from January to July, 2017. The 2016 performance is 11% of the national budget. Year 2017 is
happen.” The Greeks, having the biggest tonnage today in shipping, also assured Quinones, like Tsakos Shipping, one of the biggest in the world. AMOR Sec-Gen Bienvenido Lorque demands “The Filipino cannot be just thrown by shipping companies…” even if some vessels are re-flagging to nonEC nations. There is also the Norway formula of re-training and re-assessment at the Norwegian Training Center-Manila to issue the COC. But this is rather embarrassing for the COC issued to Filipinos by a foreign country based on training done on Philippine soil. AFCI-FastCat legal counsel Rex Tupas underscored they are first to embark into modernization, now with 12 new vessels. He says AFCI is not affected being domestic, beyond the ambit of EMSA. On top, people will have to travel the islands which AFCI serves well.
With a huge pool of students and cadets, crew and officers unable to board EU ships and sympathizing Administrations — the bogeyman now could become a horseman of the Apocalypse should the EU axe falls on the Philippines.
But local operators want to level up, also train cadets and even absorb retirees. They want government to analyze what EMSA wants and comply to bring the country to world-class standard. This should make us always competitive with our peers, even against resurging maritime nations panhandling with lower wages and perks.
Allies.
As the Philippines did earlier, actually.
Quinones sees EU helping members with weak economies by recovering jobs in seafaring. But this seems not MAAP Tunacao, AMOSUP Partido doable as Filipinos are perceived as better alternatives. But to hold that leadership, he thinks we need “better strategies and better governance.” He even recalls that in an IMO meeting, his European friends all chorused they will stick to Filipinos “no matter what MARINO WORLD
9
TRAINING
Pilot over Master
TO BERTH OR UNBERTH by Coca H. Strobar
Capt. Edwin Itable batted for mandatory courses on Berthing and Unberthing, Practical Training and Assessment for Management Level Deck Officers during the maritime roundtable discussions (RTD) at the Lower House, July 12th.
It now depends on MARINA Administrator Guerrero to evaluate, act or sit on Itable’s proposal given the multifarious targets of Guerrero’s official 14-Point Agenda he publicly promised to accomplish all by 31 December 2018.
The RTD was sponsored by Cong. Aniceto Bertiz III (ACTS OFW Partylist) to elicit viewpoints of shareholders in the maritime industry. Itable is the current president of the Masters and Mates Association (MMAP).
Simultaneous.
Itable recalled this was proposed in 2015 to then MARINA Administrator Max Mejia, hoping to be part of the High-level Action Plan (HLAP), with copies to CHEd, DOTr and DoLE. All these agencies are sitting on the proposal to date. As an e entry point, MMAP’s eyes Intl Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.1110 (30) of 16 December 2017 (Agenda Item 7) which revisits Resolution A-1047 (29) of the Strategic Plan to develop a new framework for the 2018-2019 biennium. A resurgence is hoped on MMAP’s March 12, 2018 rejoinder to DOTr Usec Felipe Judan (and Atty. Vera Joy Ban-eg, MARINA STCW Office OIC Executive Director) to a 26 February 2018 letter of the agency.
As part of preparations for the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), the MARINA also conducted a mock audit of the country’s compliance with IMO agreements in the second quarter of 2018. Corrective action plans for the local maritime industry were developed based on the results of the mock audit. IMSAS is the mandatory audit of all Member States which begun 1 January 2016,to determine “the extent to which they give full and complete effect to their obligations and responsibilities contained in a number of IMO treaty instruments.” Mandatory on IMSAS are safety of life at sea (SOLAS 1974 and its 1988 Protocol); prevention of pollution from ships (MARPOL); standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers (STCW 1978);
Networking. Perhaps to link-in on plans for the biennium, MMAP tapped Milhar Fuazudeen, IMO Secretary of the Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) Sub-Committee for the implementation of STCW Convention, STCW-F and ISM Code- related seminars, workshops and training courses for trainers, examiners and assessors. Fuazudeen is involved on human-element related issues; needs assessments and advisory missions to IMO Member States related to the implementation of the STCW and STCW-F Conventions; and training courses for auditors under the Intl Safety Management Code (ISM). But Fuazudeen practically deadpans MMAP with, “… (M)ay I suggest that you initially contact MARINA to ascertain if your proposal merits consideration by the Philippines for the submission of the maritime safety committee. After which the entity and the Philippines responsible for implementation of the STCW Convention could decide or not to make a relevant submission.”
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MARINO WORLD
A harbor pilot is in sole command of the ship, supersedes the master prohac vice (for the time being) under (6.1). But in Chapter IX of SOLAS-74 Convention, the Master has the overriding authority to make decisions, like on docking/undocking with or without a Pilot on board. Authority is not the issue; it is how to take over the pilot should the master so chooses. The issue against Itable’s proposal is why weigh-in more costs and requirements on seafarers with courses not required by neither Convention or Administrations. Also, it is not customary that shipowners will sponsor deck officers training in berthing and unberthing a ship (approved in-service experience), a major non compliance under STCW78 as amended, Regulation l/14 – Companies Responsibilities and International Safety Management Code, Paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 Field realities. In practice, the “Master’s overriding authority” is a hollow term selectively used under ISM Code. The overwhelming practice of the Administration (IMO member states) and the ship owners is to compel Masters into continuing with business as usual, if possible, or to hide pertinent facts from other parties. It is undisputed that berthing and unberthing are performed solely dependent on “prudence” that Masters do not “interfere,” or “overrule” pilots simply because Masters are ill-prepared in this particular task of ship handling. This should not be the case.
Capt. Itable of MMAP
load lines (LL 66 and its 1988 Protocol); tonnage measurement of ships (Tonnage 1969); and regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREG 1972). Technical. It is of utmost importance to ensure, at all times and under any condition, the safety of passengers, crew and cargoes. However, this will not be possible without Masters, including all deck officers, who are highly competent in ship handling and maneuvering --- as in berthing and unberthing --- Itable’s points.
Trained. MMAP VP Jaime Quinones reminds these must be resolved since the ISM Code says there should be challenge and response between the pilot and the master. But without the proper training, education and experience of a master how can he challenge a pilot? Capt. Quinones has the moral ascendancy having been trained in Netherlands and France before taking command on VLCCs. But he doubts whether Filipinos were given the same training which may ensure ship safety at any given condition. To drive a point, he claims only two ports in the world where pilots assume full responsibility of the vessel: Panama Canal and Keb Canal. One cannot challenge pilots
on those ports. Elsewhere, Masters may “overrule” --- but should not if not properly trained. Capt. Quinones believes the MMAP proposal is well-considered and should be endorsed. But how to. Capt. Herbert Delos Santos was Master for 10 years, retired as pilot after 15 years. He confirms the dilemma on how will the Master override the Pilot when the Master is untrained on this aspect of maritime task. In 25 years at sea, he has not seen any Master wrestle the Pilot for the command of the ship, even for safety, because a Master is rarely as trained as a Pilot.
On July 10, 218, he wrote Pres. R.R. Duterte that: 1. Itable’s proposal is clearly unaligned with the STCW Methods of Demonstrating Competence which are approved (a) Inservice; (b) Training ship experience; (c) Simulator training and (d) Training program. 2. The lack of the courses was not a noncompliance of the EMSA Assessment audits, neither the proposed courses adopted by any other maritime nation.
Accidents. Sec-Gen Bienvenido Lorque of the Association of Marine Officers and Ratings (AMOR) is prone to support courses on berthing and unberthing, “100%” certain it is a good proposal. Lorque shares the worry of his daughter, an auditor in a Norwegian firm, on what to do on the 220 tons fuel oil spill. The Odjell hit a jetty puncturing its hull while berthing in Rotterdam. The Master could have retained command over the Pilot. But things went wrong already. And more. On February 26, 2010, the Costa Europa, while berthing in bad weather, collided with the pier at Port Sharm al Sheikh, Egypt. This killed three crew, injured four, and severe hull damages. On October 10, 2013, a bulk carrier, while berthing, hit a moored container vessel at Santa Maria, Columbia. The bulk carrier’s bow also hit a pilot boat which was tied up to the pier, which caused enough damage to sink it. In April 2014, two dock workers in St. Kitts were killed during a berthing accident involving Royal Caribbean Intl’s Independence of the Seas cruise ship. The victims had been working on the mooring lines onboard a small boat when they were thrown overboard. Quite recently on March 19th, the Karachi port was closed after two cargo ships collided at the harbour, spilling shipping containers into the sea. The collision was captured on film by showing a Hapag-Lloyd ship, the Tolten, clipping a stationary ship while pulling into port, one of the largest in Asia. Potshots. Arrows zipped against Itable’s proposal, prominently from Engr. Nelson Ramirez of the United Filipino Seafarers (UFS), also a maritime tv and print mediaman.
AFCI and PROA continue to help as training ground for cadets, alternative to retired seafarers wanting to board again on domestic ships, for an overall upgrade of the maritime skills of our Filipino seafarers. Capt. Itable wishes a manned scaled model, in tandem with simulators for ship handling to dispense with using old vessels. Scaled models (usually 1:25) are used by research workers, hydraulics specialists and engineers, in particular in towing tanks. Manned models can be handled by one person in open water. They must behave just like real ships, giving the shiphandler the same sensations. Wind, currents, waves, water depths, channels and berths must be reproduced realistically to be effective in research (ship behaviour), engineering (port layout) and for training in shiphandling (maritime pilots, masters and officers). Friendly.
Engr. Ramirez of UFS
3. Time and monetary costly; yet, uncertain on upgrading seafarer competency. (Another example of the Philippine penchant for volunteering answers to things not asked, as observed by EMSA officials in our VCAP submitted). Ramirez hopes MARINA will not endorse MMAP’s proposed courses to die a natural death. More snickers. Nestor Perrero believes the courses will not add skill values but more pesos to proponents. He finds Itable’s suggestion laughable that MARINA should conduct a coordinated Pilot and Field Testing on board M/V Queen of Joy, an allegedly rickety general cargo ship (199 Gross Tonnage) moored at the Cavite City terminal. Caster David suspects Itable is just grandstanding to recover MMAP income from issuing the CoC and CoE to mariners who are required to be MMAP members after passing government examinations administered by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC).
Just as CoS Aguilar of Rep Bertiz is positive on the Itable proposal, Ms. Eleanor Fernandez, OPSD Chief, CHEd, confirms “…berthing and unberthing, we have initially discussed that …” MARINA’s Samuel Batalla claims prior agreement on the project but “then continuously discuss” among their technical people. STCW OIC Executive Director Ban-eg has instructed them to come up with recommendations. Indeed, some wave the flag: if the Itable proposal is adopted by IMO, the Philippines has something original contributed to global merchant marine protocol. Technology rolls. Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) jointly announced July 25 a demonstration project on safety of vessels’ auto berthing and unberthing. The joint endeavor was selected for Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism (MLIT) autonomous vessel demonstration project for Year 2018.
Pitch in.
Human errors account for 80% of marine accidents. Automated and autonomous operations of vessels can significantly reduce human errors and workload for mariners. These are basic changes in ocean transport where MLIT aims practical use of autonomous vessels by 2025.
Atty. Rex Tupas, legal counsel of Archipelago Phil Ferries (AFCI-FastCat with PROA, association of Ro-Ro operators), says they offered one of their ships to MMAP for the project. Sadly, the ship remains unutilized to date.
Berthing and unberthing are some of the most difficult phases of ship operation, in which autonomous operations would be of great benefit. The project will identify technical issues by demonstrating autonomous operation with a real vessel. MARINO WORLD
11
Governance
100 SHIPS
AMOR Lorque
FOR RP FLEET by Ligaya Caban
Sec-Gen Bienvenido Lorque of the Association of Marine Officers and Ratings (AMOR) batted for the purchase of over 100 ships to sail under the Philippine flag. Acquisition may be funded from taxes levied under Republic Act 9483. The chief engineer voiced the proposal at the roundtable discussions (RTD) July 12th sponsored by Cong. Aniceto Bertiz III (ACTS OFW Partylist) held in Quezon City at the RVM wing of the House of Representatives. Alternative. C/E Lorque believes the expanded fleet is a safety net to board our aging seafarers who may not be competitive anymore in the global manning market. MARINA experts appear cold on the proposal as ships emit pollution, therefor, contradictory to the aim of RA 9483. RA 9483 imposts PhP0.10 per liter of fuel oil imported into the country plus contribution to the Oil Pollution Management Fund (OPMF) and additional levy on the individual importer when 150,000 tons have been imported. The national volume is about 455,000 barrels a day (72,345,000 liters), enough to raise about PhP2.65-billion annually to buy and maintain over 100 BRPs (Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas/government ships) at PhP300-million per ship. Just paper. But it remains unimplemented, even faces repeal due the lobby of the Petroleum Sea Transport Association (Philpesta) whose Executive Director, Ernesto Paguyo, claims the Committee on Ecology of the Lower House has already endorsed its approval in plenary session.
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RA 9483 was signed into law by President Gloria Arroyo on June 2, 2007, a consolidation of Senate Bill 2600 (Feb 19, 2007) and House Bill 4363 (Feb 20, 2007). But a law cannot take effect without the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
for use as fuel for the production of heat or power of a quality equivalent to the American Society for Testing and Materials Specification for No. 4 Fuel Oil (D 396-69) or heavier.
Some quarters expect now that Ms. Arroyo is Speaker of the House, RA 9483 may be finally implemented.
The OPMF shall be used to finance:
What for.
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Immediate containment, removal and clean-up operations of the Coast Guard in all oil pollution cases
Initial problems for the IRR are establishing floor and ceiling of the collection and for how long. Then MARINA Administrator Ma. Elena Len Bautista-Horn opted not to act, “to prevent legal tussle between operators and regulators.”
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Research, enforcement and monitoring activities of agencies (like the Coast Guard, MARINA, Ports Authority, Environmental Management bureaus of the departments of the Environment and Energy.
The Lower Chamber became impatient and summoned then Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to approve an IRR. By law, this should have been done three months after passage of the law. From approval in 2007 to date, RA 9483 remains frigid.
An aside.
Interest blocks.
Wherefors. In spirit, RA 9483 was passed for “… the Implementation of the Provisions of the 1992 International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage and the 1992 International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage”. Hence, the short title, “Oil Pollution Compensation Act of 2007” to protect “… marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.” “Fuel Oil” means heavy distillates or residues from crude oil or blends intended
There is a brewing tempest between president Rodrigo Duterte and tycoon Lucio Tan, believed the fourth richest Filipino with a networth of $4.2-billion. The President has issued a 10-day ultimatum for Tan to pay a PhP7-billion tax arrears of his Phil Airline from the Civil Aviation Authority, basically from the exclusive use of Terminal 2 of the Manila Intl Airport Authority. Duterte may similarly warn shipowners unwilling to pay taxes and fees. The President known for steel nerve, the Lucio Tan controversy may escalate to those not paying impost on RA 9483. Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade is on the wings ready to file legal action to “protect the interest of government.”
Crew, clients and guests impressed on Austal dynamics
AUSTAL AND THE PHILIPPINES by Coca H. Strobar For the first time, an all-Filipino crew (harbor pilot included) demonstrated last July 23rd the first IACS-classed vessel built in the Philippines, Hull 420 or the SeaCat for VS Grand Ferries for local operations. This was by Austal at its expanded ship-building facilities in Balamban, Cebu --- reflecting a solid commitment to showcase Philippine ship-building capability, sealed world class by France’s Bureau Veritas (BV); one of only 12 accredited by the prestigious Intl Association of Classification Society (IACS) from among over 50 classification society globally. The timing is immaculate with the Government’s Build Build Build infrastructure program, demanding fleet modernization with expansion of port and terminal facilities, connecting the three nautical highways, the rush of travel and tourism in the archipelagic nation of over 7,000 islands of 100 millions, of young nationals with high birth rate. The synergy of effort and support is readily seen: Austal has been selected to build six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) in Balamban with Filipino hands, announced last August by Defense
Secretary Delfin Lorenzana under the Navy/Armed Forces Modernization Program Horizon 2.
Tanker Corp, Lite Shipping, Magsaysay Shipping Lines and Logistics, from Propmech, Seaoil, Euro Asiatic Phil.
Ocular round.
Must see.
Some 30 local shipowners, officials and stakeholders were given a technical presentation with a shipyard tour, later boarding the 30-meter aluminum catamaran passenger vessel for an hour demonstration sea-ride, exclusive.
SeaCat is operated by VS Grand Ferries owned by Arthur Vaughn Merida Zosa, former provincial board member, 2nd district of Samar. His family also owns VS Grand Tours based in Region 8 with routes in Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Biliran, main office in Catbalogan City.
This evoked serendipity and was a pleasant surprise to the gathered guests; and more like, an epiphany that Austal has raised the bar for the Philippines maritime industry! Austal-Philippines President Wayne Murray noted the significance of the event and recent news, “It’s been a tradition throughout the Philippines to specifically buy second hand vessels, or purchase vessels out of China or somewhere…” The guests were a happy mix of family and business, like VG Grand Ferries’ Arthur Vaughn Merida Zosa with mother Marife, wife Fides and daughter Julean, Balamban Vice Mayor Rosie Binghay, Board Member Alex Binghay, domestic shipping as 2Go Supercat, Ocean
The highly-regarded Zosa family endured a marathon travel for over 11 hours, bearable only because they are experienced world travellers as in Australia and Singapore. But they feel the trouble was worth it, seeing a unique vessel, made by Filipino hands at an impressive modern yard. Poised. Austal has three major building facilities: defense vessels are designed and constructed in Henderson, Western Australia and in Mobile, Alabama, USA. Commercial vessels are built in Balamban, Cebu, in the Philippines. As early as last year, Austal delivered two 30-meter passenger catamarans to MARINO WORLD
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AUSTAL AND THE PHILIPPINES
SuperCat of 2GO Travel, subsidiary of the 2GO Group. Policy. Pres. Gloria Arroyo issued Executive Order 909 s.2010 giving 50% discount in fees and less stringent maintenance protocol for IACS-certified new vessels for domestic operations. The Maritime Authority Administration (MARINA) issued Circular 2015-04 on Sept.7, 2015 as the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) for “encouraging investment” in newly-constructed vessels for domestic routes. Outstanding. Austal-Philippines is the growing center of excellence for Austal’s global commercial shipbuilding operations --designing, constructing and sustaining advanced, highspeed vessels for customers around the world.
As Austal celebrates 30 years in 2018, Austal-Philippine’s order book has never been stronger and includes multiple orders for international customers for deliveries into 2020 and beyond. The Balamban shipyard has delivered 15 vessels to 9 operators in barely 6 years, from a portfolio of proven catamaran and trimaran vessel designs from 16 meters to 130 meters in length. This includes a recent delivery to Germany, the heart and home of shipbuilding. The Germans were impressed by the quality of construction coming from the Philippines. To which Wayne Murray responds with confidence that Austal Philippines is building ships that is equal to or better than any shipbuilder, worldwide. Expansion. Austal is investing millions of dollars (USD) to treble the capacity of the shipyard with a new assembly hall 120
meters long, 40 meters wide and 42 meters high allowing much larger ships to be constructed under cover 24/7. Additional facilities include multiple module assembly, material storage, technology infrastructure and staff accommodation. Completion is due January 2019, giving credence to Murray’s assertion “We had the vision right from the start.” Austal bought a small shipyard. Very shortly, it claimed the whole land, bought a new waterfront and kept developing to current capability of building very big ships on a 120, 130 square-meter yard land. Pride. Murray “We’ve quickly got the quality level up to where it needs to be, and got the skill levels up to where they need to be. He credits the Austal team, the Austal
Zosa family enjoys sea ride demo
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Austal proud of an all-Filipino crew
people. While there are a few expats, Murray clarifies the pivotal role of Filipinos, going head-to-head with the best of the world. “We are not just building for locals but we are building for international customers. We plan to take on the world… I have no doubt that we are going to succeed.” The team is now over 500, upwards to 800 by January or February next year. Doubling in less than a year also shows the intent and capacity to build. Vision. Austal is positioning as a global shipbuilder, defense prime contractor and maritime technology partner of choice; designing, constructing and supporting high-speed commercial and military vessels for the world’s leading operators. Even as Australia’s largest, Austal has designed and constructed (and continues to deliver) more than 300 vessels for over 100 operators in 54 countries since 1988 --- the world’s largest aluminum shipbuilder. Austal Philippines. The Balamban shipyard delivers customized commercial vessel solutions,
with a powerful and efficient production capacity, a portfolio of proven catamaran and trimaran vessel (from 16 metres to 130 metres in length), an industryleading team of skilled and experienced designers, engineers, shipbuilders and service specialists. The firm started operations February 2012 in Cebu; part of a competitive strategy by Austal to regionalize manufacturing base for commercial vessels. The shipyard began with 30 employees but now has a workforce of over 500. The Austal-Philippines shipyard features modern facilities enabling best practice, modular construction processes that meet Austal renowned high standards of quality and safety. The company has added great value to both the local and national economy; generating local employment and supply chain opportunities. It supports purchasing and procurement of materials for production from local businesses, wherever and whenever possible. The shipyard is geographically, financially and strategically positioned to cater to global market demands for high speed passenger and vehicle passenger ferries, work boats, offshore crew transfer vessels, windfarm vessels and
other commercial and utility vessels. Impressive Track record. Austal-Philippines delivered its first ship, a 27 metre Tri-Swath Wind Farm support vessel, to the UK in January 2013 and has since then produced four more Wind Farm support vessels. The shipyard has also produced four Offshore Crew Transfer Vessels since 2015; a 72 metre catamaran for Caspian Marine Services of Azerbaijan, a 57 metre catamaran for Swire Pacific Offshore and two 45 metre catamaran ferries for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Corporation (ADNOC) of the UAE. Austal-Philippines boasts the construction and 2014 delivery of the largest aluminium ferry ever built in the Philippines – the Austal Auto Express 80 - a 79.8 meter, high speed vehicle passenger catamaran for SNC Aremiti of French Polynesia. In 2017, Austal-Phil constructed four ferries for international customers including two 30 metre catamarans for 2Go of the Philippines, plus a 50 metre catamaran for Seaspovill of South Korea and a 56 metre catamaran for FRS of Germany.
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For the Pre-Convergence Conference for the maritime industry.
MANA Mo EVENTS The Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) officially opened September 3rd at the Mabini Social Hall, Malacañang Palace, Manila. Orchestrating is Michael Ong, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary, for Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, National Coast Watch Council Chairman, the latter with President Duterte in an official seven-day trip to Israel and Jordan. Ong, with Under/Secretary Jose Luis Alano of the National Coast Watch Council (NCWC), led the ribbon-cutting of the MANA Mo Pulography Exhibit 2018 from Sept. 3 to 7 at the ground floor of Mabini Building. The exhibit showcases images of array of reef fish, algae, coral reefs and other marine life taken at the Philippine Rise (formerly the Benham Rise); replica of Philippine Navy’s ships; and the 2017 ICC results. Also present are officials from the Foreign Affairs, Presidential Communications, Armed Forces (Navy), Coast Guard Auxiliary, Ports Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Oceana Phil, Intl Oceans Conservancy Phil, Intl Coastal Cleanup Phil, @Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation and Miss Scuba Phil. Basis. Proclamation 316 of 14 September 2017 “synchronizes” the National Maritime Day, Intl Coastal Clean-up Day and Fish Conservation Week transferring the latter from the third week of October to the third week of September, almost right smack National Maritime Day or before World Maritime Day (by amending Proclamation 176-Series of 1963). The MANA Mo theme for 2018 is “Inclusive and People-Centered Development through Maritime Heritage Awareness”. It provides everyone the opportunity to take a look at our maritime culture and history, look forward to
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address concerns through collective efforts.
Parallel.
Activities.
Events complementing the maritime festivities are the 23rd National Seafarers’ Day and the 19th National Maritime Week (September 23-30) on the theme, Marinong Filipino: Kayamanan ng Lahi (Filipino mariners are wealth of the race).
Fish Conservation Week, September 17-21 (celebrated every third week of September per Proclamation 316 (s. 2017) to promote the importance of fish and other aquatic products to the people’s well-being and national economy. The Intl Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day was established by the Ocean Conservancy which works to help protect the ocean from challenges it faces every year. The ICC Day here is organized by government agencies, other stakeholders and environmentalists with volunteers to clean up coastlines nationwide, usually conducted every 15th of September. There is the Intl Coastal Cleanup Summit, September 27-28, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC). It is a symposium between the youth and experienced executives that will focus on finding more efficient solutions to ensure cleanliness of our beaches continue beyond the ceremonial cleanup day. The National Coast Watch System (NCWS), with the Movement for Maritime Phil (MMP) will have a convergence conference from Sept. 25-26 to finalize the draft of the national marine policy for the President’s study and approval. The National Maritime Day is on the last Friday of September (September 28), celebrated at the Intl Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London and around the world. The theme for the year is “IMO 70: Our Heritage – Better Shipping for a Better Future”. This provides the opportunity to take stock and look back, to look forward on current and future challenges for maritime transport to maintain a continued and strengthened contribution towards sustainable growth for all.
Among the bevy of activities are: •
Sept. 23, AMOSUP Holy Mass at Seafarer Statue, Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard
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Sept. 24, PCG blowing of horn, nationwide
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Sept. 26, LUSWELF boodle fight, Luneta Seafarer Center (LSC)
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Sept. 26, Marino World Hapi Hapi sa Marino, The Voice of the Seafarers Videoke Challenge, seminars, fun and prizes, Seafarer Center, 5F SM Manila
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Sept. 28, Oratorical Contest, AMOSUP Convention Hall, Manila o SeamanOnline Wacky at Sea photo contest o LUSWELF Boses ng Marino Karaoke Challenge at LSC
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Sept. 30, Ecumenical Memorial Rites, PCG HQ, South Harbor Manila o Grand Parade from Rajah Sulayman to San Andres Sports Complex o Eucharistic Roman celebrations o NSD program o Awarding, 2018 Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Phil.
POSEIDON SIMULATOR AT PMI BOHOL PMI Colleges-Bohol now boasts of 1+3 Poseidon Borealis ECDIS Simulator, leveling up its degree courses on maritime. This was announced by Atty. Angelica Brown Cloma, president, confirmed by Administrator Floriezyl L. Podot, also the chief accountant. Poseidon was first to develop and
distribute a PC-based simulator for radar navigation training in the early nineties. Before, all trainings were on real ship equipment; PC-technology was a breakthrough both to pedagogics and cost efficiency. The Poseidon Group supplies maritime related educational and operational
competence products and services, in joint ventures with local partners. It is headquartered on the Lofoten Islands, spectacular with nature and inspiring the company culture. President Lea Medrano heads Poseidon Asia, holding offices at Salcedo Village, Makati City.
MARITIME ENGINEER TAMES SOLAR POWER RDBP Solar Power Enterprises captures the sun energy with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to light homes and power industries. Clean energy for the world, converting DC to AC current with an inverter for produce the electricity. RDBP’s proprietor is Chief Engineer Rolando B. Prades, a competent installer with PV System Installation NCII honed by numerous seminars and trainings.
On top, Engr. Prades is an experienced maritime Assessor, last posted as Chief Engineer. He holds a BS Marine Engineering from the Phil Merchant Marine Academy, a Master in Business Administration from the Phil Christian University. RDBP is inching into the virgin market of Home Solar System.
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cover story
David and the JCI team
TOYM CONTINUES TO INSPIRE A maritime stakeholder captained the rich catch of the 2018 Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), further securing the prestige and import of this annual, national search for youth “whose dedication has significantly contributed to the welfare of country and people, the advancement of their field.” This year’s Nominees are 122 compared to only 77 last year. Awardees now total 518, considered “light of the nation” and the Philippine Who’s Who in community service, the arts, literature, journalism, education law, politics, agriculture, science and technology, economics, banking, business, sports, government service.
With Chairman Manny Pangilinan
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Mechanics. TOYM Chair Mark Joseph Nillos David organized an executive committee of JCI Directors with four Area Chairs. Program promotion started in June, first stop at Puerto Princesa, then to Iloilo, Cebu, Legaspi and Naga winding with formal agreements signed during a special program in Manila. The National Launch was in Bulacan, simultaneous with Area 2 Summer Convention within the celebrations JCI Week. Old reliables. Behind are civic heavyweights Manuel V. Pangilinan (Chairman), Lorenzo Tan (Vice Chair), Bienvenido Tantoco III (President), with Chairlady Judy Roxas, (Gerry Roxas Foundation) and President Rey Felix Rafols, (JCI-Phil). David, still a bachelor at 34, is himself a fine specimen of youth. He was president of Rotary Club of
Makati-Buendia (2013), Marino World “Most Promising Maritime Leader” (2010, given every five years only). As a Jaycee-Paranaque Pambato Chapter, he was Outstanding New Member (2006), Outstanding Director (2008) and Outstanding Regional VP-Metro South (2013). Renaissance man. He is adept in business multi-tasking: Director and EVP, Pal Maritime; owns and CEO of Marked Productions; a New York Life financial adviser on insurance and investments. Mark holds a BS-Political Science from De La Salle-Dasmarinas, studies in Info Technology at the Asia Pacific College, sharpens with short courses like Chartered Business Administration, External Auditor(Bureau Veritas), Basic Safety Training (Far East Maritime Foundation), Accounting for Non-Accountants and Vanguard Leadership Training-JCI. As early as 2003, he was already elected at-large to the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) of Barangay Manuyo Dos in Las Pinas, his home city. Senate. The Senate adopted Resolution 677 lauding the eight Outstanding Young
Men for 2017, over a third of the members of the Upper Chamber similarly awarded in their youth: Sonny Angara, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Bam Aquino, Chiz Escudero, Loren Legarda, Risa Hontiveros, Dick Gordon, Gringo Honasan and Manny Pacquiao.
JCI Pres Felix Rafols (first from left) and TOYM awardees
purpose to human life;
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Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas
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Phil Chamber of Commerce & Industry
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Cooperative Insurance System of the Phil
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Phil Junior Jaycees
Sponsor Angara wrote, “our hope that, by recognizing these men and women, we would be able to empower other Filipinos to do their part - in whatever field it may be - to make our country better.”
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Objectives.
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Earth’s great treasure lies in human personality; and
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Service to humanity is the best work of life.
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Rotary Clubs of Makati Buendia & Metro Legazpi
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Zonta Club of Fort Bonifacio
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United Architects of the Philippines - Legazpi
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4. Live the JCI values, a good measure of the performance of the awardees.
They are universal in perception and exhortation, sees man not only in what he is but what he can be. The TOYM Award is in this context ---idealistic, to shape a better self, a better future, a better world and on the 2018 theme, Inspiring Lives Towards Nation Building, essentially linked with that of JCI, Aspire to Inspire.
PCCI - Valenzuela City and Legazpi City
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The JCI values:
Stakeholders night.
ASEAN Youth Engagement Summit | Rotaractors Group
1. Recognize the outstanding achievement of young, active citizens which have resulted to positive changes in the nation; 2. Focus public attention and national recognition to these contributions; 3. Inspire others, especially the young, with their vigor and enterprise in tackling social problems and their solutions.
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Provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive changes rooted on JCI Values which believes; Faith in God gives meaning and
The brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations; economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise; government should be of laws rather of men;
TOYM formalities were held July 12th at Marco Polo- Ortigas, Makati City. A feature was the signing of organizations which joined, the first batch consisting of:
Influencer. Mark’s message reflected his will: “Tonight marks something new to TOYM. Since June this year we have travelled to Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Legazpi. Tomorrow we’ll be in Naga --- to take that extra step” towards meaningful changes. He appealed to create “… a society that does not demoralize, demarginalize nor disenfranchise. Rather, each and every one of us must pick up our own travel and work to build a better society, a society that inspires, a society that improves, a society that works for equitable sharing of resources and equitable opportunities for everyone.”
With Officers of partner organizations
And to summarize the pivotal role, “… let this be our legacy.”
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manning
CrewConnect Global
MAKING MANPOWER MATTER CrewConnect Global, the world’s largest and most influential event for the marine HR community, is celebrating 20 years of bringing together people and ideas dedicated to improving the lives, education and wellbeing of seafarers around the world. “I like the idea of connecting with everybody involved” says John Adams, conference chairman. Also Managing Director (Teekay Shipping) and Chairman (Bahamas Shipowners’ Association), he
adds, “We have a link and a direct line of sight from board rooms to front line operations, to our seafarers … (and) cadets coming into the industry.”
Confirmed speakers include: •
Mark O’Neil, President & CEO, Columbia Ship Management
The 2018 programme is action-packed to tackle issues that matter the most to you. Expert speakers will guide through forces that disrupt or shape the future of the industry: new technologies on board, innovations in business operations, new generations of seafarers.
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Andreas Nordseth, Director General, Danish Maritime Authority
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Joanna Sawh, Crewing Manager, K Line LNG Shipping.
Booking using Code FKT3428MW gets an additional 20% off the ticket price! Honors. The 20th celebrations feature The CrewConnect Global Awards to recognise and reward those who invest in seafarers, further the profession with passion, work with relentless dedication. The nine award categories are Blue Philippines Partner, Innovation and Adoption of Technology, Excellence in Training, Welfare and Corporate Social Responsibility, Safety at Sea, Trainer of the Year, Young Person of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Seafarer of the Year. Looking for excellence, innovation, and role models in the industry who manage to keep pace with the changes in unparalleled speed are the Judges: •
Esben Poulsson, Chairman, Intl Chamber of Shipping,
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Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General, InterManager,
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Andreas Nordseth, Director General, Danish Maritime Authority,
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Jacqueline Smith, Maritime Coordinator, Intl Transport Workers’ Federation,
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Natalie Shaw, Director of Employment Affairs, Intl Chamber of Shipping,
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Stephen Miller, Regional DirectorSouth-East Asia and Senior Chaplain, Mission To Seafarers (MTS-Hong Kong).
Nomination to the awards still open for individuals or organisations.
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As Timeless as the talents
MARINO WORLD PRESENTS TIMELESS In celebrations of its’ 13th anniversary, Marino World partners with the Ephesus Teatron Group to bring you Timeless -- a repertoire of unforgettable songs of love, of praise. Come aboard the carpet on Monday, November 5th, at the Palacio de Maynila, 1809 M. H. Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila. Dinner will be served at 6pm, show starts an hour after. The event brings together shipowners and managers, government officials and diplomats, executives from the academe, maritime training and manning, domestic and international maritime stakeholders (like registries, classification societies, insurance, ports, logistics, unions, seafarer organizations). This 13th production of Timeless is a fusion of cultures, a coalition of taste from Italian and Neapolitan love songs --- the gumption of arias, the coyness of kundiman. And the soaring of the spirit with oratorio, sacred songs of praise. Not just performed but interpreted with the heart and finesse of our major talents: Sweet Samaniego Buchanan, Steven
Hotchkiss, Margarita Roco, Red Nuestro and Terence Guillermo. The artists. Sweet is a coloratura soprano from the UST Conservatory, gathered top spot at the Kundiman Ng Lahi, lead vocalist of the UST Symphony, Philharmonic Orchestra, AFP Band. She had musical roles at Repertory Phil, Tribung Pinoy, UST Liturgicon Choral, performed in Venetian Macau-Hongkong, England, China, New York, Singapore and Germany. Margarita is a lyric soprano, magna cum laude at UP College of Music, taught voice and performed opera, operetta and music theatre roles around the country. She is a regular soloist for operas of the UP Presidential Commission on Culture and the Arts. Steven is a theater actor, mainstay at Repertory Phil, Ephesus Teatron, CCP and Team Dance. He is also with the Madeleine Cookie Company and Magallanes Ensemble Committed to Christ, dancer/singer with the Phil
Barangay Folk Dance Troupe, a character singer for Madison Events, a cum laude on Economics- UP-Diliman, vocalist for MUSES and TRIBU. Red is a veteran actor, two decades with top luminaries like Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson, Audie Gemora, Junix Inocian and had worked at the CCP, Ephesus, Atlantis, Resorts World-Manila with roles in Germany, China and overseas audience. Terence took Theater Arts-UP, over three decades performing and directing about 300 productions. In 2016, Terence went into voice acting (dubbing) for Filipinotranslated foreign cartoons and films, recently the singing voice of Moses in Dreamworks’ The Prince of Egypt. On the piano are Daphne Cabaguio Jacson and Kim Sarmiento. For tickets and sponsorships, inquire from marinoworldpublication@gmail. com. Or call (02) 521-3666 or 09064912777.
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OUR POINTS OF VIEW “THE CHIP & THE OLD BLOCK”
RADM ADONIS B. DONATO & MS. CHERI MARIE D. VILLASIN Chairman & Vice Chair, OSM Maritime Services
THE WORLD OWES THE SEAFARERS On this year’s International Seafarers Day, I deem it proper to pay tribute to our seafarers who are our “Bagong Bayani” or modern day heroes. This is in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the country’s economy through remittances they send amounting roughly to US$5-billion annually. But is this the only reason why we should call them heroes? Surely, there are more valid reasons, much more than just the economic contributions they give. And this, I shall dwell more in depth. It is necessary to know the profession or vocation they belong to and the industry they serve, that is, the Merchant Marine Profession and the Shipping Industry. It is with sadness and regret that most of our people, from the common citizen to government bureaucracies, are not fully oriented about the nature of shipping and the seafaring world. This is not a surprise in a natural way because unless these people belong to the maritime community or have been engaged with the said industry, they cannot fully appreciate seafaring nor shipping. What is really most unpleasant surprise to me is the sad fact that our seafarers themselves, obviously the majority of them, do not really know nor understand the true value and importance of their profession to accord it with high regard and respect it deserves. Whenever you ask a young seafarer why he
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wanted to be a seaman, the usual answer is “to earn dollars” and also “to travel or see the world for free”. You also ask the old seafarers, even officers and engineers, they will likewise say “so I can provide financial security to my family”, or “be successful enough to gain respect from my peers in the profession.” During my tenure as president of the Masters and Mates Association of the Phil (MMAP), whenever there was the oathtaking ceremony of new passers, masters, chief officers and OICs, I had to expound to them the higher purpose of our calling as merchant marine officers and seafarers. I had to remind them that if their personal reasons for choosing the merchant marine career is purely financial gain and security of their family, then surely they are in the wrong profession. Financial wealth and livelihood security of their families should be regarded only as benefits of being a seafarer. There is really a higher purpose and calling in this profession, that is by knowing and realizing the real value of our chosen profession or vocation- its nobility, respectability and indispensability to the world and its people. To impress, I give some comparison with other profession. We say Doctors are noble because they cure; Teachers are noble because they educate; Architects are noble because they design structures; and so forth. We have to realize Merchant Marine or Seafaring is second to none when it comes to nobility and importance. Let me explain:
First, look at the Earth: about 70% water and 20% land. We can conclude God made the Earth a maritime world. Being maritime, the main transportation from one continent, from one country, from one island, or from one port to another is a ship or a vessel. The Holy Scriptures tells God saved Noah and his family from the Great Flood with the Ark, a boat. Thus, Noah was the First Shipbuilder, God was his Divine Architect; Noah the First Shipmaster guided by God, his Divine Navigator and Pilot. The Ark had no engine power nor steering wheel but the righteous --- therefore, we can say shipping and seafaring is sacred and providential. What is the biggest moving structure that man has ever made? Can we carry a million tons of cargo on a plane and let it fly? But a VLCC or ULCC or bigger can carry these great cargo weights and still ply around the world. If there are no merchant vessels carrying food, like rice, grain or medicine, many famine-stricken people will die of hunger and diseases. If there are no merchant vessels carrying construction materials like cement, steel, lumber, there will be no infrastructure buildings. If there are no merchant vessels carrying energy products like crude oil, gas, chemicals, there will be no industry production globally. No cars, trucks, computers, gadgets, etc. which are indispensable for movement and connectivity in this modern world. Ships are very to 95% of the world trading.
Deckhand, John Manginsay, Dr. Esguerra
But they must be manned by people, by seafarers from captain to crew. They make sure that the cargoes are stowed properly, that the ship is navigated safely reach port at the earliest possible time. Therefore, I hope by now you can agree with me when I profess with all sincerity and confidence that the Seafaring Profession is indeed a noble, respectable and important profession. We can now see shipping and seafaring must continue without any stoppage. Imagine a general strike of vessels; imagine all merchant vessels carrying cargoes refused to sail from ports worldwide. What do you think would happen? We can say, in a figurative way, the world would simply stop turning! Some may even say all industries would collapse, the last one to close down would be the shipping industry. Why? For as long as there are waters in the oceans, shipping and seafaring will continue. Merchant Marine or seafaring profession can only be sustained if young men and women would choose to pursue sea career to the highest post on board. That is, the deck officer to become ship captains; engine officers to be chief engineers. Regrettably, this is not the case in our present time. Many marine officers are contented to just become junior officers or engineers. Either they are afraid to assume higher responsibility and accountability, or they are just contented to have saved enough money to go on business and be with their families.
This is truly a terrifying reality. How could a ship continue sailing? How can valuable cargoes be transported from port to port? Nevertheless, nothing is ever too late. What is really needful is for all concerned, both from the academe to the practicing senior or retired merchant marine officers, to motivate and guide our prospective seafarers to love and respect their career. And one really effective program, I suggest, is to design a promotional program of introduction to the maritime profession for presentation to the graduating high school students who are about to choose their college course. Or better still, with the K-12 program now being implemented, the introductory maritime courses must already be taken in the senior high school. However, the introduction and orientation course
must give big emphasis to the nobility, respectability, and great importance of shipping and seafaring to humanity and the commerce of the world. It must inculcate leadership and willingness to assume higher responsibilities to ensure the sustainability and survival of the maritime or seafaring career. Finally, the reasons and goals of our seafarers can be raised from merely attaining only the financial benefits to the higher and noble purpose of serving humanity and the world’s commerce. Let us all join in giving tribute to our seafarers, of all nationalities, for they truly are the modern heroes --- Happy International Seafarers Day!
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education
With the lead panel, Jimenez (MPCF), Kashiwagi (Maine Marine), Tenorio (Marlow)
10-POINT AGENDA POWERS MPCF The 33rd Foundation Anniversary of Mariner’s Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF-Legazpi at Rawis) was celebrated August 3 to 4 with visionary seal and pragmatic goals. The shift was ushered in by Ms. Merle Jimenez-San Pedro, the new president of MPCF. She issued a 10-Point Agenda “focused on meeting all the challenges to improve on the quality of education and training that we provide to the Bicolanos.” In 33 years, MPCF has graduated about 40,000 who are now family assets and influencers of communities they hail from --- a basic value and solid advocacy enshrined in MPCF by the founder, Jaime C. Jimenez, Sr. On her own. Ms. San Pedro replaced as president Commo. Dante La Jimenez who was appointed Chairman of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC); president of Mariners Polytechnic Training Center (MPTC), Women in Maritime Asia (WIMA-Asia), Movement for Maritime Philippines (MMP). She is also an officer of the Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI), Association of Maritime Training Centers (PAMTCI), Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC).
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Challenge. MPCF-Canaman and MPC-Naga President Marilissa Jimenez-Ampuan issued the challenge to “move forward with your accreditation.” The doctor tied this up with the Anniversary theme of “Raising the Bar for Maritime and Business Education and Training through Innovation.” Ms. Ampuan was referring to the accreditation of two programs, Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation, by the Phil Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA). By next semester, three more are planned, two on Tourism Management and one for Hospitality Management. (She even shared the quest of excellence is part of her love story with then Engr. Alfredo Ampuan, Dean of the Academics at MPFC-Legazpi. For her “sweet yes,” the dean must do an outstanding job. It seems he did for they marry. He was later appointed RTC Judge and honored as one of the best in the Metro Manila circuit.) August 3. The day offered a bevy of activities: foot parade, marching band, SHS mass demonstration, sports competitions (swimming and basketball), storytelling for kids on protection of the marine
environment; contests on mural arts, quiz bee, maritime skills, student project proposals, music and dance, extemporaneous speech. The Women in Maritime-Bikol initiated a round-table-discussion launching the open library project, followed by dinner with guests at the Jaime and Eliza Hall of the Mariner’s Pavilion. Senior government officials came from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), Departments of Education (DepEd) and Tourism (DoT), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the uniformed services (Coast Guard, Police and Navy). Private sector executives include those from banks, hotels and travel agencies. All feasted on winning dishes by culinary arts students. August 4. The second day featured the Alumni Color of Fun from the Embarcadero to the entrance to the Annex, zumba dance session at the JCJ Gymnasium and a Roman Catholic thanksgiving Mass. New facilities were blessed and unveiled: I Love MPCF-Legazpi signage, college student lounge at the main campus. Faculty,
staff and student leaders enjoyed the traditional joint lunch with video music, Ms. San Pedro leading the Happy Birthday song for Commo. D. Jimenez. Service awards were given to personnel logging 5-10-15-30 years of service. Ms. San Pedro touched hearts when she acknowledged “… the great effort, the great contribution of our faceless faculty and employees…This is their night.” Some awardees exhibited dance numbers, kids from Buhatan, Sto. Domingo, Albay (adopted community of MPCF-Legazpi). There were songs from SHS College students, faculty and staff. Alumni. Board Chairman Gabriel Jimenez (MPCFLegazpi president in 1992) recalled with pride that graduates of MPCF are overseas, holding responsible posts. For one, the good doctor remembers meeting those in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, knowing thousands more are in seafaring, hospitality, government, the world! To keep that MPCF imprimatur, the Alumni Path of Honor was re-launched with Ms. Rocel Laynesa as Coordinator.
Commitment.
6. Develop senior high school department
Mr. Kashiwagi was visibly touched, “… imagine that the road over the year have been bitter sweet, happy moment in different times. Yet, … you have grown as an institution and as a group of company... Misuga Group intends to continue the same path with you.”
7. Upgrade academic and other campus facilities
Capt. Tenorio spoke in Pilipino, attesting to that solid partnership; for one, in deference to Founder Jimenez, his guide and professor at FEATI. He announced a massive crew recruitment for his additional 24 bulk carriers (low at superbulk 75k gross tons and high at capesize 100k gross tons, big as an island). From 58 vessels in 1989, he now has a fleet of 1,182 vessels. Full perspective. An educator, civic leader and genderequality advocate, Ms. San Pedro has bases covered with her 10-Point Agenda: 1. Holistic and dynamic academic environment 2. Good governance and inclusive leadership 3. Vibrant student life and welfare programs
Commitment.
4. Commitment to personnel development
Four classrooms were named after corporate partners. In simple ceremony, doors were opened and plaques were installed on each:
5. Active engagement in research and extension
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Marlow Navigation Phils. by Capt. Leopoldo Tenorio, CEO-Operations of Marlow Navigation Philippines;
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Maine Marine by Mr. Akihiro Kashiwagi, president, Misuga Kaiun Management Services and GM of Misuga Kaiun-Phil.;
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Tsakos by Capt. Leodan Nagrampa, GM; and
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Chelsea Shipping by Capt. Job Bienvenido Espares, Crewing Manager, Chelsea Marine Manpower Resources
The rooms are dedicated to MPCF partners, recognizing their invaluable contributions to growth and development, symbols of fruitful partnership nurtured over the years.
8. Vigorous campaign on GAD advocacies (generalized anxiety disorder) 9. Harmonize education and training systems 10. Improve branding and sustain partnerships Reduction. Based on RA 10121 (Disaster Risk Reduction Management), NSTP Coordinator and PCGA Capt. Steven James Dino presented to Ms. San Pedro a disaster contingency plan with five operating teams: medical, search and rescue, firefighting, logistics and structural safety security, crowd control and communication. On the underbelly of this Mariners Disaster Risk Reduction Management Group (MDRRMG) and within the 10-Point Agenda are three major focus: * Training, enhancement and capability building * Partnership with government/NGO disaster response agencies * Outreach to communities.
The Jimenez siblings, MPCF BoD; Espares of Chelsea
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CEO and Founder, Eugenio Ynion, Jr.
Filipino to the World
XLOG CONFRONTS SMUGGLING Coca H. Strobar Duties and taxes from imports and exports are major income for the country. But government has almost always fallen short of estimates due to corruption, prominently smuggling, mis-declaration and under-declaration of goods and services. The Bureau of Customs has even filed in 2018 some 30 cases against importers and brokers valued at P420-million to recover P147-million from duties and taxes.
Ingenuity. Yet, poised to synergize is XLOG, the world’s first fully-integrated blockchainbased end-to-end shipping and logistics platform to solve all logistics challenges by simplifying processes, improving tracking and security. And for free to government --- offered by Shiptek CEO and founder, Eugenio Ynion, Jr. Nationalism is the prime mover, with pride in the Filipino fueling the gesture.
Ironically, an antidote software, blockchain-based platform, has been in use by Shiptek Solutions of Eugenio Ynion, Jr., son of a ship captain and a former member of the Board of Marine Deck Officers.
Tampering.
Automation.
Users can also track transactions using its military-grade GPS. Importers are now able to track location of their goods at all times, 24/7.
Customs Commissioner Isidro LapeĂąa says the green light is on to build the Philippine Customs and Trade Facilitation Project (PCTFP) to support export-led economic growth by assisting BoC to reduce trade costs, improve transparency and increase revenue collections. The World Bank underwrites the PCTFP costing about PhP8-billion (US$150million).
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The XLOG uploads all data to the blockchain which eliminates tamperings such as manipulation of information to misdeclare or undervalue.
XLOG helps shipping companies and shippers (exporters/importers) operate efficiently and realize savings by directly connecting them with service providers worldwide. It uses the latest in technology for a seamless experience: complete documentation of door-todoor shipment from country of origin to destination, instant access to historical and current shipments.
The built-in security features discourage fictitious identities, addresses, and businesses by smugglers in cahoots with Customs personnel. Who will take the mindless risk, knowing all data and documents are securely banked and instantly verifiable? In brief. XLOG eliminates corruption with transparency by decentralizing all the steps in trucking and the logistics chain. More parties now has the correct data --- the free forwarder and the logistics company --- on the same transaction, accessible to an entire community instead of a single centralized authority. No one can manipulate documents given the situation. XLOG stops smuggling as it banks data directly provided by the shipping lines, like bills of lading and packing lists. Documents cannot be altered nor faked as it goes into a blockchain which is an openly distributed ledger technology (DTL) that records transactions between parties in a verifiable and permanent way. By design, a blockchain is resistant to modification of data.
SMM
NOTES TREND ©Hamburg Messe und Congress_Nicolas Maack
The world’s leading maritime trade fair has given the clue: maritime industry steering towards digitalisation.
Selbach, Business Unit Director – Maritime and Technology Fairs & Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH.
Thus, this year’s SMM motto, “Trends in SMMart Shipping.”
The main focus is on practicable solutions delivering true added value to users.
It is on the right track; the maritime sector is driving the use of digital solutions. From network-integrated fleets, smart ship control, 3D printing and autonomous shipping, smart next-generation technologies will be showcased at exhibition stands along the Digital Route and discussed in the conferences.
Options.
The digitalisation process is in full swing. Most companies involved in shipping, shipbuilding and related disciplines are busily investigating ways of using smart solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability, and optimise work processes. As a topic relevant to value chain, digitalisation was chosen as the overarching theme for SMM 2018: Apart from hightech products enabling sensor-based remote monitoring of ship operations, satellitesupported platforms and control modules interlinking all ships of a fleet are high on the agenda. Mobile tracking, booking apps and customer portals are being developed to streamline the logistics chain. Digitalisation is not the goal, nor is autonomous shipping; these are tools and ways you might develop it. The goal is maritime transport systems that meet the needs of the next generation,” says Clarkson Research president Martin Stopford. The 2,289 exhibitors from 69 countries SMM will provide choices to custom-tailor product packages that will bring their digital capabilities to a new level. “From agile start-ups offering specialised software applications, to market-leading suppliers of maritime technology offering entire portfolios of digital systems, our 13 halls and 93,000 m2 of exhibition space address every aspect,” says Claus Ulrich
One of the most fascinating topics is unmanned shipping. The SMM Maritime Industry Report says, more than one-third of market players believe it to be a realistic option for the future. An example is the MV Yara Birkeland designed Kongsberg of Norway as the world’s first autonomous, electrically-powered container ship. She is being built by the Norwegian Fincantieri subsidiary Vard. Delivery is scheduled for early 2020, operating entirely without a crew in 2022, relying on GPS, radar, cameras and many sensors only, and replacing roughly 40,000 lorry trips per year. This is an example of the interlink of two SMM themes, “Smart Shipping” and “Green Shipping”. For the world of industrial production, the “fourth industrial revolution” and the Internet of Things are key initiatives. Efficient and network-integrated process control allows manufacturers to meet customer needs faster, and deliver bespoke solutions with ease. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is beginning to play a key role, opening up entirely new options for suppliers and manufacturers. Things like urgently-needed spare parts could be manufactured at the next port, even on board, reducing logistical effort and avoiding costly laydays. First time. SMM presents a special exhibition on 3D printing, with the Northern German Maritime Cluster (MCN). Visitors see exhibits on additive manufacturing, attend intriguing lectures and watch live presentations, including those from the newly-established
“Forum 3D Maritime,” on specific aspects of the 3D printing process. “Our 3DMP process can be used with a wide range of materials. This opens up vast new possibilities for the manufacture of maritime components,” says Gefertec CEO Marcus Ortloff. Inspiring, improved. The Maritime Future Summit (MFS) explores how advanced technologies can create new opportunities. Held on 3 September a day before SMM opens, it will set the stage for the high-profile conferences. Science and industry experts will discuss what the maritime sector can do and which technologies will play essential roles. “We will offer SMM visitors a perfect mix of theory and practice,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach. “Our Digital Route guides interested fair visitors directly to exhibitors who focus on future-looking topics such as digitalisation. This means people can get a direct impression of what shipping will look like tomorrow – something you can only find at SMM.” About SMM The leading international maritime trade fair takes place at the Hamburg Messe und Congress fair complex every two years. With roughly 2,300 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors from all continents, SMM is the world’s most important industry event. It covers the entire value chain of the maritime sector, bringing together intl decision-makers and experts and providing a platform for highlighting innovative technology. The 2018 fair took place from 4 to 7 September, once again under the honorary patronage of the German chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel. The four-day event was preceded by MFS on 3 September.
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ENSURING SEAFARER EXCELLENCE The Philippines is a leader in producing world-class merchant mariners. Contributing to sustain the culture of excellence is the annual search for Ten Outstanding Maritime Students (TOMSP). It recognizes and encourages the hard work and education of future mariners. Nominees must have shown excellence in
academics, competent in practice, good moral standing and active engagement in serving the community. The 10 winners will be announced on September 30 each to receive PhP15,000 in cash, honor plaque and review scholarship from Cebu Gems.
-The Final Twenty-
Barbadillo, Syd Richard R. AIMS (Davao)
Belarmino, Aison B. UPHSD (Las Pinas)
Berocil, Ricarido C. UV-Main (Cebu)
Delos Santos, Joseph E. PMMA (Zambales)
Elardo, Ian Christian N. DMMA (Davao)
Esteban, Christian Gilbert S. MAAP – IMMAJ JSU (Bataan)
Gague, John Phoule R. JBLFMU – Molo (Iloilo)
Guevarra, John Paul C. PMMA (Zambales)
Jacbang, Zelcent P. ST-MTCC (Iloilo)
Nisco, Daimler Daves D. Malayan Colleges (Laguna)
Pabiaña, Jan Jeremiah S. UPHSD (Las Piñas)
Suganob, John Christian P. DMMA (Davao)
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Peña, Carl Oscar B. Palacio, Jancarl Gregory B. Santamena, France Gerard S. MAAP-IMMAJ JSU (Bataan) UCLM (Cebu) JBLCF (Bacolod)
Tan, John Joseph G. AIMS (Pasay)
Tolentino, John Michael S. ST-MTCC (Iloilo)
Tulmo, Ken Arnie T. JBLCF – Bacolod)
Semaña, Junel Kristian M. MAAP – CGSO (Bataan)
Tupas, Juven T. UCLM (Cebu)
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C/E Milana: Spartan and smart.
C/E Gilbert Milana
RISING ON A CARING HEART by Coca H. Strobar This 54-year old professional is typical of an Ilocano, Spartan in style but generous to his fellows. He holds office between two small stores at the Carriedo train station, unpretentious on the third floor of Capitan Luis Gonzaga building. Yet, this 1953 edifice is a major design of Pablo Antonio, a national artist. Light-hearted, easy to laughter: Chief Engineer Gilbert Milana, president of Globe Maritime Training Center (GMTC) and Founder/President, Organization of Marine Chief Engine Officers. Hard knocks. Gilbert is fourth of seven siblings, all graduated with degree courses on routines with Mama selling used garments (ukay-ukay), harvesting snails (kuhol), raising chicken and pigs, peddling bread (pan de sal) at dawn on week-ends. At about 12nn, they reload with ice candy (buko). No sale, no allowance (baon) going to school. He was born in Ilocos Norte, grew up in
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La Union of his father, a disciplinarian Army captain. He earned a BSMechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic University (PUP), a working student as hired killer of ipis (roaches) at the Manila Peninsula hotel and San Miguel Corporation. While waiting for the results of the board exams, he took odd jobs as floor cleaner, dishwasher, errand boy, utility man, until he applied and boarded as a wiper. Unknowingly, this was his first step in a career on blue waters. Destiny. It was love at first sight, the engine room a world of machines. His officers saw his diligence and promoted him even to jobs he does not have yet the license. He persevered by taking courses and exams every shore leave, consistent with 75%, barely passing. He accepted posts below his license, wages lower than his job. But this built well his career, becoming a Chief Engineer while a guy who looked down
on him remained Second Engineer. For Milana has steel nerves and the break, like running a vessel from Africa to Germany when the chief engineer got sick. Milana changed to being conscious of his wages, seeking ITF rates that he deserves. He would demand from crewing agents to pay the proper rate or he will not board. In an incident, his seaman’s book and passport were thrown away but he stood on his right. Thus, in 23 years on board, he served 18 companies; of these, barely three years with his family on land on quality time. Bullying. Milana has experienced the bad traits of Filipino and other nationals. A Pinoy belittled Milana’s self-worth, some sabotaged his work which he just fixed in silence to avoid enmity. Instead of assistance, they backbite against a kabayan (fellow Filipino).
Reaching out to the indigenous community There was also that hulking Austrian captain who barked to disembark Milana for unknown reasons. Milana called the bluff, gathered his gears and prepared to leave. The Austrian buckled and begged Milana to stay and run the engine. Of nationals he had worked with, Milana thinks the Japanese are better partners as they acknowledge errors, rectify without fuss nor assault. There is no elbowing but teamwork. Advocacy. Milana bats for reasonable fees in training services. While seafarers are better compensated now, service providers must control rates to fair and feasible level. Cutthroat rates benefit no one; instead, victimize everyone with unprofessional quality and results. He continues to question impractical demands to obtain certification. Why must a seafarer fork out substantial sums to be officially certified even if he had worked untainted doing that job, and the principal satisfied with his competence? His own. Expectedly, Milana established a training center to reform the system. He started on borrowed funds, even parted ways with the original associate. His discounted fees irked some providers but he thinks of the seafarers more than his profit. GMTC started at Escolta, then to Santa Cruz, both in Manila. The transfer to Carriedo is to accommodate the surge in enrollment. He considers staff brothers of his only child, him as the father who will always wish well for his children. His firm parlays respect and discipline, an influence on Milana of his Army
father. His staff of 82 (24 instructors, 14 at the Valenzuela site) are conscious of these values plus --- very important to Milana --- revenues are money of seafarers which must be used for their benefit, not just for faculty perks nor corporate profit. There is a GMTC site in Antique of 1.2 hectares proposed to serve Panay Island which has many seafarers. His two partners there are both merchant mariners, just like the rest of GMTC. Fishermen. When a shipping agency asked him to train a batch of 50, he prepared the fish capture course (NC1) for TESDA. This allowed takers to overseas jobs (mostly on Taiwanese boats) as fishermen are so poorly compensated locally. Not many know Milana engages fishermen in a business. This partnership with fishermen bridged him over when business almost collapsed at the training center. Natives. Next, he trained indigenous people (aeta and mangyan) from Zambales and Palawan. Milana advanced the expenses as they have not a penny. He sought reimbursement when they board --- mind-boggling for the unschooled to travel and work in Australia and Japan. Local government units (LGUs) have partnered on the program by providing the venue and TESDA an annual scholarship bursary of P200k, beginning with the first batch of 24 trainees. It would be a sight at the MARINA for a group on g-string, Milana included! Standing tall. He discontinued offering the
Management Level Course (MLC), turned off by persistent rumors of pay-offs, non-attendance with grease money. His peers were happy with his fortitude and triggered the organizing ofOrganization of Marine Chief Engine Officers. Members donated books and materials to keep improving the syllabus, each one pitching in the synergy of sharing, sharing and sharing. Thy Will. His fervor to reform is not fueled by hatred but by genuine concern. His business economics is to ensure wages are secured for the teaching faculty and staff. Any profit is reinvested on improving facilities, on being a better training center. For Milana believes he is a conduit to help, not a predator to gorge on profit. Some may snicker, unless one sees the spiritual Milana: offering self to what role God will on his mortal life. He considers as preparations all aggravations in youth, all flaws and pluses in his career, all the loneliness from his family ‌ all these are OJTs for his ultimate job: serving his fellowmen with Christian virtues. And more. Milana’s equitable sharing may expand to the sustainable exploitation of national marine resources. Details are yet unavailable as the project is under wraps. But the certainty is that it will be for the common good, for those willing to toil with best effort --- for those unafraid of challenges, resting not to dry the sweat but to seek Divine guidance. For this is his story, played back for others.
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Gamido and Red Ribbon Awardees, supporters.
FIRMS HONORED FOR HIV PROGRAMS by Eva Tan Positibong Marino Phil (PMPI) honors companies for HIV policy program in the workplace, including non-discrimination, work accommodation and confidentiality of seafarers with HIV.
through continuous employment on merchant ships or other maritime related endeavors by establishing a strong network through information sharing;
The ‘Red Ribbon Award’ were given to Magsaysay Maritime Corp, Royal Carribean Cruises, OSM Maritime Services and Sea Power Shipping PMP), during the PMPI first year anniversary celebrations at the AMOSUP Convention Hall in Intramuros, Manila, July 23rd.
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PMPI is a support group that protects rights of HIV positive seafarers and their families. On its first year, it has directly or indirectly assisted 39 Filipino seafarers living with HIV (PLHIV), including PMPI founders.
•
On target. Pres. Jebsen Rederri Go Gamido claims, “They went back onboard and pursue… healthier versions of themselves.” Gamido recalls he was just invited to talks and seminars which, unwittingly, is digging foundation of the advocacy, focusing on education as “really the key to everything.” Techniques include seminars to crew and cadets, registration/network building, 500+ seamen were reached on FaceBook, phone connects, participation at the Day of the Seafarer and World AIDS Day celebrations.
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Be a venue of openness and acceptance of Filipino seafarers with HIV/AIDS and their families, with the maritime labor and shipping industry stakeholders in raising the understanding of the disease through continuous education; Coordinate, liaise, interact, partner with other similar organizations, private or public or government, local or foreign, to assist the sick with proper care; and Provide mental and legal support to all HIV-positive seafarers of any nationality.
Gamido relates, “The first year of PMP has been colorful. It is a year of digging dip the foundation… really a year of transformation or stretching for me and for the volunteers. Positibong Marino is not just a one-man dream… it is a combined effort of all the people who believe and the volunteers that are working to fulfill the mission and vision…” Support.
Growth.
Messages of support were delivered by:
To date, there are more than PMPI 100 volunteers aiming to:
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Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA);
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Pres. Conrado Oca, Associated
•
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Aid, empower and assist displaced seafarers to normal, productive life MARINO WORLD
Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Phil (AMOSUP); •
Director Alejandro Ortigas, AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospital;
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Atty. Emmanuel Partido, AMOSUP legal counsel;
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Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale, Intl Transport Workers Federation;
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Coordinator Asif Altaf, ITF GlobalHealth and Wellness;
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Director Marlon Rono, Joint Manning Group (JMG);
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Chief Lui Delos Santos, Maritime Industry Authority, Policy Development and Review;
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Program Manager Gerard Belimac, Department of Health and
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Mr. Tyrone Sy, World Health Organization-Phil Representative
Headed by a medical doctor, AMOSUP has always been a champion of fair and equal opportunities for seafarers. This spirit has always been its core as a union. Dr. Oca believes as social partners, it is good to have a unified voice in addressing the challenges of seafarers suffering from HIV. AMOSUP, ITF and JMG are the first three organizations which continuously support PMPI. PMPI Ambassadress Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2018 Jehza Huelar was also present.
Defying time, pumping for fun
FAME RUN SETS RECORD Over 4,600 runners joined the 12th FAME “Go Marino Go! Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” Fun Run --- breaking records as the biggest fund-raising event in the maritime industry. It rolled June 23rd, part of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) celebrations of the International Day of Seafarers every 25th of June. Sunlight broke rain clouds and chants greeted runners at the finish at the North Fountain of SM By the Bay. There were side games, raffling of Smart Communications products, cash prizes and gift certificates, gadgets and appliances, running accessories. Cadets from Leonis Navigation had a wonderful presentation to the wow! of the crowd. Assembly started at 4:00 am, the run at 5:00 after a short program and warmup exercises. Ivy S. Flores (Wallem Maritime Services) led the invocation, Giancarlo Dabao (OSM Maritime Group) administered the Oath of Sportsmanship. FAME officials were there: President, Michael J. Estaniel; VP-Internal Affairs, Jose Albar G. Kato; Director and Chairman Special Projects & Events, Marlon R. Roño. Some directors completed the course: Capt. Teodoro B. Quijano, Capt. Reynaldo D. Casareo, Capt. Emmanuel L. Regio, Ms. Carmen Rebusi. Proceeds will fund a research project to pursue FAME’s maritime goals and promote greater awareness of seafaring as a career. - Winners All, 12th FAME Fun Run 10K, Male Category 1st Pestaño, Niel (00:42:11) Cargo Safeway. 2nd Millares, John Shine Eve M. (00:43:07) Marlow Navigation Phils. 3rd Mendoza, Alvin Ashburn (00:43:45) Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific 4th Bruno, Randy (00:43:52) Cargo
Safeway
3K, Male Category
5th Gulmatico, Julius Elzer (00:43:59) Cargo Safeway
1st Castillo, Meljune (00:14:47) Magsaysay MOL Marine
10K, Female Category
2nd Briones, Leonelle (00:15:08) Magsaysay MOL Marine
1st Plaza, Maria Rosario M. (00:49:20) Seafarers Shipping 2nd Gutana, Andrei Bernadette (00:56:07) BW Shipping Phils 3rd Bondad, Nancy (01:02:29) Net Ship Management 4th Del Agua, Rhaieda (01:04:27) Wallem Maritime Services
3rd Bigay, Joseph (00:15:53) OSM Maritime Services 4th Gloton, Jervin Kyle (00:15:57) Magsaysay Maritime 5th Guillergan, Chris (00:16:07) Marlow Navigation Phils 3K, Female Category
5th Aguilar, Hannah Nicole (01:04:30) Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
1st Anano, Erlyn (00:15:36) BW Shipping Philippines
5K, Male Category
2nd Sagun, Lyzeel (00:19:09) BSM Crew Service Centre Phils
1st Solero, Leo (00:21:40) OSM Maritime Services 2nd Abrazaldo, Bryan Carlo (00:21:43) Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific 3rd Ervite, Arleigh (00:21:47) Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific 4th Berioso, Christian (00:21:50) Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
3rd Gloton, Melissa (00:21:20) Magsaysay Maritime 4th Divinagracia, Amie (00:22:30) Phil Seafarers Union (PSU)-ITF 5th Batara, Ligaya (00:22:34) S.M. Lazo Medical Clinic Veteran Category
5th Peracion, Denmark V. (00:22:04) Cargo Safeway
3K Valles, Mariano (82 y/o) Albar Shipping and Trading
5K, Female Category
5K Sola, Wenifredo (74 y/o) Phil-Japan Manning Consultative Council
1st Floresca, Tasha (00:28:12) Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific 2nd Casa, Precious (00:28:36) Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific 3rd Obmina-Muana, Ma. Carmencita C. (00:29:06) Cargo Safeway
10K Casareo, Reynaldo (75 y/o) Cargo Safeway Special Award Biggest Delegation, 675 runners Magsaysay Maritime
4th Quijano, Lenore Maxine Victoria (00:31:06) Barko International 5th Amagan, Zarrah Jane (00:31:19) Odfjell Philippines
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SALUDO SA MARINO EXPANDS
Marino World’s yearly project, “Saludo Sa Marino”, continues to expand, more now with the Integrated Seafarers (ISP) by distributing the latter’s publication. ISP’s Gabay ng Marino (Guide to Mariners) highlights topics, Pagangat (For Growth) Pag-unlad at Tagumpay (Progress and Success). The fun event on June 25th at the Seafarer Center, SM-Manila was in celebrations of the Day of the Seafarers declared by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Most popular segment was the
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“Voice of the Seafarers”, a singing contest via videoke posting the following winners: •
•
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Champion: Jeaus Tyron Vidiot of John B Lacson Maritime University (My Love Will See You Through by Marco Sison) 1st Runner-up: Emil Acupada of Magsaysay Maritime (Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel 2nd Runner-up: Fritz Osilao, Magsaysay of Mitsui O.S.K. Marine (Don’t Let It End by Styx)
Winners received cash prizes and gift packs from Cebu Gems, Avida Land, Grand Videoke, OSM Maritime Services, Phirst Park Homes and FastCat. The audience also had fun participating in games, contests and raffles. Dance numbers were presented by ISP and by Marsaman Manning Agency cadets. Ms. Gel Miranda of DOSTv hosted the event.
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