MARINO WORLD NOV-DEC 2017 DIGITAL EDITION

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VOLUME XII NO.7 ISSN 1908-0972

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MARINOWORLD WORLD MARINO

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Governance Confront the EMSA Bogeyman

PLEASE, MR. PRESIDENT

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Governance MMP GEARS FOR A MARITIME SUMMIT

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Citations

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2017 MOFYA WINNERS

Cover Story For Justice, For Charity MARINERS ON CRUSADE

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Stories of Mariners Adventures of Capt. Bo OF COUNTRIES AND CULTURES US$8 €12 ¥200

VOLUME XII NO.7 ISSN 1908-0972

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017

Content

ABOUT THE COVER MARINO WORLD

2017-11-12_MW2B.indd 1

1 03/01/2018 12:41 PM

Layout by: Jhon Henson Ong

In the run of things, a crusader is opposite a philanthropist like fist and heart. But we have profiled

two achievers who are partly of the other – and both are bonded in the maritime industry.

EDITORIAL BOARD Publisher

Creative Director

Editorial Consultant

Lyn Bacani

Jhon Henson Ong

B. Cortes Lagac

Content Critique

Commo. Dante Jimenez

Legal Counsel

Atty. Manuel Obedoza Jr.

News and Feature Writers

Eva Tan

Coca H. Strobar

Ligaya Caban

Contributors Ms. Merle San Pedro

RAdm. Adonis Donato

Atty. Cristina Beltran

International Contributors

F R Chowdhury

Mark Millar

Richard Teo

Special Project Manager

Visayas Correspondent

Photographers

Production Assistants

Gel Miranda

Joamirica Tud Kevin Garcia

Boy Ilano

Jerome Reyes 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

permanence of change The Chinese invented the fire soil and used the colors and noise to drive away evil spirits. The West learned and refined it to ballistic might when enclosed to steel barrels to conquer enemies and territories. From sparks in rituals to guns in raids, quite a dichotomy.

Asians retained the belief in their holidays and New Years; the West raised the power to nuclear fission and whatever else in strictly guarded arsenals. The fun has been outweighed by fear, the weapon in the balance-offear tilted with the real threat from that irrational dictator of North Korea.

Yet, there is the Ying and Yan, the philosophy of balance in the end. It stirs when one dominates, it steadies when both are in equanimity. Simple --- that is why it is so hard to fathom, let alone practice.

That must be the rationale why New Years were institutionalized. To keep the faith, as a classical poet wrote, for hope to spring eternal in the human breast.

Without hope, who will smile when dark clouds loom?

For years now, maelstroms lash on global maritime. Giants disintegrate yet puny firms grow, heralding time and mixture of events change the plans of mice and men. But serendipities do happen for some dare against the currents, adapting the Italian proverb “it is a bad plan that cannot be changed.”

Of course, adventurism beyond one’s capabilities is folly. But who is to know at the starting line? Experience dictates steel sinks but Man invented ships.

Reason tells a person can’t fly, but Man built the airplane. And so forth, ad infinitum.

The whole thesis is that a New Year is a gate to a world of changes, good or bad dependent in which end you are. The Movement for Maritime Philippines is a concert of real stakeholders offering perspective of reforms. Not bad if only Government will allow questions and fusion in its 10-Year Maritime Industry Development Program.

And the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) does not use its audits to fatally wound the Philippine maritime industry. Not at once, not for now.

Oh, yes. We have a world-class dragon boat rowers.

Happy New Year, everyone!

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Confront the EMSA Bogeyman

PLEASE, MR. PRESIDENT

by Marino World Editorial Pool The maritime industry needs surgical intervention. Vital signs are challenged, with EMSA initiating the flatline --ironically, on the intention of upgrading the industry for better and competitive health.

Mr. President, you are considered the most maritime-friendly Chief Executive.

During the electoral campaign, you have shown sympathy by signing a covenant in Davao City to prioritize the Movement for Maritime Philippines’ National Maritime Agenda; the only presidential bet who participated in maritime discussions in Manila with the Joint Manning Group (JMG).

You are the first President to mention maritime in your second State-ofthe-Nation-Address (SONA), even if obliquely, with the Build. Build, Build infra program. Connectivity with Ro-Ro vessels and routes, port improvements are maritime within the “Golden Age of Infrastructures” you envision and take to the road.

Mr. President, now chips must be counted. Your clear and incisive

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intervention can save the maritime industry. True, the Marawi terrorist destruction, Eastern Visayas typhoon wreckage and Mindanao flood damages are crying priorities. Without meaning to be callous, those are major expenses.

The maritime sector generates major income for the country, support families in mostly non-urban areas.

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 trending to upward 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.

Management and operational level officers are in direct and fatal hit in case EMSA makes official and public that the Philippines has failed the maritime audits.

That is the crux, we are in the crosscross of policy over action, sheen over sincerity, bureaucrats over turfs, politics over people.

The audits.

MARINA is mum on the status and range of the EMSA findings. But the earlier fast-tracking of policies and edicts, the voluminous dockets as official response of MARINA, the trips of officials to EMSA and EU officials, the disciplined silence of the agency officers, these all point out to a clear and imminent danger.

Governance

With a little sleuthing and set-up questions, Marino World and friends are able to piece together a respectable view of the puzzle.

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) first audit took place in 2006, then in 2010, 2013, 2014 and finally in 2017. The standard sequence is audit every five years, unless there are unresolved concerns that must be addressed with finality.

Unimpeachable sources claim the 44page audit report of May 2017 found 36 Non-Compliances (NC- meaning shortfalls) and nine Observations (that things could have been done better).

According to EMSA Outlook 2017 many EU registered ships are manned by seafarers who are not nationals of EU Member States. To ensure that these crew members are appropriately educated and trained, EMSA carries out inspections in the supplying countries.

EMSA staff has been inspecting for over ten years, assessing levels of compliance with the requirements of the IMO’s Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

EMSA also runs the STCW information system. This system contains objective and comparable information on seafarers holding EU certificates/endorsements and therefore able to work on board EU registered ships.

Main findings.

Experts think among critical shortfalls are too many changes in the MARINA management, yet there are vacancies, temporary postings and even volunteers suspect to personal interest.

Syllabus of maritime schools and training centers are not based on competency; likewise assessments are not within STCW standards.

On top of implementation problems on the mandatory Shipboard Training (SBT) for degree courses like BSMT and BSMarE, there is lack of monitoring on

this 12-month sea service. A clear reason is the lack of qualified personnel to monitor and audit.

So much confidence is attributed to licensure examinations which are really not sufficient to assess nor measure competence. Spawning from this are fraudulent training certificates issued even without actual training (or incomplete attendance) but for the fees paid.

And more.

Around 3,000 fake certificates are allegedly issued at MARINA by corrupt employees. Another 3,000 blank certificates with reference numbers were stolen from MARINA, ready for use and sale by corrupt elements.

True, the STCW Office released in November a circular that stated the serial numbers with the request to report these to the Office of the Executive Director, STCW. End of story.

Like mushrooms, some 103 maritime schools spawned mostly for the business opportunity and not zeal to educate.

These were reduced to 55 but some managed to reopen making the current total to 65, still much too many.

Lost ground.

Before EMSA, the Philippines was hailed Primero Uno in the world for her seafarers. After EMSA, we are reduced to Numero Dos in the supply chain (elbowed out by China). There should be no issue on the number of schools as neither EU nor IMO limit the number.

What is needed is regulatory sanity with strong political will and steadfast leadership, more so with CHEd and MARINA. As long as political patronage or MBA (May Backer Ako – I have a backer) are allowed, schools will be an endless issue. A strong, quality oriented maritime education program and policies must be adopted; let natural attrition weed out the unqualified.

The proverbial Gordian knot must be

untied in the SBT program. Cadets are forced to cough out bribes (instead of being paid) to get a slot aboard to graduate. This is a repeat of nursing students paying hospitals for on-the-job training (OJT) or adjunct experience.

There are practically no ship dedicated to training. One from a foundation was re-commissioned as a commercial vessel.

Some are moored waiting for buyers.

Two training ships pledged by South Korea but refused by MARINA were turned over to Vietnam.

There is a proposal to impose on schools student carrying capacity, a view expressed 20 years ago by JMG Vice Chair Ericson Marquez. Of the 30,000 graduates, JMG can only employ 5,000.

Expectedly, schools balk they cannot survive on that ratio.

Process.

The EMSA findings and the Philippine response are now with the EU Commission which will decide on the issue. The normal protocol is for the Philippines to have six months more, at least, to prove she will be able to comply with EMSA requirements.

Should the Philippines fail again, future certificates issued by MARINA will no longer be recognized by the European Union. However, officers with a valid COC will be able to continue sailing until renewal time when the problem could be faced. This is aside from Port States sanctions and implementations yet to be discussed.

With a huge pool of students and cadets, crew and officers unable to board EU ships and sympathizing Administrations --- the bogeyman becomes a horseman of the Apocalypse.

What now.

Countries are not waiting for the wake of the Philippine maritime industry. They are setting up alternatives to minimize the worst-case scenario.

Japan has set arrangements years earlier.

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PLEASE, MR. PRESIDENT

Impact on hapless seafarers

Belgium and the Netherlands have “cooperation” with a maritime school allowing Philippine cadets to take board examinations from these two European Union states whose certificates are automatically recognized by EU. Norway is checking on the viability where the Norway Training Center (NTC-Manila) conducts the Norwegian examinations. Norwegian maritime authorities will soon visit for discussions.

Norway has 22,500 Filipino seafarers endorsed on NIS vessels, 45% of all crew on Norwegian ships are Filipinos. It was Norway which initiated hiring of Filipino seafarers that accelerated development of merchant maritime in the Philippines.

Bureaucracy.

On the practical side, de-recognizing the Philippines will wound the already bloodied global industry on a downturn for years. Manpower supply will be more challenged as BIMCO reports shortage of merchant officers. Shipping firms and shipmanagement companies may not afford an “auction” for the highest bidder just to sufficiently crew their vessels.

Off-the-record, select MARINA officials lament, “We had an action plan but the thing is how do we proceed.” They are in concert that more important than findings of either internal or external auditors are answers to the questions, “… how do you

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react, what are your plans, how do you execute the plans…?”

They claim the system is the problem.

MARINA has to answer to foreign parties even if we are a sovereign state.

We have no leverage for a tit-for-tat attitude, like LTO may refuse foreigners driving licenses should they not give the same privilege (essentially the Carnet charter).

In several fora with stakeholders, Atty.

Joy Vera Ban-eg, MARINA STCW-OIC Executive Director and concurrently, MARINA Deputy Director seeks pro-bono volunteers with expertise as MARINA is short on personnel.

Since the Dept. of Budget Management (DBM) has not allocated enough for MARINA, Atty. Ban-eg thinks DBM and The President are not convinced on the importance of the maritime sector in the national economy.

Blockades.

MARINA has to wrestle with technicalities. So much changes are required by the STCW with the Manila Amendment coming into force. While personnel could multi-task, the limited staff can only do so much in a full day.

Savings reverts to the General Fund, not overstay with MARINA for use when needed.

MARINA may obligate to retain unspent funds for use on un-programmed tasks.

But this risks technical malversation.

Also, hiring is not that easy as civil service requires so many credentials; forcing the usage of “job orders”(JO) as contractual tenure for specific duties.

On this solution comes two hurdles: (1) Government policy to stop contractualization or Endo (slang for end-of-contract) and (2) DBM edicts no more JOs for 2018 (yet STCW alone is manned by 90% JOs).

Walk the talk.

But we need to introspect, some soulsearching. Enough of heroic platitudes, four conflicting special days to honor seafarers with videoke contests, raffles and parlor games, parades.

“Planning is seeing the future today” says MARINA as it launches the 10-Year Maritime Industry Development Program (MIDP) last June 1st before a crowd of 700 maritime stakeholders. It has six priority areas: manpower development, ship building and repair and recycling, fishing and leisure, offshore, domestic, overseas.

Just sad, the MIDP “initiative” is based yet on President F. Marcos’ Presidential Decree No. 474 of June 1, 1974 which also created the MARINA 43 years ago.

Seafarers holding COCs and Endorsements valid to 2014 as recognized by EU countries. (From EMSA-STCW Information System)

We are still debating turfs: Is the MLC safety (therefore, MARINA) or labor (therefore, DOLE)?

The Philippine Experience is a paper delivered in Panama by MARINA Administrator Marcial Quirico C. Amaro III on seafarer challenges to comply with an increasing number of regulations.

Dr. Amaro answers the impact of global regulations with the Integrated Management System or SSHEQ meaning Safety (ISM Code), Security (ISP Code), Health (Occupational & Health OHSAS 18000), Environment (MARPOL & ISO 14001, and Quality (ISO 9001).

The former C/E hopes also to leverage with the individual seafarer’s health consciousness, self management, interpersonal skills and communication skills.

Long shot.

Another option is to change flag from EU or NIS, or to another flag of convenience (FoC). This might create challenges when the vessels arrive in European ports, the crew questioned, the ship detained. But admittedly, this is a difficult situation as EU is dependent on shipping, just like the rest of the world.

Lurking, or ready and equipped to offer alternatives with on-line, off-site digital and Convention and IMO accreditations, are Ship Registry leaders: Panama, Liberia and Marshall Islands.

Worst comes to worst, MARINA may even not issue certificates given the Capex, expertise and staff needed to compete with these advanced and online digital systems already spread in a global web to prime markets. Cost-income ratio

indicates funds may be better used in other areas of reforms.

How about our Ship Registry?

Shipowners look for tax incentives but are given red-tape, instead. Already we have the manpower for a “one-stop” shop (much like Panama with the Expanded Canal and ancillaries of the logistics chain.

The Presidential Communication Office has conducted the FOI Rapid Survey which ended November 24th to know the “level of awareness across government in terms of operationalizing the people’s right to information.”

Government should be aware of the people’s right to action, too.

Mr. President, how goes the Philippines?

Minister Barakat of Panama

Liberia’s Buchanan

Bolivar of Marshall Islands

Should Ph Gets Axed

LIFE AFTER EMSA Diplomatic relations between nations start with primordial values but struggles on primeval instincts. Like Americans start as donors then morph as predators of local markets, traditional values and governance systems. USA gave more war reparations to Japan (an enemy) than to the Philippines (a loyal ally). Maybe to suave image before a horrified mankind for the atomic bomb dropped in Nagasaki, despite making Manila the most devastated city next to Warsaw, Poland.

But that’s the way of things. Bite the bullet from one who holds things one needs. As in barter, values depend on the user: in the East, trinkets for spices; in Africa, food for diamonds.

In maritime, advanced economies proselytize on the ideals of safety, efficiency and competence.. Then they use these to police shortfalls of rising economies. But when business demands, they use backdoors in Flags of Convenience (FOCs) of small but sovereign nations.

If the Philippines is axed, FOCs are viable alternatives to principals, shipmanagements, manning agencies and individual seafarers for acceptable accreditation of certificate of competencies and other mandated

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documentation.

Options.

Surprise.

Marino World revisits Panama, Liberia and Marshall Islands being top three operations with large Ship Registries and documentation systems acceptable to IMO, PSC and EMSA.

Unwittingly, some FOCs developed into reliable alternatives, even against the oligopolization of European consortia. Aided by cutting edge on-line technologies, their services are pragmatic options advanced economies find hard to compete against.

They are ready (eager, actually) to help (themselves) on a problem emanating from a negative EMSA appreciation. MARINA could bellyache on the opportunism but that is finger-pointing and blatantly unfair.

For while we celebrated, they invested. They honed up systems while we corrupted ours for illicit profit and instant convenience. We have the penchant for lip service, exalting words for glowing visions. Reforms are more pakitang tao (grandstanding) than political will.

Our Ship Registry is pitiful; our MARINA, with pitfalls.

We may procrastinate since verdict is not out yet. Even if negative, protocol demands we are given reprieve for six months, at least, and likely extended should we be on our knees.

PANAMA The Guinness Book of Records has recently confirmed Panama has the largest Ship Registry in the world of over 8,000 vessels which is 18% of the global fleet. What is directly meaningful to EMSA is Seguridad Maritima (SeguMar) of the “Autoridad Maritima de Panama” (AMP) under Maritime Affairs Minister Jorge Barakat Pitty.

SeguMar is the agency that details Panama’s commitment to world-class seamanship, securing life and property by ensuring competence of crew on efficient vessels. It was created in 1977 as the technical arm of the Panama Ship Registry.

SeguMar opened the first office in New York. Today, the service network operates in Panama, Tokyo and Imabari (Japan), Seoul and Busan (South Korea), Istanbul (Turkey), Piraeus (Greece), Singapore, New York and Manila (with plans for Miami and Los Angeles, both USA).

Governance

These are regional documentation hubs, on digital access all year, staff bilingual on the language of the area, auditing accredited training centers, issuing technical certificates, including those from The Registry like Bunker Convention (BCC), Passenger Ship Liability (PAL), Wreck Removal (WRC) and Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) for any flag amendment or cancellation.

For over 400,000 seafarers on Panama flagged vessels, SeguMar’s Seafarers’ Automatic Application (SAA) is available worldwide, on-line including e-payment. This guarantees transparency, speed, savings and security.

About 29 Maritime Training Centers (MTCs) are rigorously audited before being accredited. Seafarers are given more options: updating records, avoiding forgeries as valid data are electronically banked, complying with Codes, Conventions and Port State requirements.

Deputy Director (for Merchant Marine) Margareth Mosquera heralds, “The Panama flag enters a new stage of digitalizing… to streamline processes, ensure security and provide greater convenience…”

Year 2017 is a defining move with AMP contracting Pole Star Space Applications to monitor her vessels. PoleStar is the world’s largest, managing over 8,000 SOLASclassed ships, on remote fleet monitoring, risk management, ship security, Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT).

SeguMar success comes with determination and smarts; yet, must continue to outdo herself--- 24x7 --- to retain leadership in services and results.

Panama Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Rolando A. Guevara Alvarado, is also bullish, “We are faster, more expedient. We can control the urgencies because we have direct control now of printing, not only the CTs but also the seamen’s book.”

And this is within the day of application; or day following if filed in the afternoon.

LIBERIA According to Gerry Buchanan, Managing Director-LISR (Far East), Liberia has never been audited because EMSA has never considered it. Yet, Liberia issues original certificates and endorsements all accepted by IMO, PSC and EMSA globally.

Her Sea System is an on-line portal for the electronic submission of seafarer applications through vetted agents appointed by shipowners granted access with a password on a protected portal.

Seafarers may verify documents 24/7 through the Liberian website and app FlagState.

The Sea System is an on-line digital connectivity that completes transactions even off-site (without physical presence). In a recent visit to a CrewConnect Conference, Buchanan heard firsthand from clients how easy and cheaper to use the Sea System.

Parties may validate things from Jeck Roque at Auriga Maritime who deals with major Flags and has insight into and experience with all those systems.

Leader.

Liberia claims leadership in electronic systems, the first and years ahead to issue electronic statutory certificates. Arguably, this service saves time and money in a fullysecured environment.

WayPoint is another on-line portal to apply, pay, and print compliance certificates such as WRC and BCLC which must be renewed annually. The larger the fleet the greater the workload --- WayPoint reduces processing time and net cost of the certificates.

Liberia is a leader in technical innovation, recognized by organizations of experts.

Among these is the E-ORB system, top choice for 2017 of Lloyd’s List-Americas, Lloyd’s List-Asia and NAMEPA for reliably identifying risks and helps owners prepare for PSC inspectors, CBT for cyber and ship security.

MARSHALL ISLANDS Leo M. Bolivar has guided Marino World on the island republic’s views. Bolivar is the Country Manager of International Registries (Far East), a representative office in Manila affiliated with the Marshall Islands Maritime and Corporate Registries.

The latter provides administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands maritime registry and nonresident domestic corporate programs. More info and online services are at www.registeriri.com.

communications, Bolivar asked their Seafarers’ Division and Marketing and Communications Department in Reston for them to answer.

Status.

EMSA has never requested to audit since the Republic of Marshall Island (RMI) is an “Open Register” and not a major supplier of labor to the industry. Also, there are very few maritime training schools in the Marshall Islands proper.

The RMI just completed an independent verification audit of STCW processes by an IMO recognized competent person, a representative of Transport Canada. No nonconformities were discovered in the latest audit.

RMI offers seafarer documentations. Seven of its 27 offices worldwide are authorized to issue STCW documentation which include Manila.

All STCW certificates of competency, endorsement, and proficiency are issued

by RMI offices, also certificates that allow service on offshore units and on RMI flagged mega yachts.

These are available on-site and on-line once applicant is fully vetted and associated documentation has been verified. EMSA has never issued any rejection on RMI certifications.

RMI has consistently been shown on the IMO-Paris MOU “White List” of compliant vessels, fully compliant with all applicable IMO Conventions for seafarers training and safety.

Competitive edge.

RMI believes her Shipping Registry offers better quality and service. Offices around the world are staffed with maritime and port state professionals enabling her to supply owners and operators with the information, documentation, and expertise to safely and efficiently operate in all waters around the globe.

Marshall Islands takes faith in the Human Element to safeguard seafarers and ships, to protect the marine environment. Appropriate manning and training are vital to the maritime industry.

Following their internal protocol on external

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Amaro speaks on PH goals

Ramirez bashes Amaro

UFS SEEKS SENATE PROBE

by Coca H. Strobar

The United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) has called for a Senate Blue Ribbon investigation of Administrator Marcial Amaro III of MARINA for alleged ‘jet setting’ and ‘globe-trotting.’

EMSA is the European Maritime Safety Agency, its’ de-recognition of Philippine-issued competency certificates for seafarers will bring major negative impact to our maritime industry.

UFS President Nelson Ramirez and an alleged Alliance of Marina Employees claim Amaro’s trips are in violation of the presidential ban against junkets funded by government money.

MARINA’s silence and secretive stance on the final result of the audits are understandable. De-recognition will result to a massive lay-off of Filipinos on EU flagged vessels.

However, some quarters interpret Amaro’s trips are for gathering goodwill points for the country in a proactive stance to prevent the declaration the Philippines had failed the EMSA audit on-going for some five years.

On the EMSA-STCW Information System report of 2014, Filipino officers topped the number for Non-EU countries recognized by EU states at 28,874 of the 86,633 over-all. Malta leads the nonofficers at 48,720 followed by Cyprus, UK, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Some believe the trips are necessary to gather support from other states of the European Union and allied influences.

The “junkets” may have been ordered by higher authorities to employ personal diplomacy as practiced on international relations.

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Ramirez notes the president sacked “Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) Chief Terry Ridon and its commissioners because of their alleged unnecessary trips and failure to hold meetings” while underscoring Ridon had only six trips to Amaro’s 11.

UFS goes for the jugular by claiming Amaro’s stay is on the patronage of Dennis Uy, president of Phoenix Petroleum with business interests in education, logistics, casino, leisure and retail.

Ramirez accuses Amaro of a possible conflict of interest having been VPShipmanagement for Chelsea Ship Management & Marine Services, alluding to possible bias on the supervision and control of MARINA over other maritime companies of Dy. The group also pointed out that in December 21, “… the President as well ordered Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) president Elba Cruz to leave her post, days after employees of the educational institution accused her of mismanagement and frequent travels abroad.”

MMP Convenors with NCWC Christopher Madrigal, Director of Maritime Development and Ocean Affairs.

MMP GEARS FOR A MARITIME SUMMIT

by Coca H. Strobar

Then Davao Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte had declared, “the development of a national maritime agenda will form part of my government platform to achieve an inclusive economic progress” as a campaign promise. He supplemented this with maritime concerns in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), the first incumbent president to do so.

Hence, a National Maritime Summit is being pushed by the Movement for Maritime Philippines for an Executive Order declaring a National Maritime Policy with a corresponding National Maritime Agenda to highlight the vital role of the maritime industry in economic development.

Preparatory to the Summit, MMP met last December 18th with the National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) Secretariat at its center at the Coast Guard (PSG) headquarters at Port Area, Manila.

PCG is the organizing “host” for the 2018 many official maritime events which was cascaded to NCWC with expertise in security but less on maritime industry,

many believe.

The meeting at NCWC Secretariat is followed by a two-day (January 29-30) brainstorming and planning sessions in Tagaytay City with leaders from sectors of the maritime industry.

Pre-summit sector workshops schedule: April, Merchant Marine (with subsectors like shipping, ports development, logistics, human resource, ship building, fishing); July, Environment and Tourism;

by September, the Summit itself.

These hews well with priorities of MARINA’s 10-Year Maritime Industry Development Program (MIDP) recently launched with major fanfare. But it is an “initiative” based yet on Presidential Decree 474 of June 1, 1974 of Pres. F.E. Marcos. This is 43 years back that also created MARINA. Duterte’s Proclamation 316 of 14 September 2017 establishes the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) with NCWC as overseer.

MMP views are to be presented to DOTr Secretary Tugade but shelved to MARINA, in turn, already enamored with its own MIDP made public during its 43rd Anniversary at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, June 1st.

MMP Chairman Merle Jimenez-San Pedro is worried things could just be on a merry-go-round, as a cat chasing its tail. She believes unless leaders clearly grasp the whole picture, implementation will just be patch work and nothing defining.

Right now, priorities are on “operational issues,” like day-to-day concerns.

MARINA frontliners complain if they cannot struggle from small stuffs, there is no sense asking them to level up.

The Philippines is already renowned as a maritime manpower. Maybe, the next step is to be a maritime power.

A National Maritime Agenda could accelerate things, given the big leap to unite, to synergize for win-win results for all stakeholders.

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Citations

2017 MOFYA WINNERS

by Coca H. Strobar

The hug reflects Duterte’s popularity.

“Hand in hand, let us continue to strive for a more prosperous and comfortable life for your family and to the future generation of Filipinos “ This was the emotional appeal of President Rodrigo R. Duterte as he gives to winners the Most Outstanding OFW Family Awards (MOFYA) 2017 last December 5th at Malacanang Palace.

The President also reiterated his intense campaign against illegal drugs and the vigilance demanded of families with heads working overseas.

Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III and Overseas Workers Welfare (OWWA) Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac assisted the president.

MOFYA is an annual event organized by OWWA to recognize exemplary overseas Filipino workers and families. It is divided into two categories, sea-based and land-based.

Sea-based.

Region XII’s Chief Engr. Noe Canja Diola and family is the national winner, besting 16 others. He is from Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, raised by a widowed mother.

The Diola couple has organized medical, dental missions and other outreach programs, in tandem with the Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Special Program for Employment of Scholars. Wife Angelita is a dentist, multi-tasking with their business

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while taking care of their Grade 9 kid (as the two eldest children are now doctors).

Captain Romulo Elagor - Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte

Capt. Emerico Gepilano and family of Region VII (Central Visayas) earned the Special Award for Community Service. He comes from a family of Cebuano merchant mariners.

Cesar Maderal - Mahayahay, Iligan City

With six other seafarers, he established CREST Maritime Assessment, Review and Training Center for aspiring seafarers and community outreach programs like cleft palate surgeries, feeding programs, and scholarships for the less fortunate.

Gepilano is president of the Visayas Maritime Stakeholders Association; proud of once being a neighbor of “Digong” at Banawa, Cebu City, until the man transferred to Malacanang.

Remegildo Banderado - Lanang, Davao City Noe Diola, Pigcawayan - North Cotabato (national winner) Jun Salazar - Parang, Maguindanao Roberto Vizcarra - Guisad, Baguio City Napoleon Jovita - San Juan, Surigao City Rodrigo Pulvera - Batasan Hills, Quezon City Land-based.

Other sea-based regional winners:

NCR’s Leo R. De Belez and family won the national level in the land-based category.

Michael Eugenio - Pugo, La Union

Awarded regional honors:

Crisanto Limbauan - Enrile, Cagayan

Russell Vilmer Tandoc - Dagupan City, Pangasinan

Patricio Fernando - Dinalupihan, Bataan Teodorico Pagkaliwangan - Indang Cavite Edgardo Nardo - Boac, Marinduque Benito Casquejo - Tabaco City, Albay Agustin Bedia - Oton, Iloilo Captain Rodello Ponay - Catbalogan City, Samar

Marcela Valdez - Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya Nicolas Perez - Nabua, Camarines Sur Antonio Morales - La Paz, Iloilo Gerry Paglinawan- Cebu City Salvador Villalino - Catbalogan, Samar Albie Usama- Zamboanga City

Gepilano and family receive honors from The President and Sec. Bello.

Aurelia Lunsayan- Sumilao, Bukidnon

Saturnino Valencia - Baguio City

Abad Arellano

Radiya Mustapa - Mati, Davao Oriental

Dr Rolando Hordista - Trento, Agusan del Sur

Diola and De Belez each received a trophy and P500,000 cash. They won over Regional winners, each category with 17 shortlisted candidates. Regional winners received recognition plaques and cash prize of P30,000 each.

Evelyn Camendan - Takurong City, Sultan Kudarat Sultan Samer Tatak - Mamasapano, Maguindanao

Nestor Dizon – Pampanga Antonio Fernandez

Cacdac of OWWA, Harris of ISWAN

ISWAN-OWWA TEAMS UP FOR SEAFARERS The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on November 6th to strengthen support to Filipino seafarers.

ISWAN Executive Director Roger Harris says, “We are formalizing the cooperation… the

first partnership agreement we had in the Philippines” noting “Last year we handled 1,000 welfare cases involving Filipino seafarers.”

OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac notes, “We now have an international partner… ISWAN knows how to handle cases, so it’s a welcome development for us.”

ISWAN is a non -government organization based in the United Kingdom, handled some 3,000 seafarer welfare cases worldwide, a third of which involved Filipinos. It gives information on health and training onboard, helps in problems in repatriation, unpaid salaries, abandonment by employers, assisting even the families of seafarers who die on -board.

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The Grand Winner receives the replica check for P500,000.

On hand are senior government officials led by Sec Bello with ISP Pres. Morales.

FEEDS FORMULA GRAND WINNER IN 3RD NRCO-ISP COMPETITIONS

by Ligaya Caban

A formulation for feedstock booster won the 2017 NRCO -ISP Business Plan Competitions.

Capt. Oswald Rollorazo and Engr.

Jason Javier plan of Total Mixed Ration/ Ruminant Feeds Production and Distribution was awarded Grand Winner earning P500,000 for the tandem.

Javier received the award from DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III, OWWA head Hans Leo Cacdac and ISP President Jess Morales at Dusit Thani-Manila hotel, November 10, 2017.

Rollorazo missed the event being yet onboard.

DOLE is Dept. of Labor and Employment overseeing the Overseas Workers Administration (OWWA- a chartered agency) and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

The Integrated Seafarers of the Phil.

(ISP) is a non-government organization or NGO. Javier was born in Olongapo, now based in Quezon City. Rollorazo is from Bohol and owns a sheep farm in Tarlac where they will plant corn as main ingredient of their product.

They plan to teach the technology in other regions, earning from the feed additive they are still testing for the ideal mix and marketed on the tagline, Sustansiyang Garantisado, Kalusugang Sigurado (loosely, vitamin guaranteed, health ensured).

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The technology is Total Mixed Ration (TMR), a method of feeding livestock that combines all forages, corn silage, grains, bio-fiber, protein, minerals, vitamins and feed additives formulated to a specified nutrient concentration into a single feed mix.

The brand is TMR Rumi Feeds, a complete organic nutrient single feed mix for the livestock composed mainly of forages, corn silage, grains, protein, bio-fiber, molasses and feed additives mixed and fermented to a single feed mix high in nutrient.

Each bite contains the required level of nutrients (energy, bio-fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins) for the livestock.

Man behind.

In his address, Capt. Morales emphasized the competition criteria includes impact to the community and job creation.

This is another reflection of Morales’ advocacy for the fortunate to “payback” the disadvantaged in terms of civic works.

He does not believe in dole-outs but on creating opportunities for the challenged to persevere as he did to liberate himself from the poverty of the farm he was born in. It took years and sweat, but he was able to establish a successful and growing business network in maritime, real estate and allied financial interests.

Other winners.

Jemar Robocca’s Car Wash Shared

Economy Mobile Application was adjudged First Runner-up and bagged P100,000; Chad Dorego’s Ice Candy 2.0 was Second getting P70,000 prize money.

Three won Choice Awards getting P50,000 each: •

Ms. Gladys Gonzalo, Multivit 5-in-1 Skin Lightening Soap

•

Mr. Andro Marvin Obed, Street Food Asia Restaurant

•

Mr. Pedro Mabalhin, Bamboo Skewers and Bamboo Charcoal Production

Consolation prizes of P20,000 each went to: •

Mr. Nerio La Luna – Love Love Duck Farm

•

Mr. Mark Royette Ababao – Greenhouse Indoor Plants/ Flower Export and Shop

•

Capt. Neciforo Abelidas – Calamansi Farming

Also in the gathering were William Gaspay (2015 Grand Winner for seaweed farming) and the mother of Ryan Mark Antiquera (2016 Grand Winner for soft broom making).

The Fourth NRCO-ISP Business Plan competitions will be launched June, 2018 in NCR and following July in other regions.

Sec-Gen Cotton: let’s build more!

Dr. Oca tours Sec. Tugade and a guest.

AMOSUP INAUGURATES HOSPITAL

by Coca H. Strobar

The vision of health care by the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Phil (AMOSUP) finds fulfillment in the inauguration of the Seamen HospitalManila, South Wing, last November 9th at Intramuros, Manila.

Msgr. Dan Sta. Maria gave the Roman Catholic blessings. The monsignor ministers the parish of the Immaculate Concepcion of Cubao, Quezon City which has been supported by the generosity of the Oca family.

Among the select guests are Sec-Gen Stephen Cotton of the Intl Transport Workers Federation and IMEC chairman Rajesh Tandon who were also both present at the groundbreaking ceremonies November 28, 2016.

With the distinguished foreign well-wishers is Mrs. Mercedes Fernandez-Oca, widow of Capt. Gregorio Oca, AMOSUP founder.

Dept. of Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade led government officials, with U/Sec Philip Judan, shipowners, crew managers and social partners in the industry at local and international levels.

Guests were toured by Hospital Director George Pile at the four-storey facility located on a 800-meter lot. Dr. Pile will focus on the health and medical needs of the Union’s growing wards, both members and their dependents.

The new hospital wing has more and larger rooms outfitted by modern equipment for surgery, dialysis and intensive care, oncology unit for cancer patients. The clinical laboratory, pathology and orthopedic

departments are complemented with delivery, operating and recovery rooms.

come aboard since “A happy seafarer is a productive seafarer.”

The fourth floor has the conference room for updates on medical trends. The staff and medical professionals are also wellprovided for with the Nurse station, intern and residents room, doctors quarter, private rooms, all connected for emergency access to the main building of the Seamen’s Hospital.

In thanking AMOSUP partners, he expresses the philosophy of “… in the end everything is about cooperation. No competition, only cooperation.”

The health care program for Filipino seafarers traces back to a vision conceived in 1974 for the Port area. Then rose the Roberto S. Oca Workers’ Clinic in 1980, developing into the Seamen’s Hospital-Manila in 1986.

Other Seamen’s Hospitals have been established in Cebu in 1997, Iloilo in 2005 and Davao in 2008. In 2013, an AMOSUP satellite clinic started to serve union members in Northern Luzon.

AMOSUP President Conrad Oca says the hospital, “… is a testament to our commitment to the Filipino seafarers.” While the good doctor does not wish seafarers to get sick, “at least, we have the facilities just in case they need it.”

Dr. Oca thanked the various donors like the ITF Seafarers’ Trust (for the dialysis equipment), All Japan Seamen’s Union (major benefactor), Intl Mariners Management Association of Japan, Norwegian and German unions, shipowners and shipmanagers, which they have been funding the hospitals through the years.

He reiterated AMOSUP is committed to uplifting the lives of our Filipino seafarers in terms of health, education, training and other needs. He wants happy seafarers to

Sec. Tugade explained President Duterte could not come being in Vietnam for a commitment for Philippines. He would have taken the opportunity to “shake the hands of many international partners that is with us today” to thank them for “trusting not only AMOSUP but, more importantly, for giving your trust and confidence in the way this new Administration seeks to run and manage the business commitment.”

The transport secretary has known Capt. Oca earlier than Dr. Oca. But he is impressed on the management of the doctor, leading the AMOSUP growth from 100,000 members to 130,000 in less than a year, from a clinic in the Port area to a chain of hospitals nationwide.

Sec-Gen Cotton observes, “... all of you are part of this success story. And this success story (is of) the great Capt. Gregorio Oca… a man of vision (who) …from humble beginnings has built the biggest ITF affiliate of seafarers.

He has many friends in this room and he has friends because he does the right thing, the right way for Filipino seafarers. So Conrad, to Oca Family, we love you because you deserved to be loved.

Let’s build more hospitals and let’s look after our maritime industry by looking after your seafarers.”

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FILIPINA HEADS WIMA-ASIA

by Ligaya Caban

At the IMO conference in Dili, Timor Leste, last November 9th, two Filipinas were elected to key Wima-Asia posts for 2018-2019: Merle Jimenez- San Pedro as head of Wima-Asia Governing Council; the other, Sonia Malaluan as treasurer.

Both are representatives from WIMA-Phil.

Wima-Asia was established in 2010 under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in consonance with its program on the “Integration of Women in the Maritime Sector.” The Philippines hosts the Secretariat.

Fifty delegates representing 14 countries— Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam– participated on the theme, “Transitioning from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

An aggressive campaign to spread information on these is being launched in all regional WIMAs, including those in the Pacific Islands (PacWIMA), the East and South African region (Womesa), the Caribbean (Wimac), and the Arab region (Awima). A WIMA in Latin America is expected by December.

Expectations.

Putting up national WIMAs is expected from regional WIMAs to serve as agents for localizing the latter’s programs.

WIMA-Phil prides itself to being the first to be established. It offers the best example in bridging the WIMA-Asia program for the MDGs, and has become the model for establishing national WIMAs. Regional WIMAs believe national WIMAs could hasten the mobilization of women in maritime across the globe and, thus, contribute to the realization of UN Agenda 2030.

The push.

Vision.

They were tasked to draw a strategic framework for measures to help meet, in particular, SDG 5 which is to “achieve gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.”

Plotting WIMA–Asia’s Action for the Future demands identifying goals and performance indicators to support a fiveyear strategic action plan for WIMA-Asia to allow for the achievement of SDGs and identify the work program for 2018.

WIMA-Asia joins other regional WIMAs in pushing for female empowerment and to increase participation in the maritime sector where career opportunities are available to women.

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The vision prioritizes the empowerment of Asian women as leaders in the maritime industry.

WIMA–Asia aims for regional Integration, support, and cooperation of women in national maritime associations for the promotion of greater and active participation on SDGs, including those relating to safety, security, environmental protection and trading throughout Asia.

Strategic framework.

1. Advocacy programme in promoting SDGs (women in maritime as stakeholders) •

Create process to meet existing gender quotas in IMO affiliated universities to ensure participation of WIMA-Asia applicants.

•

Provide consolidated regional updates to IMO on the activities of national chapters.

2. Capacity-building •

Mentoring programme and career counseling

•

Educational exchange program

•

Specialized committee establishment to share best practices

•

Hosting semi-annual webinars.

3. Partnership development with government, industry, IMO, and other international and regional organizations and civil society •

Scholarship fund for WIMA-Asia

Leaders

through collaboration and partnership with maritime universities and specialized training institutes •

Leveraging knowledge of existing national chapters to share best practices for establishing national chapters.

4. Communications and visibility •

Website containing a data base and directory of WIMA–Asia members and employment/internship opportunities

•

Hold WIMA-Asia conferences, rotating between member states

•

Creation of WIMA–Asia facebook/ social media page

•

Highlighting accomplishments of WIMA–Asia members (“woman of the year”/individual profile from each national chapter)

5. Sustainability

WIMA-Asia Governing Council with Timor Leste Deputy Minister Helen Buni at an IMO Conference held November 6 to 10 at Timor Leste.

4. Identifying mentors and areas of career specialization 5. Collecting annual reports of activities from country representatives 6. Developing schedule of webinars for professional development

•

Establish national WIMA chapter in every WIMA-Asia member country

7. Conducting the WIMA-Asia conference for 2019

•

Creation of WIMA–Asia memorandum of association to establish management and technical committees for the purpose of giving national chapters a voice at IMO

Full roster.

Council Work Program.

1. Consulting with IMO a. For the creation of national chapters and WIMA-Asia memorandum of association guidelines. b.

On how women from countries without WIMA national chapters can access to educational and training opportunities

2. Creating WIMA-Asia website to link to national chapter social media pages, as well other regional WIMAs 3. Establishing member database including contact information and areas of specialization to support mentor program

Similar to protocols at the United Nations, positions were fanned out by country. The Philippines earned the presidency (Merle Jimenez-San Pedro), the vice-presidency to Malaysia (Yasmin Mohd Hasni).

South Korea took the Strategy Development Officer (Sohyun Jo) with Vietnam (Anh Thi Tuyet) and Thailand (Mai Tran). Legal Officer is from Pakistan (Saira Soomro Najmi) while another Filipina was elected Treasurer (Sonia B. Malaluan).

Timor Leste and Maldives were elected to Registrar membership; Myanmar and Mongolia are Communication/Media Officers.

The lady.

Merle Jimenez-San Pedro is president of WIMA-Phil established in 2007 in support of the IMO resolution of encouraging participation of women in the maritime industry.

San Pedro also chairs the Movement for Maritime Philippines (MMP) pushing for reforms with its National Maritime Agenda accepted by President Rodrigo Duterte as a priority.

She is an educator, administrator of Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, a pioneer maritime higher educational and training institution in the Bikol region. She is a soughtafter Resource Speaker on quality and governance of maritime education and training programs, on challenges and opportunities for cadets/cadettes and women officers, and on gender sensitivity in the maritime industry.

Ms. Merle was elected in 2006 as the first woman president of the Philippine Association of Maritime Training Centers (PAMTCI), attesting to women empowerment. PAMTCI forms part of the Phil. delegation to the annual STW meetings of the IMO in London, England.

She holds a Master of Arts on Phil. Studies from De La Salle University (DLSU), a Lecturer on sociology and behavioral sciences at DLSU and at St Scholastica College-Manila, her alma mater.

Presently, she serves as president of Mariners’ Polytechnic Training CenterManila offering STCW training courses, active on improving coastal communities as primary corporate social responsibility (CSR), a regular contributor to Marino World, a maritime publication.

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Cover Story

Jimenez and Dy commit to partner

FOR JUSTICE, FOR CHARITY

MARINERS ON CRUSADE

by Coca H. Strobar Normally, contrasts are expected from opposites.

Like one for iron fist, the other for merciful gist.

Yet, our two Mariners compliment. For while one liberates, the other equalize.

The crusader.

“From the day I held Boboy’s body in my arms with blood and brain tissues oozing from his head caused by a bullet … I have becomed a different Dante Jimenez.”

That was 20 December 1990, his brother Boboy a 31-year old marine engineer, naval architect and advocate of children and workers’ welfare, recalled in the book, Profile of a Crusader.

The transformation was as the thunderbolt that changed the monster Gen. Saul into the St. Paul of peace and piety. Boboy’s advocacy Dante relived by founding and leading the struggles of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) synergizing earlier with the Crusade Against Violence (CAV) chaired

by Atty. Romulo Villa.

Common Front.

CAV used publicity to awaken the nation on the intensity of crimes and the weakness of our criminal justice system. CAV plodded on and with the glare of mass media, both Justice Department and the Supreme Court decreed

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to finish each heinous crime within 90 days on Special Courts. Congress also returned in 1994 capital punishment but repealed under Cory Aquino’s term.

CAV had two major effects: pressures on the criminal justice system to prioritize heinous crimes and a stern warning there is CAV that means business --- a partner of Government in crime fighting that cannot be cajoled, bribed nor intimidated.

Comes VACC. Jimenez experience with presidential task forces validated his suspicions that increasing crime is connected with corruption prevalent, nay almost ingrained, in the system. Thus, CAV leveled-up as VACC on 30 July 1998.

VACC filed the plunder case against President Estrada for PhP130-million diverted from tobacco excise tax of Ilocos Sur. Lawyers of CLEAR and CLAMOR filed similar cases, history was made.

Charging windmills.

Crusading is essentially Dante, starting ala Man from La Mancha but morphing as Super Hero. In 1993 as Phil Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) president, he introduced reforms that enriched maritime education and improved the quality of seafarers.

Jimenez was the high school editor-in-chief of Malate Echo, holds an AB-Journalism degree from UST, writes columns as “VACC”

at Kabayan broadsheet, “Krusada” at Pilipino Star Ngayon and People’s Tonight tabloids.

He hosted a talkshow at GNN cable television and co-anchored a week-end radio broadcast on maritime issues.

For one, he asks why the Asosacion de Damas de Pilipinas cannot spare PhP200-thousand for DNA testing of the 21 kids burned in the fire of the Asosacion’s old building. The ladies would not; they need all the money for a new building!

VACC is successful in its methods: 1) “Sympathy-extending” approach by sharing the grief of the survivors and relatives; 2) “Court-watch” by attending hearings and watching eagle-eyed the minutest infractions/ accommodations and 3) “Jail-watch” where members visit jails to validate the convicts are not given special treatment (and worst, faked “official” papers).

Creative.

Jimenez is a leader, educator and innovator.

Even if he was a Navyman, he shifted his students from N-ROTC to PCG-ROTC, the first in the country. He says it is ripe to support the PCG in search and rescue operations given the more than 20 typhoons annually in our archipelago.

He is involved in political dynamics, not the partisan kind of himself getting elected.

He is a prime mover of Bicol Autonomy Movement, a Region 5 group of academe,

business and civil executives and clergy seeking a regional charter to fast-tract progress in Bicol. They even boldly endorse an autonomous governance of a defined Bangsamoro constituency.

The philanthropist.

At the other spectrum is RAdm James G. Dy, PCGA, multi-awarded humanitarian and philanthropist. Dr. Dy is President and Chairman Emeritus of the Phil. Chinese Charitable Association (PCCAI), owner and operator of the Chinese General Hospital & Medical Center (CGHMC). He is also Chairman Emeritus of the Filipino Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Governor and National Treasurer of the Red Cross.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The Coast Guard (PCG) also receives aid through the Phil Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) where Dr. Dy takes the rank of Rear Admiral. PCGA is a non-government organization recognized by the Dept. of Transport to assist in protecting marine resources, in search and rescue operations on maritime accidents and sea mishaps.

Expansion.

PCCAI is working on building its own College of Medicine within the facilities of CGH Colleges.

The eminent doctor Dy is of Filipino-Chinese bloodline, a prominent business entrepreneur honed by World War II to be hardworking and perseverant. He considers desperate times, like the Japanese Occupation in WWII, as an opportunity to bring out the best in people.

“As you know, we have been training and nurturing young residents and interns in the different medical departments of the hospital system to be top medical doctors through the years. We want to convert that expertise into an excellent medical education program by training our medical students on our own platform,” says Dr. Dy.

Dr. Dy has major commercial interest in music, housing and real estate, electrical wire and devices manufacturing, medical and pharmaceutical, hotel and restaurant, travel and tourism.

A Cancer Center will be put up, threeshift Dialysis services will be increased to accommodate the rise of patients. These shall follow the completion a new building under construction.

The constant.

The hospital is actively working to achieve ISO-9001 2015 QMS Certification to formalize its service and expertise standard.

It may be sooner than expected, fueled by funding from its major pillars: the hospital, the college, and the Chinese cemetery.

PCCAI turned 140 years last June 2017 and continues with missionary zeal to help the poor and the disadvantaged, more so victims of typhoon, flood, earthquake and other calamities in far-flung areas across the country.

Dr. Dy has even petitioned the Chinese government to allow marginal fisher folks to continue fishing in the waters of the West Philippine Sea, an area disputed by the Philippines and China (insisting it is the South China Sea).

Desperate times not only bring out the worst in us, it also brings out the best in us.

Government workers are close to Dr. Dy’s heart since “They are serving our country at the frontlines. Their lives are exposed to danger.” This explains why CGHMC prioritizes its charity on them, formally committing with Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs) to give free medical care at its facilities for those wounded in action (WIA) from: The Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Phil (ISAFP) The Phil National Police (PNP)

The Heart.

“Why am I doing this? It is personal motto, if you do charity work, maybe God will see this and I can live longer” smiles the 87-year old philanthropist.

Already, the Wound Healing and Diabetic Foot Center is considered his prominent legacy.

Dr. Dy adds, “We look to the future with optimism to fulfill the avowed goal of greater service. We hope to continue our humanitarian works (to) … the next 20 to 30 years to be able to contribute to the wellbeing and general welfare of the Filipinos.”

Recognition.

Then Davao Mayor Duterte has already been impressed, quoting from the book, Dante Jimenez:The Crusade Continues: “One good deed can make a difference. To speak for the voiceless and to stand in the stead of those

oppressed is a greater deed that produces ripples of hope in the sea of suffering.

Hope is the best gift one can give to another and this book is filled with the promise of light amidst the growing shadow of fear hanging atop the weak, desperate and tormented.

Vigilance, wisdom and the undaunted will to pursue justice make up the person that is Dante Jimenez. He made the war against those who “take the lives” of the innocent his own personal crusade and in turn, restoration of the lost came to be.

May his story inspire every Filipino…”

Presence.

President Rodrigo Duterte graced the 140th founding anniversary of PCCAI celebrated at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel on June 28, 2017.

The Chief Executive conveyed appreciation to the PCCAI for assisting the less fortunate, charity works, and humanitarian aid.

He acknowledged the Filipino-Chinese community for their ‘love to their fellowmen’ as he witnessed the handover of 20 scholarship grants to legitimate children of military troops killed-in-action (KIA) in Marawi City.

Known for closeness to his mother, the president fondly recalled his mother was an early worker at the Davao Chinese school.

She was hired a teacher there in 1952 after his Chinese father and family migrated to Davao in 1949.

Milestone.

Jimenez and Dy signed on August 4th the MOA on upgraded health benefits to personnel of Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF-Legazpi), coinciding with the school 32nd Foundation Day and birthday of Jimenez.

This provides diagnosis and treatment, including major surgeries complemented with big discounts from room charges and on laboratory pulmonary x-ray services.

RAdmiral Dy considers as “… another milestone in our friendship through the signing of the first MoA that will extend medical and hospitalization assistance to all MPCF personnel. MPCF had been an integral part of building the maritime industry by producing exceptional seafarers…”

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Adventures of Capt. Bo

OF COUNTRIES AND CULTURES

by Ligaya Caban

The mariner “conquers” Europe.

The free spirit of the Filipino reflects in many forms. In the days of the Madjapahit and Shri-Visayan empires, he retraced the taro (yam) guided by the stars --- paddling nowhere to discover somewhere. He is the gypsy of the seas, seafarer to the core.

In this millennium, there is Dr. Dante C. Bo, ship captain, be-degreed. His maritime career carried him to continents between oceans. Wanderlust egged him to drive in 15 days to 11 countries: Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy.

The inspiring, grueling roll was between October 12-27, keeping dry in spite of the Octoberfest in the region. Yes, he was with his wife in the romance.

Yes, he was a child sparkling at scenarios of peaks and snow. And a tourist bogged down with tolls and tickets, border guards and rules, new things to old habits.

Timeline.

Capt. Bo attended the annual Europe TSM officers conference held in Zadar, Croatia, October 10-11th, the only Filipino among 136 attendees.

Next day was free-time, often for sightseeing. Train is the usual mode complete with research and tour guides in each country. But there’s the hassle of waiting, transfers, walking distances and downtimes.

After evaluating things, Capt.

Bo decided to drive throughout.

One who can drive in Manila can drive anywhere. Just follow traffic laws (a challenge for Pinoys).

Lessons.

At first burst, the police was already on him for driving without a vignette sticker. It is a form of road pricing imposed on vehicles based on time rather than distance travelled as in tolls (usually imposed just on tunnels and bridges).

It is not to be confused with Schengen visa, a document issued to visitors of the Schengen area of 26 countries who agreed their citizens can have free movement as if it is one country.

Capt. Bo has the Schengen visa but not the vignette. A fine of E300, about PhP18,000!

His heart started racing, not only for

At Paris, the City of Lights

the ticket but for the cost. He pleaded he is just an uninformed tourist, cajoling he loves Slovenia so much, beautiful Slovenia.

The officer relented with a 50% discount, still some PhP9,000 (which ticket Capt. Bo preserved and will laminate as a souvenir and a lesson he is still paying for on his credit card to date.).

The captain was waived penalty for using the fog light without the fog (maybe from a Pinoy habit of not discriminating when to dim or glare on the headlights). But he is conscious against using the horn (a Pinoy substitute for the break) as no one uses it there.

One should buy a vignette before entering each country. Borders are manned on little guard houses, so small Capt. Bo almost always misses the formalities on the next immigration officer just a few yards away. Embarrassing and nervewracking, to say the least.

But he is secured with his Schengen visa allowing a month stay and driving even without a driver’s license. He has seven other visas plus one for USA. Even the wife has an affidavit of support.

Hit and miss.

The two navigated with the GPS, often backing up on cross-roads. But they were never waylaid with the rosary, also a calming option whenever they see patrol cars.

He felt discriminated when the only one inspected at the border with 30 other cars. He was asked the standard whereare-you-going and how much money do you have. Capt. Bo was piqued given that he commands ships, on a vacation, not meant to skim on funds.

The longest stretch is France to Switzerland, darting through kilometers

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Stories of Mariners

of tunnels. Roads are excellent, the speed hair-raising. In Venice 120k phones, cars zoom 150-170, with flashy sports cars doing 200! He could almost hear curses with blinking lights signaling him to be aside due to his slow, careful drive.

Unique.

Instead of carving roads by mountain sides, they dig tunnels like at Mont Blanc (White Mountain) highest in the Alps and the highest in Europe west of Russia’s Caucasus peaks rising 4,808 m (15,774 ft) above sea level, ranked 11th in the world in topographic prominence.

The mountain stays in a range called the Graian Alps, between the regions of Aosta Valley (Italy) and Savoie and Haute-Savoie (France) site of the first winter Olympics. The Mont Blanc tunnel is 11.6k (7-1/2m) built between 1957 to 1965 as a major trans-Alpine transport route.

The Switzerland to Italy tunnel bored through 23 mountains, fully lighted with blowers, with telephone and motor

services. Vehicles use two tire types, one for summer for speed and another for winter for traction. Since his Fiesta car has summer tires, Capt. Bo must drive real slooow on icy roads or ice sleets.

beauty, its own culture and faiths that unite --- and in some differences, lead to war and armed incursions. There are castles of yore, as there are infras for growth and connectivity.

On the way back to Croatia, they experienced a windstorm, bursting at 170kph enough to lift butts even when sitted. Again, the rosary comes to steady their nerves.

Amusingly, there are Pinoys every where jelling with whatever, with whoever. The couple even visited a friend with a 15 year-old child precocious on singing and the piano.

Just as proud as the couple were, the welcome from each kabayan (fellow national) is as genuine as the hospitality in the Philippines.

The whole drive was almost like the traditional Visita Iglesia (Church visits) during Lent as the couple were amazed on the architecture and histories of the churches of each country. But in spite of the ecclesiastical glow, only very few are really worshipping.

Instead, the churches are tourists spots for the so called Modernists.

In the Netherlands, the church was even a venue for a non-religious event leaving empty beer bottles of the night party.

That goodwill, that certain smile of the Filipino, Capt. and Mrs. Bo saw firsthand in their trans-national drive in Europe. It is not just a journey of selfies and views --- theirs was epic in the sense of a new perspective of culture over pleasantries, of revisiting Filipino hospitality overseas.

At home now, the body aches are wellworth the unique adventure.

Insight.

Every country in Europe has its own

This is life --- with your love and adventure.

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MAAP Santos, AMOSUP Oca, and DOTr Dabi

MAAP CLASS OF 2017 The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific graduates 155 Aqueleas, the second batch of Class 2017, in ceremonies at its campus in Kamaya Point, Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan last December 6th.

Among the graduates are the 59 sponsored cadets of the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC).

Transport A/Secretary Lino Hambala Dabi was guest of honor and remarked, “Amidst us today is a group of young men and women…who have taken maritime profession as their career to build their respective dreams not only for themselves, their families but for our nation as well.”

AMOSUP Pres. Conrado Oca reminded, “…(G)etting educated at MAAP is an

opportunity and a privilege given to a chosen few …to experience outstanding education …Carry the brand of excellence” that his father, the eminent Capt. Gregorio Santa Cruz Oca, had envisioned MAAP would been known for.

Other guests included Bataan Vice Governor Cris Garcia and maritime stakeholders, major supporters of MAAP.

ASMAAPI GATHERS PRECIOUS BLOOD

ASMAAPI Volunteers on bloodletting

The Alumni Society of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (ASMAAPI) organized its first bloodletting project last November 25th at the Mariner’s Home Annex 1, in Malate, Manila from about 200 cadets, seafarers and MAAP alumni.

Manning agencies led by the International Mariners Management Association of Japan

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(IMMAJ) sent seafarers in support of the “One Blood Every Drop Counts” campaign of the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).

Supporters include Armada Hotel-Manila, Cebu Gems Review Center, MAAP, the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Phil and the AMOSUP-AJSU

Mariners’ Home.

ASMAAPI Pres. Ruszell Apachecha commits blood-letting will be an annual project.

Apachecha is from the first batch of Class 2003, now Director of the Cadetship Program of the University of Perpetual Help System DELTA.

Staff and patrons of the IMEC-AMOSUP AB ENGINE Program.

AB ENGINE PROGRAM OPENS CAREER JOBS

by Ligaya Caban

Under-privileged students will have an opportunity for a rewarding career with the inauguration of the AB Engine Program by the Intl Maritime Employer’s Council in partnership with the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Phil.

Named IMEC-AMOSUP AB Engine Program, it was launched last November 9th at the Don Bosco Youth Center in C.P. Garcia street, Barrio Magsaysay, Tondo, Manila, graced by ITF Sec-Gen Stephen Cotton, AMOSUP Pres. Conrado Oca and Adam Lewis, IMEC Head of Training and Operations with shipping executives.

The first batch is composed of 40 students given free tuition fees, board and lodging and competency-based education for 10 months, with an additional four-month on-shore, on-thejob-training (OJT) with one month stay at

the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) to process documents (passport, seaman book and the like).

Dohle Seafront Crewing Manila, Thome Shipmanagement, Western Shipping Southeast Asia.

Dan Aldrich Tolentino, Training ManagerIMEC Maritime Education Programs, says the program may take 18 months but guarantees a job from a partner company already waiting.

Natalie Shaw, Director Employment Affairs, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), says, “It’s special and very wonderful. I hope to be back for the graduation.”

Kimberly Karlshoej, head of ITF Seafarers’ Trust, recalls it comes from the Propeller Club originating some ten years back where she was involved on the “fantastic project.”

Raoul Ramos, Dohle Seafront Crewing Manila Recruitment and Training Manager, hopes for best results as “there is a shortage of fitters” and early graduates of the program are highly skilled and knowledgeable.

Of the more than 200 shipping company-members of IMEC, nine are direct patrons of the program in Don Bosco, namely: Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Phils, Bergebulk Maritime, Bridge Crew Management, TMA Ship Singapore, Epsilon Hellas, Marlow Navigation Phils,

The Western Shipping Fleet Personnel Manager is impressed on the over-all package and states, “They are bringing in a lot of efficiency and at the same time they are getting their benefits as well. I think it works mutually for both.”

Full project support

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Letters

BETTER THINKERS, NOT EARLY WORKERS

by Ms. Remy C. Datu San Antonio, Arayat, Pampanga As a teacher in a public high school, I worry on the motivation being focused for studying. It is no longer to seek knowledge but to get a job, an early orientation to be labor for the capitalist.

While understandable given the challenged economic situation, it is sad that entrepreneurship is second-fiddle, that freedom to aspire on sweat and merit is lost with the minimum wage.

Sometimes in the rush for instant gratification of Millennial habit, the solution becomes the problem. For all the good intentions, there must be an overarching perspective to see the future in the present. Sweat before the sweets.

Ironic, the K12 program confirms the dysfunction instead of the goal to be better thinkers rather than early workers. In practical terms, Government has committed the young to be ready for the businessmen, not for business.

On objective evaluation, some brownie points we claim are really shortfalls. Like a medal here and there on competitive sports. National athletes must excel on their own resources while sports officials are on constant international conferences.

Even on the arts, we see the parody of local primetime telenovelas aping Korean hits which used to follow Filipino trends. Scripts are simply re-writes (read, plagiarized) of popular Hollywood movies. Bollywood and Asian plots are not copied since they are as bad as ours.

We are proud being “The Manning Capital of the World” since Filipino seafarers are almost a third of global merchant mariners. To my mind, this is a back-handed compliment much like our OFWs are “modern heroes” doing menial jobs after earning college degrees --- nurses as hospital aides in the US, agriculturists as farm hands in Japan.

Yet, we still brag just for being overseas.

OFWs send photos and padala while secretly battling loneliness and discrimination from the host country.

Luckily, Pinoys are like chameleons able to adapt to the surrounding. As they joke, we can sell halo-halo in Iceland and pancit malabon in Chinese Hong Kong.

Maybe I am just too idealistic with my books. But as a mother, I do worry on the social environ my children will struggle up with. Already we are faulted as a damaged culture warped by various colonialists. Already, broken values are seen in our priorities as consumers, in our apathy on civic concerns, in our corruptive electoral process.

Yes, friends may ask: what are the alternatives?

I really don’t know.

But that does not mean I should not care.

CEBU GEMS SERVES LAS PINAS The Pambansang Review Center of seafarers extends to Las Pinas, with ribboncutting rites led jointly by Iloilo Judge Renato Munez and Ms. Joyce Jimenez, Cebu Gems Operations Manager for Luzon.

The new branch is at LG-5 DNBC Building, located in front of SM Southmall, at 481 Real street along the Alabang-Zapote Road, Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City.

For inquiries, Ms. Manilyn Gimaano may be reached at Mobile 09327706719 or by email at laspinas@cebugems.com

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OSM-MSI WINS 2017 ASIA CEO AWARD OSM has always lived up to its guiding principle, “It’s All About People.”

This motto was created by the founders, closely intertwined with the OSM values to be responsible, friendly, team-builder and always on --- as people is the main asset.

OSM provides opportunities to enhance technical skills and broadening knowledge on safety and quality performance. Their families are an integral to the firm under the OSM Seafarers Family Club (OSM-SFC) composed of those coming from 10 chapters from 10 provinces.

OSM-SFC enhances family values, wealth / financial literacy, social consciousness, leadership and health and wellness. It searches for ways to empower people like giving best services

in all facets of employment: recruiting, crewing, financial, crew support services, family welfare, insurance, healthcare, tax assistance, training and development.

The OSM-Adonis Donato Foundation (OSM-ADF) was established to impact through special projects and scholarship programs for the less-fortunate in lessassisted communities.

In its 25 years, OSM-MSI has earned accolades from private organizations and public agencies. The Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has bestowed on OSM-MSI the POEA Award of Excellence for 2009 and 2015.

On October 17, 2017, OSM-MSI won the I-Remit Heart Award of the Asia CEO Awards 2017 in the category of Heart for OFWs Company of the Year.

The I-Remit Heart Award is given to corporations implementing programs of positive and significant impact on OFWs and their families. OSM-MSI won over nominated industry giants like San Miguel, PLDT, Magsaysay, OWWA. Ms. Mailyn Borillo, President and Managing Director, was so surprised with the honor but thinks “OSM won this award because of our strong collaborative efforts to provide services that go the extra-mile… for our OSM seafarers and their families”.

Ms. Borillo hopes, “(T)his recognition will continue to inspire us individually and together as a global team. Our people believe in maintaining a mindset of making things better and because of that this achievement was made possible.

Together, we can accomplish anything.”

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TENORIO MORE THAN EL KAPITAN

by Ligaya Caban

Capt. Tenorio shares the good harvest.

The El Kapitan building was recently inaugurated, coinciding with the 65th birthday of Capt. Leopoldo Tenorio, CEO-Operations, Marlow Navigation.

But the story of the man and his family far outshine the two events.

Tenorio at 30 obtained his Master Mariner license, the first Filipino Master at Marlow Navigation. In 2007, the captain assumed as CEO-Operations for Marlow-Philippines (and also a major stockholder from being a poor, working student).

but insists on staying. She holds a BSCommerce (Corporate Management major) from Assumption College, Masters-Management from the Ateneo Professional School and MastersManagement from Ecole Superieure des Sciences Commerciales d’ Angers (ESSCA-France).

as business facilitator. She is a capital investor and field operator in various financial projects.

She writes (AC Times-Assumption paper), she sings (Assumption Chorale) she teaches tertiary level and creates

It is not about achieving, but life at its golden glitter.

Over these, Liezel is her father’s daughter showing heart as a volunteer at the Cancer Resource Wellness Community.

Marlow-Phil is one of the biggest of manning agencies, employing thousands of Filipino merchant mariners on board thousands of international ships in its management.

The other facet are his three children, Leodith and Leonardo both IT professionals based in Vancouver, Canada) and the youngest Liezel who is with the parents here.

Liezel reflects the dream common with the Captain: a lot in San Pascual-San Andres Bukid, Manila, purchased in 2013 for a one-stop shop for seafarers complete with bank, medical, food facilities and maritime services. She is so close to the father she is not a stranger on ships, understanding basic operational aspects.

Ms. Tenorio can compete well overseas

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Peer and family proud and happy

DOTr U/Sec Judan with SONAME officers

SONAME ELECTS LEADERSHIP

The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SONAME) elected last October 20th the new Executive Officers and Trustees to the Board for the 2017-2019 term.

Before the elections, Transport U/SecMaritime Felipe A. Judan was keynote speaker at the membership meeting held at H2O Hotel, Manila Ocean Park. He was conferred an honorary membership to SONAME. The leadership.

Chairman: Engr. Sammuel T. Lim President: Engr. Jerome M. Manuel VP- Luzon: Engr. Thaddeus T. Jovellanos VP-Vis-Min: Engr. Jose Venancio A. Vero Jr. Secretary-Luzon: Engr. Edna P. Dela Cruz Asst. Secretary – Luzon: Engr. Jonalyn L. Bensurto Asst. Secretary – Vis-Min: Engr. Jacklyn Antolihao –Descartin Treasurer – Luzon: Mr. Ricardo R. Tuliao Treasurer – Vis-Min: Engr. Rizalito S. Lanoy Auditor: Engr. Maria Teresa D. Mamisao PRO-Luzon: Engr. Rolando G. Abella PRO-Vis-Min: Engr. Jerry C. Cacacha In the morning, SONAME conducted its Technical Seminar at the Casino Español De Manila, Kalaw, Ermita, Hashtag winner Solito Manila.

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Sports

Staff on the light fantastic

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FIRST MGM FUN RUN A mix of about 200 executives, seafarers and wards jogged at the early hours of November 11th, inaugural Fun Run of Maritime Group in Mall of Asia (MGM) by the Bay jogger’s lane North Fountain.

competitions, guided by Wellness Coach “Captain Bok,” of Healthy & Nutrition Training.

International Registries

Declared winners in their categories are:

The nine MGM members are Klaveness Manning Agency, Marshall Islands Registry, Grieg Philippines, Norwegian Training Center, Anscor Swire Shipmanagement, Maersk Filipinas Crewing, DNV-GL, VShips/Pacific Ocean Manning and Rickmers Marine Agency Phils.

Male.

3rd place - Cuenca, Louise Margot -Klaveness

The project is for enjoyment than

1st place - Penolio, Vannie Jill-

1st place - Demasuay, Jake- POMI 2nd place - Anonuevo, Arvin- POMI 3rd place - Monedo, Michael- POMI Female.

2nd place - Cainday, Jessa Mae- Grieg

They all received honor plaques and cash prizes. Raffles were conducted for other prizes courtesy of the sponsors, Philcom and Health Metrics. Marino World is the exclusive media partner for the event.

In September of 2016, MGM organized a successful bowlfest at SM MOA bowling center.

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Events

MARINO WORLD SHARES FUN Our magazine had a little shindig, hosted

by Ms. Gel Miranda, Net 25 anchor and Marino World Special Project Manager.

Raffles and parlor games were fun December 13th at the Seafarer Center, SM Manila. Cash prizes and gift packs were courtesy of Cebu Gems Review

Center, Pag-IBIG Fund, Avida Land, NorthPort, Fastcat, OSM Maritime Services and Asian Institute of Maritime Studies Winners of the sought-after video challenge are: Albert Tubera, Personnel Officer,

Magsaysay Maritime, Ikaw Ang Pangarap Jade Ron Abellanosa, Cadet, Marsaman Manning Agency, Having You Near Me Robby Romquillo, Deck Cadet, Wilhelmsen-Smith Bell, Larawang Kupas.

An evening of class and classical music.

A DECADE OF MARITIME BENEFITS Marine Benefits celebrated its 10th anniversary last October 16th at Isabela Ballroom of Shangri-Makati with Norwegian Hull Club CEO Hans Christian Seim, Marine Benefits Pres. Adrian Stray, Public Health Manager Rebecca Jane Mejia, diplomats and major maritime stakeholders.

The firm is a leading specialist in medical, disability and life insurance

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to seafarers and dependents. Demand for these has increased since the Maritime Labour Convention requires social security for seafarers and dependents, with revised provisions on abandonment, death or disability insurance coverage.

Head office is in Bergen, Norway, fully owned by the Norwegian Hull Club, one of the largest marine insurers in

the world dating back to 1837. All its insurance products are underwritten

by Norwegian Hull Club and Lloyd’s of London, for strong financial security.

Outstanding employees were recognized with awards, sumptuous dinner complemented the elegant procedures and entertainment of the night.

PMMAAA honors Admiral Reuben Lista.

LISTA EARNS POLARIS AWARD The Phil. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association (PMMAAA) granted Admiral Reuben Lista, PCG (Ret), the prestigious Polaris Star Maritime Award at ceremonies held at the Palacio De Maynila last December 7 during the association’s Christmas Party.

Masters-Business Administration (MBA) from Ateneo de Manila University.

Admiral Lista is currently President and CEO of the National Oil Company (PNOC).

The admiral is past President of PMMAAI, current Director of the Integrated Seafarers (ISP).

He was the 18th Commandant of the Coast Guard (PCG), a licensed merchant marine officer who graduated with a BS Marine Transportation from the Phil.

Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), at the top of Class 1969.

Initiatives.

Lista holds a Masters-Intl Resource Planning and Management (MIRPM) from the US Naval Postgraduate School (USNPS), Masters-National Security Administration (MNSA), and a

He is a be-medalled soldier, serving as technical officer in the Navy (PN), Armed Forces (AFP) and Coast Guard (PCG) retiring in 2001 from the highest post.

As first Commander of the Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM), he developed its laboratory and capabilities on the changing maritime environment.

As PCG Commandant, he introduced Navigational Safety Rules and Traffic Separation Schemes and the “Sea Scouts”, set standards on construction of

structures over navigable waters.

Lista is behind the “Adopt a Lighthouse Program,” to maintain historical lighthouses.

Sports and skills.

He was president of Bowling Congress (PBC) and allied groups, managed champions in ASIAN Games and other global meets. Lista is honed in practical shooting, tennis and golf, a member of the Lions Club, Rotary Club and Masonry.

Family is his crown jewel, as loving husband to the former Jennette De Jesus, father of four: Reujenson, Reuben Jr., Richard Jay and Ruby Jean --- all accomplished in their own fields.

As any grandfather, Admiral Lista is at the beck and call of seven grandchildren!

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Events ports

Honoring great staff: EVP Ebron, CEO Stefanou and Pres Page.

BRIGHT MARITIME CORPORATION

LOVE BRIGHTENS CHRISTMAS

by Ligaya Caban

As if goodwill is not enough, Bright Maritime Corporation (BMC) celebrated the holidays with love in two separate events at its home offices at 16/F Maritime Plaza Tower, Ermita, Manila.

First glitters was December 9th with principals, executives, on-shore staff and seafarers with their families. President Desiree Page and CEO Petrous Stefanou led revelers with EVP Nancy BaliliEbron and Capt. Dimitrios Galanos, owner’s representative.

More gimmicks.

Noteworthy is the Christmas décor contest, beautiful ornaments created from recycled materials. Ten judges visited each floor/department last December 1 to check firsthand the uniqueness and resourcefulness, the creativity and involvement of each; a video presentation of the decorations supplemented the evaluation.

Then the Best in Costume fun, all the executives and employees were in costume --- even the kids mimicked merchant marine deck captains, chief engineers and Navymen.

Capt. Petros Stefanou, son of the Board Chairman, Capt. Georgios Stefanou, gamely joined in the dance floor circling an LED light, impressive as the modern interpretation of the Filipino classic, Pandanggo sa Ilaw (dance of light).

It started with wacky parlor games, then honors for employees logging 10th and 20th years of service. Of course, the rain of raffled prizes for giggling hopefuls.

Bubbling fun for all.

On the theme The Fantastic Voyager, departments showcased dance talents, the groups perked up with witty names as Sea Rangers, Navi Gaiter, Naughty Gals and Queen Marine Gyals, giving Super Heroes a run for the money.

While cash prizes were at stake, Ms. Page clarified “It’s a friendly competition” just to bring out the best in them, hidden talents in the performing arts.

Borromeo, Hinchliffe, Jebsen, Chawla, Olofsen

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She holds a Commerce-Accounting/ Management degree from the Holy Name University (formerly Divine Word College) graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1982.

The firm.

Cake and care for EVP Ebron

A sumptuous dinner was served, then the exchange of gifts as the night was rolled with dancing and sweet dancing.

•

Payback.

•

December 16th was the second Christmas Party, coinciding with the birthday of Ms. Balili-Ebron. Cakes and flowers, presentations and videos, surprises and well-wishers made her teary-eyed. More so that she is credited for initiating Christmas parties as a tradition for BMC.

Communicate with the Board, operating budgets, overseeing strategic plan.

Demonstrate management skills, leadership and ability to solve problems

BMC was established in 1994 to provide quality crews to various types of vessels plying global routes. It is a multi-awarded manning agency, a consistent recipient of the POEA Top Performance Award. It is also the choice of National Product Quality Excellence Awards and the National Council for Product and Service Quality as Best Manning-Crewing Services.

BMC is also a recipient of the Global Awards for Marketing and Business Excellence’s Most Outstanding Maritime Crewing Services and the Police Tribune Foundation’s Golden Achiever Award.

Doing the light fantastic

In her remarks, Ms. Ebron says, “This is the way of giving back”, alluding to the loyal services rendered by staff and crew, the sacrifices at odd times and at places --- beyond the normal load and expectations.

To the cadets, she appealed “…

I just need your patience and perseverance” as for sure they will earn a job, barring sickness or other disqualification that may place life at risk.

Talented onshore and onboard.

In a practical touch, she mentioned the staff were pampered with the voluntary work of cadets.

Credentials.

As EVP, Ms. Ebron is: •

Responsible for maximizing operating performance and financial goals.

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PPA & MJAP The Ports Authority (PPA) hosted a Media Appreciation cum Christmas Party December 20th at the Executive Lounge of the PPA Head Office Building, Port Area, Manila for all media covering the ports.

Joining were PPA GM Jay Santiago and Doan Bustamante, Asian Terminals Corporate Communications Officer.

The Maritime Journalists Association (MJAP) party followed in the afternoon in the same venue.

Headline Sponsor

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Enjoying the party.

C/E Tronco, pride of Capt. Orbeta and principals

TOP EVER XMAS FIESTA PARTY C/Engr. Jose Dante Tronco won the PhP100,000 bingo prize at Top Ever Christmas party held November 24th at Le Pavillon Metropolitan Park, Pasay City.

The fiesta-themed party had exciting raffled prizes, gift packs for everyone, photo booth, entertainment numbers.

VP Archie Orbeta led the staff presentations of folk to modern dances, with Capt. Oscar Orbeta joining in to the applause of the merry-makers.

Staff who have logged 10-year services were formally cited.

Capt. Orbeta waxed sentimental when he remarked, “Lahat ng mga pangyayari sa gabing ito ay dedicated sa lahat ng ating crew and their families” (loosely, all happenings in this night are dedicated to the crew and their families).

To cap the evening revelries, everyone chorused in the song, Through the Years, now a tradition in every Christmas party.

They put hearts together, relations beyond business and growing into each person, anticipating the next 20 years with Top Ever.

Capt. Orbeta with the principals stood by the door, glad-handing every crew and families as they exit, with season wishes and a sincere Salamat Po for jobs well-done.

Top Ever Marine Management-Phil was established in 1998, a certified manning agency with Japanese influence from Temm Maritime, a successful management company based in Japan.

Top Ever Shipmanagement is a sister company founded in 2004.

FIESTA FOR HCP, ISNTC It was a Filipino fiesta-inspired Christmas party for Hartmann Crew Phil (HCP) and Intership Navigation Training Center (ISNTC) held December 8th at the Manila Hotel.

Entitled “Pistang Paskong Pinoy” (Filipino Christmas Fiesta), guests and employees came with their interpretations of indigenous garments, terno, baro’t saya, and barong Tagalog.

Employees serving 20 years were appreciated and recognized on stage

by HCP Pres. and CEO Alberto Gomez,

along with Dieter Rohdenburg, Managing Director of Intership Navigation.

Capt. & Mrs. Edwin G. Auto: Lovebirds of the Night Highlight was the fusion of modern • Male Best Dress - BSN Ike Almalbis and cultural dance from select employees and the awarding • Couple of the Night - Capt. and Mrs. of the night’s stunners: Edwin G. Auro • Female Best Dress - Mrs. Zyda The rest of the evening was filled with Bayadog (Wife of 2/E Cristito singing, dancing, and games.

Bayadog)

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PARTIES, PARTIES!

Western Shipping Southeast Asia

PagIBIG Fund

Dept. of Labor and Employment

PTC Group

Marsaman Manning Agency

PhilHealth

With the EDSA “carmageddon,” it would have been faster to be riding on sleigh horses, jingling all the way all over town painted red-blue-green in tinseled glow --- Christmas!

Western Shipping Southeast Asia 13th Anniversary and 11th Family Day, La Pergola Verde, CCP Complex, Pasay City, November 25th. Pres. Bayani R. Gaerian, RAdmiral AFP (Ret), Managing Director Belal Ahmed both praised the pivotal contributions of Manny David who just retired as president last November.

PagIBIG Fund OFW Day PagIBIG signed a MOA with loyalty card partners Fragrance Factory, Universal Medical Center, ManilaMed, RAKSO Travel and SM Store at PICC, Pasay City, December 14th. Hector Dorias performed, first Grand Winner of Marino

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World’s “The Voice of the Seafarer.”

Marsaman Manning Agency

DOLE Year-end Press Conference

MMA GM Tonette Mabelo, Owner’s Representative Capt. Ioannis Mavrikakis and Finance Manager Peps Frias led the celebrations last December 15th at the Golden Fortune Restaurant, Kalaw, Manila. On the theme Treasure and Pleasure of Love This Christmas, cadets showcased talents in singing and dancing.

December 14th at DOLE Labor Governance Learning Center, Intramuros, Manila, resource panel led by Sec. Silvestre Bello III, with undersecretaries and labor attaches. Bello announced the opening of the OFBank for OFWs in January. A party for media followed, replete with raffled items and food.

PTC Group Colors of Peace Phil Transmarine Carriers Group celebrated Christmas December 15th at the PICC main hall in Pasay City.

Outstanding service awards were given to select staff, Arnel Ignacio and Morissette performed. PTC Founder and Ambassador Salinas and his family graced the event.

PhilHealth Media Pasasalamat Delio A. Aseron II, Deputy Spokesperson and Head of Corporate Action Center, led the event as VP-Corporate Affairs Israel Pargas was indisposed. It was held on December 22nd at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in McKinley Hill Village, Taguig, replete with food and entertainment, raffles and photo booth, dance and live band.

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