Marino World March-April-B 2017 Digital Edition

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VOLUME XII NO. 2-B ISSN 1908-0972

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MARCH - APRIL 2017

MARINO WORLD

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Feature Largest in the Country RED CROSS LAUNCHES RELIEF SHIP Cover Story 1 - Stop Connections Solution TABS PIVOTAL IN POST OPTIMIZATION Training Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA) FIRST HOMECOMING IN 25 YEARS

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Education

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TUGADE MEETS PAMI

Content

ABOUT THE COVER Layout by: Jhon Henson Ong

1-Stop Connections is a solutions provider that should be treated a major partner --even a savior --- for its system that decongested Manila ports

and stabilized tremors on the economy. TABS, Government and the common weal jointly saved the day.

EDITORIAL BOARD Publisher

Editorial Consultant

Lyn Bacani

Creative Director

B. Cortes Lagac

Content Critique

Commo. Dante Jimenez

Eva Tan

Jhon Henson Ong

Legal Counsel

Atty. Manuel Obedoza Jr.

News and Feature Writers Coca H. Strobar

Ligaya Caban

Contributors Ms. Merle San Pedro

RAdm. Adonis Donato

Atty. Cristina Beltran

International Contributors

F R Chowdhury

Mark Millar

Richard Teo

Special Project Manager

Visayas Correspondent

Photographer

Circulation Assistant

Gel Miranda

Joamirica Tud

Boy Ilano

Joana Marie Tud

EDITORIAL OFFICE 1732 Modesto St., Malate, Manila, Philippines Tel. / Fax (632) 521-3633 marinoworldpublication@gmail.com Mobile (63) 906-491-2777

Published by Bacani & Associates Media Services Co. (BASMS) www.marinoworld.com.ph

Publisher’s Note

For the Future Philippine global competitiveness is upscale in crewing merchant maritime operations. This is rooted in its romance with the seas, its archipelagic make-up that demands skilled seafarers.

And being the acknowledged Manning Capital of the World, her maritime workforce continues to grow leaps and bounds. No one debates with success, more so in a lucrative profession.

Yet, Marino World underscores that behind the perks and promises are shipowners associations like the Norwegian Shipowners Association and the International Mariners Management Association of Japan. Both pour in investments in education and training of Filipino cadets, the future mariners to man their ships.

These Associations underwrite sponsorship programs noting our good attitude, track record displaying knowledge and skills. Not surprising, many of our cadets are now captains and chief engineers, marine officers and maritime executives --- contributing to the international industry and national economy.

But we remain on guard despite our laurels. Like the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) release of the updated List of Recognized Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs)

last March after the safety audit here of the European Union through its EMSA. There were no coddling, heads rolled: big schools were delisted even those with big enrolment. Some schools should be sanctioned since they still operate despite being delisted in 2015 by MARINA and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

There is an extreme shortage of vessels for the mandatory shipboard training.

This makes more difficult and expensive earning degrees in maritime education, in exploring possibilities in the maritime industry. A lot of promising students falloff, content themselves on being ratings instead of officers, becoming menial labor instead of merchant mariners for the blue waters.

There are solutions but problems spawn from the solutions. Like South Korea is prepared to donate two vessels to MARINA for the shipboard training and on-the-job (OJT) hours of aspirants. But MARINA has refused to accept, wary it does not have the budget to maintain these vessels within its own regulations.

Being circumspect may be a virtue for MARINA. But being bold is displayed

by Senator Dick Gordon, president of the Phil Red Cross. He squeezes through the purchase on a great bargain of a catamaran-type vessel, preparing

for the biggest relief and rescue ship of the country. Darn the problems, kind hearts and good deeds will find ways to operate, to maintain, to answer on real time demands on life, limb and property herein and the Asean neighbors.

There are more in preparing for the future, like protection of our cadets while on shipboard training. Insurance coverage is arguably a prime concern as shown by the investigation of the Lower House of Congress (on the Starlite Atlantic tragedy) which claimed lives of students on training or OJT. Again, we see the disparity of protection (really, of concern) between international shipowners, and local operations. The former invest heavily on the cadets, the latter search for short-cuts for compliance at the lowest expense.

Whether this is pragmatics of business or just limitation of funds for CapEx and OpEx, we cannot even hazard a guess as factors vary.

On simplistic terms, the Philippines should invest more on the cadets for the future of the country in getting a chunk of the world trade. Her resources maybe challenged but may leverage with a team effort: Government and regulators, industry and investors, students and teaching/training faculties.

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Cover Story

1-STOP CONNECTIONS SOLUTIONS

TABS PIVOTAL

IN PORT OPTIMIZATION

by Ligaya Caban

1-Stop Connections CEO Bouari

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Before and After TABS: Clearly, yards were decongested.

1-Stop Connections Pty. Ltd. CEO Michael Bouari presented “The role of technology and solutions in improving the dynamic of ports and container terminal operations,” an expository that directly addresses Session 4 calling for The Application of Technology in Improving Port Productivity: BIMPEAGA’s Port Experiences.

This, at the 9th Phil Ports and Shipping conference held from February 22 to 24 at the Peninsula Hotel, Manila under the auspices of the Phil Ports Authority (PPA).

Not much, if critiqued as just among scientific (or marketing) papers. The impact of Bouari and 1-Stop TABS is best appreciated in reviewing the problem that almost maimed a national economy --- and his solution saved

billion pesos a day in real terms, in direct sectors of the logistics chain.

Bouari recalls, “In 2014 the city of Manila ground to a halt, that meant trucks were not allowed in and out of the port during certain times of the day. They needed a better solution, a truck ban was not going to cut it.”

Asian Terminals’ Bas Hokke mentioned when the truck ban was imposed, “It was pretty bad at times; you would have 100’s of trucks standing at the gates at one time with no spread of the load.”

TABS. In 2015, 1-Stop Connections worked with PPA, terminal operators and port community to provide an online solution to eliminate traffic congestion in and around Manila port.

In just three months, 1-Stop deployed the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) in September at international port terminals in Manila: MICT and ATI (a part of DP World). 1-Stop TABS is the solution that communicates to any Terminal Operating System (TOS), maximising the terminal’s productivity and TOS capability.

And in six months of implementation, even the heaviest of critics were applauding.

MICT EVP Christian Gonzalez states, “MICT was constrained, the local government and the road regulators did not match what the national government and port authority wanted to do at the terminal which was to operate 24/7 at the highest capacity.

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1-STOP CONNECTIONS SOLUTIONS: TABS PIVOTAL IN PORT OPTIMIZATION

Now with a system like TABS it allows us to modify behaviour and plan our arrivals and departures better.

We are now using the same labour; we do are doing around 30-40% more throughput both through the gate and across the quay.”

From February 2016, 1-Stop TABS and its rules were fully implemented and endorsed by the 17 mayors of Metro Manila. The truck ban was reviewed and lifted for drivers who have a 1-Stop TABS bookings. This was a huge win for the import and export community, allows the industry to be productive 24 hours of the day.

Win-win.

PPA GM Jay Daniel Santiago admits while 1-Stop TABS reduced the agency’s revenue storage fees, this was negligible compared to the impact of the decongestion on the overall economy.

The 1-Stop solution benefits traders, brokers and handlers because they save time and max equipment and staff usage while reducing cost as they no longer have to pay storage fees.

Indeed, Intl Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) won the 2016 Grand Anvil, the highest honor given by the Public Relations Society (PRSP), for implementing 1-Stop TABS with the push of its SVP, Christian R. Gonzales. (ICTSI also uses the 1-Stop VBS (Vehicle Booking System) at its operations at the Victoria terminal in Melbourne, Australia).

The public should get lower prices with such savings in business costs; the Government collects more by brisker business turnovers instead of from punitive storage fees spawned from systemic weakness before TABS. Full view.

Bouari details at the Conference the history of 1-Stop in saving hundreds

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of millions of dollars by reducing inefficiency with these: •

Electronic messaging at the import and export logistics chain

•

Visibility both online and B2B (integrated)

•

Created standards

•

Customs reporting and integration for cargo clearance

•

Only payment platform for instant clearance of cargo

•

Security and eLearning

The primary focus is to increase productivity across the supply chain.

VBS. Flagship project is the 1-Stop Vehicle Booking System (VBS) – the premier system for the Terminal to Landside Interface and is active in 15 facilities across Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

services to the freight and logistics community; with two decades in Business to Business (B2B) technology solutions.

His career started with 3M where he led a number of eBusiness solutions in the 90’s; then Sun MicrosystemsUK on a global B2B solution that required collaborations with others like Samsung, Sony and Fedex to automate and streamline the supply of products to consumers.

Success made Michael a sought-after B2B solution expert. He worked with P&O Nedloyd on port-related technology projects in the Asia Pacific. Then at 1-Stop when it was a startup.

He is instrumental in growing 1-Stop’s Software as a service (SaaS) offerings to the port community. His attention to detail, acumen to take an idea to a commercial & profitable solution, ability to crystalise a corporate/business strategy, rally the teams to successful execution --- these fuel corporate growth, as in Australia and new markets.

VBS at port logistics and operations reduces congestion, provides consistency, notification of events, valid electronic messages to maximize efficiency, numerous configurations, mobile app for iPhone and android.

As one looks closer, his pragmatics are evident:

Bouari knows big money is spent on upgrading new ports. And he tasks himself in helping get maximum value of that investment, wise to the fact “… In every supply chain and every port… is ultimately many different place across the supply chain. (I)magine its complexity … to coordinate with different place, with different people, with different timing of windows and timing of getting paper work right to picking up the goods to deliver…”

The way we do it? It’s easy. We help improve your business by collecting and organizing supply chain information in a way that makes it useful to you.

Credentials.

Michael Bouari is CEO of 1-Stop Connections, a solution provider that is delivering innovative products and

“We’re trying to keep things really simple – simple to understand and simple to use.

Our purpose is making life easier for the whole supply chain. Our goal is to do this by standardization, removing wastage, visibility, coordination and optimization.

Our services reach the wider seafreight supply chain community and our customers include shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, 3PLs, trucking companies, rail operators, importers and exporters.”

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Manning

The Maersk Project Team

PRESTIGIOUS NORDCHAM AWARDS

MAERSK CSR COMPANY OF THE YEAR The 2017 Edition of NordCham Awards granted to Maersk the coveted CSR Company of the Year for Nordic companies which have significantly contributed to economic growth, employment generation, investment, and corporate social responsibility in the Philippines.

as when it comes to the environment and the community,” he adds.

default setting for all the companies. It’s our responsibility, it’s an obligation, it’s a duty.”

GM Ramos acknowledged Rolando Tanguilid, chairman of farmers in Limay, Bataan, where the Maersk forest tree planting is; corporate hands who shared major efforts:

Formalities started at 6pm, March 23rd at the Fairmont Makati Ballroom with over 200 select Filipino and Nordic C-level executives, leaders of local and foreign chambers of commerce, Nordic ambassadors and diplomats, government officials and established media.

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He mentions the core of the MARPOL Convention 73/78, that in every place, in everything we do onboard the ship, we must think about preservation and protection of the environment. He wants this culture also in their shore offices.

In the run for the coveted were Novo Nordisk Parmaceuticals (Phils) and Grundfos IS Support & Operations Centre Phils.

Capt Renel Ramos, President and GM of Maersk Filipinas Crewing, received the award and remarks, “This is a manifestation of Maersk’s continuous commitment to the United Nations Global Compact Principles on Environment.”

The captain notes, “… businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges; undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.”

Ramos takes pride that A.P. Moller-Maersk is an integrated transport & logistics company with multiple brands, including a stand-alone Energy division. That it ensures commodities are moved efficiently and safely, doing this globally since October 2, 1876.

In the same token, “We ensure that we take responsibility in the areas we operate in, such

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2.

3.

Maersk Line – •

Thomas Fjeldbonde, Head of Crew Operations

•

Mark Parrotte - Fleet Crew Operations Manager

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John P. Largo – Country Customer Manager

MCC Transport •

Klaus Nielsen, Country Manager

•

Dan Ong, Finance Manager

Maersk Filipinas Crewing •

CE Clark Arenas, Cross BU Manager

“The environment and business are two sides of the same coin. If we cannot sustain the environment, we also cannot sustain the area where we grow our business,” Capt. Ramos ends.

Interview.

In an exclusive with Marino World, Capt.

Ramos reiterates, “… (I)t all started with the United Nations Global Compact principle and environment – it states that businesses should undertake initiatives to promote greater and environmental responsibility. It’s just like a

Maersk initiated, partnered with the community, the local government and DENR. Project agreement was made in 2015 and grew; by 2016, it is in 12 hectares, 10% agro forestry. Capt. Ramos says the project has fruit-bearing trees wherein, in the next five years, farmers may start to harvest and “will sustain the continuation of the project.”

The project is never for corporate imaging.

Capt. Ramos stresses, “We are very sincere of the things we are doing in the Philippines and the way we do business.”

Targets.

He further explains: “The mission of the project is carbon sequestration of 10,000 metric tons of carbon in the next 40 years and the only way that we can sustain that is to run it like a self-sustainable project wherein the local people will also have to take care with their own environment and there has to be, at least, a source of income to them… to expect that they will maintain it.

If we are going to plant 10,000 trees, we are going to sequester 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the next 40 years. And for that 10,000 trees, you will support 20,000 lives for the oxygen emission to the atmosphere.”

Categories.

The CSR Company of the Year was copresented by Habitat for Humanity for a company with Nordic equity with (a) Philippine-targeted and based CSR activity which was implemented in 2016, and (b) sustainable and viable to have a long lasting effect to the community where it is implemented and relevant to the current needs of that community.

Three other major categories are announced: •

•

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Growth Company of the Year (copresented by Regus Phil). For a company with Nordic equity with the largest (a) in percentage growth in number of employees (FTE equivalent) in the Phil between January 1 and December 31, 2016, and (b) in absolute number on the same factors.

Outstanding Employer of the Year (co-presented by BDO Unibank). For a company with Nordic equity which (a) showcases commitment to employees welfare (b) fosters a positive work environment, and (c) provides career and growth opportunities.

SME Company of the Year (co-presented

by KMC Savills). For a company with Nordic equity with (a) maximum 500 employees and turnover of 50 MUSD and no parent company outside the Phil, (b) largest percentage and absolute growth in employees between the same period and (c) the largest percentage and absolute growth in revenue from fiscal year 2015 to 2016.

Procedure.

Companies may self-nominate or be nominated by a NordCham member. Only NordCham members can be nominated and be nominated. Only those nominated between January 31 to February 28, 2017 can participate.

Board of judges is of top caliber: •

Jan Top Christensen – Ambassador (Denmark)

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Harald Fries – Ambassador (Sweden)

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Ramon Ilusorio – Consul General (Finland)

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Carla Limcaoco – Consul General (Sweden)

Maersk Pres. R. Ramos •

Perry Pe – Consul General (Denmark)

•

Capt. Ivar Thomasli – President (PhilNorway Business Council)

Program.

Registration starts at 6pm with welcome cocktails and networking time. Program proper starts an hour after with a welcome remarks from NordCham Philippines.

Mr. Henrik Nordvall, H&M Phil Sales Manager, delivers the keynote message, Sustainability in the Heart of Business Strategy – Drawing Parallels Between the Philippines and the Nordic Countries.

NordCham Awards finalists are announced; winners declared; followed by formal presentation of the honors to corporate representatives.

More networking encouraged, within dinner, various entertainment and live music. Raffles are drawn, with the grand prize of business class return ticket to Europe by Turkish Airlines.

Commitment.

Corporate concern on the environment is reflected, for one, by Maersk Filipinas Crewing (MFCI) efforts to help reduce carbon emission for humanity by its greening project launched in 2015.

Dubbed “Maersk Turns Green: A Carbon Sequestration Initiative,” it is a partnership with the Dept of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Samahan ng Magsasaka (Samasaka), a people’s organization.

Before the tree planting, Maersk, DENR and Samasaka volunteers were oriented as to goals and action compliments on climate change, implications on the future and how to nurture the seeds they are to plant.

The message is simply matutong magtanim nang maayos, learn how to plant properly the

coconut, grafted kalamansi and mahogany seedlings on a one-hectare area. For three years, funding shall come from Maersk and other partners.

The pilot project is within the ten hectares adopted from Barangay Duale, Limay, Bataan. A DENR Forester comments Maersk picked up the project just on time. The national greening project basically stopped in 2011, funds exhausted.

Proponent.

Capt. Renel Ramos, GM-Maersk Phil Manning Office, is an advocate of environmental integrity and energy conservation.

“We will sequester huge amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and at the same time we will also produce oxygen for the atmosphere. If you are going to plant one tree that means you will be supporting two lives.

The site is inspected quarterly, the people organization continues to plant 5,000 trees for MFCI. Target is another 10 hectares and 5,000 trees, going larger as more groups and business units of Maersk join in; and more, should global management in Copenhagen buys into the idea.

Related.

About 100 Filipinos board the world’s largest ships, Maersk Triple E vessels, so named for the “E” of the economy of scale, energy efficiency and environmentally improved.

Triple E has a capacity of 18,000 twenty-foot containers (TEU), 400 meters long, 59 meters wide and 73 meters high.

20 Triple Es will ply the vital Asia-Europe trade. These giant vessels reduce carbon emissions by about 50% per container moved on the economy of scale and environmentfriendly design.

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Feature Grimstad and Tomren enjoys the boodle fight

Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA)

FIRST HOMECOMING IN 25 YEARS

by Coca H. Strobar

The Norwegian Shipowners Association celebrated the 25th year of its cadetship program with the first grand alumni homecoming last March 25th in Cebu City.

The whole day affair is replete with touching moments: about 200 alumni, some with family, recalling together the fun and pain of the pursuit and now enjoying realization of the dreams; joined by the noble people who crafted, ministered and stood steady for the full progress of the career and industry program.

There were attendees from the very first batch, many are now captains and chief engineers, most are marine officers and executives of maritime companies.

The event was essentially in two venues, formalities at the posh Waterfront Hotel and kick-off at the University of Cebu Lapulapu and Mandaue (UCLM), both in Cebu City. It was a full activity package: reunion and networking with buddies, food boodle fight, sports and parlor games, press conference and elections, prizes and awards, a formal dinner to cap the night.

Program to stay.

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Erlend Grimstad, NTC-M Managing Director, notes in his welcome remarks, “There has been about 6,345… admitted into the program for these 25 years equipping and educating these seafarers to the highest possible standards and making them very well equipped and competent seafarers for predominantly the Norwegian fleet but we see that more of them are also in other parts of the industry, and also in managing positions…

This is definitely a program which is here to stay and which is continuing to develop educating and providing high competent seafarers to the world fleet…

So it’s a great honor for us to work with you and to see the results of 25 years.”

The eight Partner Schools of the program are: •

DMMA College of Southern Phils

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John B Lacson Foundation Maritime Univ- Arevalo

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John B Lacson Foundation Maritime Univ - Bacolod

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John B Lacson Foundation Maritime Univ - Molo

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Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific

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Phil Merchant Marine Academy

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Univ of Cebu-Maritime Education and Training Center

•

Univ of Cebu- Lapu Lapu and Mandaue

The program.

NSA Philippines Cadet Program is the most outstanding program of the Association of Shipowners’ Training and Education Project (ASO-ATEP), to develop competent Filipino seafarers through scholarship grants and best maritime education.

The program has tied up with maritime academies for the competencies needed from Filipino seafarers through quality education.

Established in 1992, the program has sponsored more than 6,000 cadets who graduated with BS degrees in Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering.

Turnover.

At the celebrations, the mantle of leadership formally transferred from Capt. Joran Nostvik to Capt. Jo Even

Tomren who just assumed last Valentine day.

Congratulations and felicitations warmed the turn-over, the event host observing “…the ship being held by the outgoing deputy director represents the vessel that carries the very philosophies of the NIS (Norwegian International Ship registry) NSA Phil cadet program. As it sails through the years may it remind us to carry the philosophies of the program…”

existed for more than 25 years.

Why? Because the program have delivered qualified seafarers. This cooperation between schools, shipping companies and the cadets are the key.”

Managers.

Nostalgic.

The NIS/NSA Cadetship Program carried on stewardship of these Program Managers:

Atty. Augusto Go, President, University of Cebu System, took the night with lived-in dramatics like insisting to talk despite rising blood pressure because, “I want to thank the NSA for the beautiful opportunity for UC to have this cadet program.

The homecoming was not just a reunion of the alumni. It is also of the people behind the success of the program who all shared thoughts and recollection for the alumni.

•

Directors.

•

Previous directors and deputies of Norwegian Maritime Foundation of the Phils (NMFPI) participated, two even shared thoughts, viz: •

•

Lars Fredrik Bleymann, first Deputy Director of NTC-M - “You guys are now the backbone of the Norwegian shipping industry as well as the international shipping industry. It’s something almost unbelievable but it’s true.”

Capt. Joran Nostvik, second Deputy Director - “The program have

by mentoring someone yourself… utilize your knowledge and skills and keep acquiring more so that when time is right you too can ….and be part of the great mentors as well.”

Second, Capt. Dag Ulfstein - “The project in cooperation with the colleges, produced the cream of the crop for Philippine maritime graduates and officers. “ Third, Capt. Helge Oliversen – “Today, many of my cadets that time are now captains and chief engineers. I’m very proud to see you grown.”

•

Fourth, Capt. Morten Johnsen - “It is of course a historic event for all of us. Some have been with the family for more than 25 years, some are newer members, but still we’re all part of the same family.”

•

Fifth, Mr. George Meljoe Frange - “Homecoming is about giving tribute to people who have mentored you and then paying the tribute

I forgot what NIS means (laughter). But I remember the names of Helge, Thomasli, Joran, Bleymann. Those wonderful days with you. I remember the first officer.”

Go says the school was then poor, he had to sell an old Mercedes Benz to tide things over. But he applied things he learned from NSA, “the University of Cebu is one of the biggest university now in the Philippines ... (and just recently a board top notcher in mechanical engineering).”

The cadets are all over the world now and some 400,000 of them remits 30% of foreign earnings to the Philippines.

He adds. UC has now the best hospital in Cebu City and soon, the best school

The national passion, basketball.

Bursting parlor agility

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NSA FIRST HOMECOMING IN 25 YEARS

Changing of the guard: Nostvik to Tomren of medicine in Cebu. Atty. Go attributes all these to lessons learned from NSA. He remembers Capt. Rodien Paca, among the five cadets of the first batch before NIS. He believes they made history and a book should be written on the cadets, with NSA and UC, among others.

Sworn-in.

After the awarding of prizes for the sports events, the elected officers of the NIS/NSA Alumni Association took the oath of office: •

President - Nelson Mejia, Jr.

•

Vice President – Joemar Losaria

•

Auditor – Reymar Hijara

•

Treasurer – Hernani Balinas, Jr.

•

Secretary – Janu Reyes

•

School/NSA Coordinators: Dennis Ritchie Paraguya, PMMA; Kristian Cruz, UCLM; Pedro Cariquitan, UCMETC; Paul Brian Sopeña, JBLFMU-Arevalo; Vlademir Palomo, JBLFMU-Molo; Charles Mangga, JBLFMU-Bacolod; Jomel Anthony Tuazon, MAAP; Paul Ritchie Bertulfo, DSCP; Mildred Magdirila, NIS/ NSA.

Earlier in mid-afternoon, Grimstad and Tomren joined the alumni at the conference with The Freeman, Cebu Daily News and Manila-based Marino World.

Great moments with buddies

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NSA Alumni officers meet the press

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Views from Above

GRIMSTAD & TOMREN ON NTCM & NSA

by Ligaya Caban The lower absorption is balanced since. “… the need for cadets has been down a little bit because many other vessels, in particular in the offshore fleet, has been laid up. So that’s not big anymore… But I think it’s cyclical so I think it will rebound.”

Managing Director Grimstad Marino World advanced e-mail questionnaires on policy and procedures, supplemented by a joint interview last March 21st, at the NTC-M Manila Simulator Center at E-com Five, MOA Complex, Pasay City. Sharing time and thoughts are: •

Erlend Grimstad, Managing Director, Norwegian Training Center-Manila (NTCM)

•

Jo Even Tomren, Deputy Director, Cadetship Program, Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA)

New era.

Barely a year-and-half in his Manila post, Grimstad already feels NTC-M unfolds a new chapter with new equipment and the training; opportunities clearly sinking in with more and more clients.

This, in a time with great challenges in the shipping market. The global downturn arguably affects training providers, taking a toll from the training centers.

Grimstad sees a slight increase in the general business, continues the commitment to the highest standard of training. NSA members may leverage on this, even attracting nonNSA to join seeing the quality of cadets educated within the Cadetship Program.

Challenge.

Grimstad explains the lower intake of cadets in 2016 is because of the K-12 transition of the government’s educational framework. By 2018, they expect to take a lot more cadets (although it is too early for now to tell how many).

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Grimstad thinks the BIMCO report that projects a wide demand for crew up to 2020 is yet long term.

BIMCO may most likely be right but “… it depends on the cycle and it depends on when shipping industry is rebounding.”

However, Grimstad warns, “… you cannot push the button and have new cadets tomorrow. It’s a four-year target so we need to prepare and plan ahead.

It would be very interesting actually to see how the shipping companies view the future… what they believe their demand for four years. So in 2022 they will need to estimate their need for new cadets (for NSA to plan how many cadets it will sponsor in 2018).”

Quality.

Grimstad states “We have (existing) cooperation agreement with four schools…

We don’t have any plan to cooperate with more.”

He underscores they are not a maritime authority, just a provider of cadet program.

Cooperation with the schools already uses a lot of resources “to continuously improve quality and competence and we are also doing our own audits as users.”

As an audit example, Grimstad quoted the University of Cebu Lapulapu and Mandaue (UCLM). They are very pleased with UCLM and will be very surprised if EMSA (the European Union audit team) would find any shortfall.

He takes an open mind on such maritime audits: “Either you can be on the offensive

and try to defend everything or you can look at it as an opportunity to continuously improve and improve even further…”

Grimstad is definitely pleased with the attitude of the administration of UCLM, a dynamic forward-looking and competent school.

Still, “(W)e are also comparing the schools to how they did previously and also comparing them with their regular cadets. And what I’m pleased to say is that we have a continuous development of competence.”

He sees a significant competence gap between those in the Cadetship Program and regular cadets. This means the Program adds to the competence and “… schools are helping us doing that very much.”

Grimstad points to a “long standing relationship with most of these schools, “not just a casual switch on-and-off everyday.

Over the years, they provide equipment, extra training like with NTC-M instructors during semester breaks. On top, they work on the curriculum with the teachers “to make the regular teachers and the regular teaching methodology as good as quickly as possible.”

The NTC-M Director admits it is a continuous process, developing the faculty and their competence to provide for the best.

But perfection cannot be achieved, hence “… it’s a continuous process.”

Tomren.

Grimstad introduces Tomren with “extensive maritime experience,” schooled from the renowned technological university of Norway, and may further uplift the program and competence of the cadets.

Tomren enters low-key: “I’m not here to reinvent the wheel, just if I can strengthen it, it will be good. But the program has been running successfully for almost 25 years now but we need to adapt to the changes in the market.

The Deputy Director adds, “(W)e need to look in to things and make it more convenient for shipowners to use and make sure that we never compromise on quality and that something I really want to look into the quality because we are suppose to deliver the best, and that’s what we aim for all the time.

Tomren have sailed with Filipinos and many other nationalities. The Captain asserts Filipinos are great seafarers. When provided with the right type of training and competence, they would continue to be the best in the world.

The posting in the Philippines allows his bonding with Filipino colleagues, always hardworking, fun people, and are professional. He declares it’s “… joy to work with Filipino and they are lively people but they are also as hardworking and serious when you come down to business.”

And new training opportunities and technology may influence the world to go forward. Ever an optimist, Tomren positively sees the future, even in the current downturn, where technology will definitely influence how the shipping industry is going to develop, the kind of competence needed to run ships for the future.

Offshore.

Tomren “I always say that the next job will be to be an oil analytic. And because one day they say that the prices are going up, and the day the prices are going down, it seems like nobody actually knows.”

He recalls a lecture of a well-known professor in NTNU who claims oil price is actually not driving the offshore market as much as we would like to think. That it is driven by a little bit of fear because everybody can make

NTNU. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is a prestigious institution more so in technology. While non-profit, it has a small, commercial company in maritime operations to market the consolidated viewpoints of visiting and teaching faculty in NTNU out to the shipowners and the industry.

As academics, they are very good at research and develop things.

Deputy Director Tomren

Technology.

NTC-M has 30 simulators and 134 computers and Grimstad says, “This is one of the most advanced and complete simulator centers…” in the Philippines and in the world.

This brings possibilities on additional trainings and assessments, too.

Tomren further projects learning the Philippines have a lot of natural resources, like minerals and marine wealth Norway is looking into in its ocean space program. This is to find viable ways to mine the deep waters, taking a lot of research, complex vessel, highly skilled mariners.

He believes in a synergy between the Philippines and Norway, like seafarers from the former while vessel technology and design from the latter. This cooperation in exploring the seas may be looked into as very likely, it will happen.

Outlook.

Grimstad “Somebody has been trying to state or predict that that’s over but it’s there to stay and it’s going to be more important in the future but perhaps by the rage of areas and what we have seen so far which is only exciting and so challenging with new technology and skill and competence there is huge opportunities for offshore and for nation with so much water also adjacent to your 7,000 islands, this country has massive opportunities.

He pledges to continue providing quality training, even in new areas that future shipping may need. After all, “the reason we exist is to provide the quality for the future seafarers.”

But not in sales, not in marketing what they know to those who could use these well. And when they have changes in interests, they leave and transfer to the next one. This is where the Captain picks for NTNU the data and knowledge, help develop them into training courses, While a commercial endeavour, it did not make money. For any excess in revenue is ploughed back to research to develop further the maritime industry.

maybe with a slightly different background when it comes to education and that is where we will try the best we can to influence and help.”

Tomren is circumspect in that while the Philippines leads the market (in number and quality of crewing) it must “…not rest on the previous records because there are so many other countries ready to move in.”

money on unstable world oil prices.

The short margin pushes a flurry of sells-andbuys, making the market very unreliable --fear! Yet, cargo movement is demanded by a growing population; such huge demand fuels maritime business in the future.

The teamwork between NTC-M/ NSA and the Philippine in quality education and training must continue as before, even enriched --- be a step ahead of others. On these, Tomren feels strongly he has relevant ideas to pitch in to maintain and continuously upgrade the program and the mutual commitment of the two countries.

Thus, “I am very much positive that it will see an increase in the number of seafarers but

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Education

TUGADE MEETS PAMI

by Coca H. Strobar

About a hundred officers from 48 school-members of the Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) met with Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade at its 42nd Convention and Elections of Officers held in Malayan CollegesLaguna at Cabuyao City last February 10 to 11.

opening doors for him to succeed in business endeavors. He was honed at shipmanagement at NYK, at Transnational Group of Companies for 24 years where he supported programs on education, partnership with employers, and training for scholars who are almost automatically hired.

personally to surf with MARINA, PPA, PCG, and allied interests.

Sec. Tugade departed from any written speech and spoke extemporaneously for rapport with the audience who appreciated the sincerity and candor.

He stressed, “(I)n my heart of hearts, the Filipino seafarers in quality and quantity are the Number One seafarers of the world. I can defend with anybody on that, to show, to prove and even to attest that Filipino seafarers are the best.”

The Transport Secretary is prepared to set a machinery to meet regularly, even a summit on maritime affairs (giving flesh to the assurance to PAMI by President Duterte himself).

In 2003, he founded Perry’s Group of Companies into trucking, logistics, shipping, fuel distribution, travel, and fashion. He started as an Executive Assistant at Delgado’s Transnational Diversified Group becoming its president and COO in 1973. He served in other companies until his legendary entrepreneurial successes.

In 2012, Tugade was appointed President and CEO of State-owned Clark Development Corporation to manage the Clark Freeport and Clark Special Economic Zone.

Appreciation.

Tugade recalls the shipmanagement industry is pivotal in his career,

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Tugade considers maritime schools as the foundation of that education, “the unsung heroes” who should continue with the advocacy, not so much as a business.

Support.

Before the program, Tugade held a close-door meeting with the PAMI directors to discuss concerns especially on cadets shipboard training. MARINA Administrator Marcial Amaro III and Angkla PartyList Vice Chairman Ronald Enrile also joined the meeting.

Tugade suggested that after the PAMI elections, they should book an appointment with him so he could attend

They may network, and Tugade assures to help “… within the bounds of reasonability, within the bounds of what is legal and within the limits of good governance.”

New officers.

The elections rolled smoothly, giving another term for Engr. Felix Oca as president and heading the roster of executive officers, like: •

President, Engr. Felix M. Oca (Maritime Academy of Asia & the Pacific)

•

EVP, Dr. Elizabeth D. Salabas (VMA Global College)

•

Sec-Gen, Commo. Dante La. Jimenez (MPCF-Legazpi)

•

Treasurer, Dr. Leticia C. Salas (St. Joseph Institute of Technology)

Appreciating citation from educators

•

Auditor, Dr. Arlene AbuidPaderanga (Asian Institute of Maritime Studies)

•

VP-North Luzon, Mr. Sabino Czar Manglicmot II (Midway Maritime Foundation)

•

PRO, Capt. Jaime Macawile (University of Cagayan Valley)

•

VP-Visayas, Dr. Terresa S. Sarabia (St. Therese MTC College)

•

VP-NCR/South Luzon, Engr. Benito P. Chiongbian (West Bay College)

•

VP-Mindanao, Capt. Lorenzo F. Eusebio (DMMA College of Southern Philippines)

Also elected members of the Board of Trustees are Mr. Eric Henry I. Alterado (MATS College), Dr. Eduardo P. Geguiento (Malayan Colleges Laguna), Dr. Matias A. Bentor Jr. (Naval State University), Dr. Gerardo B. Ty (Concord Institute of Technology) and Dr. Eutiquio Reyes, Jr. (Our Lady of Fatima University).

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Feature

Red Cross Pride and Joy

Largest in the Country

RED CROSS LAUNCHES RELIEF SHIP Super Typhoon Yolanda batters Eastern Visayas, closing airports and seaports, causing panic and pain to communities --- the Red Cross stymied in bringing in relief goods and disaster emergency services owing to lack of facilities. The situation twice repeats, as calamities pound people and places annually.

Now there is change. And hope.

On its 70th Anniversary on April, Red Cross (PRC) launches its first humanitarian ship obtained on the initiative of its Chairman and CEO, Senator Dick Gordon. Here are nuggets from the Marino World interview of Sen. Gordon March 17th at the PRC office in Mandaluyong City.

Pragmatic.

“I always believe that it is better to have something and not use it than to have nothing and not be able to address a disaster…

We are a country of 7,107 islands and every disaster from Yolanda to M/V Dona Paz or… in Batanes… or Guinsaugon (Southern Leyte). It’s very hard to get there, it’s very frustrating.

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In Guinsaugon, when there was a landslide I was in Geneva and I came down here. Just to send goods there took us 24 to 48 hours. With the ship now we could load up and be able to get the job done right away specially in the Pacific side … (like Quezon, Isabela, Batanes, Cagayan or Camarines Norte and Sur).

These are areas that are isolated like Catanduanes.”

Willpower.

When he took over PRC, there was hardly any ambulance and only a few blood banks; there are now so many and tagged nationwide. He built the PRC building without borrowing money; funds came in from believers, PRC now even have a Convention Center and warehouses in strategic hubs.

He dreams big, detractors always feast on his gumption. But Gordon delivers: the catamaran-type relief ship is huge and expensive, but he was able to buy it.

He vowed to build Subic with volunteers and faith of the World Bank. He solicited Fedex operations here sans the initial infra (and radars!) required. While Subic facilities seems deteriorated now, Gordon hopes to rebuild on the leverage of his Senate office.

Values.

“Everything I’ve done in my life has been taught to me by my parents who retired without a college diploma, only high school education. Everything I have done has been taught to me by volunteers who believe.

(M)any people who have nothing else will believe in themselves. Those who have money to lose they never believe because they’re afraid to lose their money. At Red Cross, everybody faces the future and may treat the future as its friend. And we treat fear as our friend.”

Voyage.

The Mat-Su Assembly unanimously approved to sell the ferry to PRC for US$1.75-million, a fraction of what the borough originally hoped to get for it. The sale was jointly funded by the International Federation of Red Cross, Red Crescent Societies, the British, German and Japanese Red Cross.

From Seattle, USA, the vessel journeyed engineless to Subic via barge by Harley Marine Services and towed by the tug Ernest Campbell.

Big Lift Shipping’s MV Happy Star offloaded it from the barge to Philippine waters. It is now docked at Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo City since December 2nd, to be transferred to Manila Bay for the official launch.

Currently named M/V Susitna, it will be renamed in a contest (#NameThatRedCrossShip), contest from April 1-15, 2017. Early entries are M/V Tandang Sora, M/V Humanity, M/V Yolanda.

Specs.

It is a 195-foot military prototype, one of the most hi-tech ships ever built at Alaska Ship & Drydock (now Vigor

Alaska) in Ketchikan, Alaska.

It can hold up to 120 passengers, 20 vehicles and has a 35-ton overall freight capacity. The main deck can be lowered to offload equipment and can land on as little as four feet of water.

The ship can operate both as a cargoloaded barge that can haul on shore and a twin-hulled vessel that cuts through choppy seas.

Convertible.

Gordon beams, “This gives us the capability now to address disasters in the islands. We are an archipelagic country and if we are going to be effective in

saving lives of people and being there to be sure that we can alleviate suffering as fast as we can, the sooner the better, the Susitna will be paying for its way.

(N)ot just in disasters but at times a ship will sink you can bring it there, bring several, bring even the amphibian onboard, launch the amphibian from the water from the ship and then recover it with rubber boats so that they can be picked up faster than usual.”

It will be used as emergency units’ rapid transport and landing vessel, relief supply transport ship, sea rescue vessel, medical facility deployment ship, mobile operations command post, and humanitarian education and training ship.

PRC Chairman Dick Gordon

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RED CROSS LAUNCHES RELIEF SHIP

Volunteers man controls

“It could carry 6x6 trucks, ambulances, payloaders, forklifts, fire trucks, refrigerated vans…relief goods to those…affected by disasters.”

Multi-purpose.

Gordon theorizes the vessel may help level the trading field. He observes produce from far and dangerous places are procured for a song like mangosteen for P5 and sold for P180-200. When not engaged, the relief ship may haul the produce, eliminate the middle viajeros and sell directly to the markets and malls of Zamboanga, Cebu and population centers.

He recalls doing just this earlier with the military’s C130 airplanes, trading capital from the country-side development funds of legislators and coordination with the Red Cross.

Better business will improve lives, and possibly, “that would mean instead of carrying a gun or helping the Abu Sayyaf they will be able to help themselves…”

Improve.

“I want them to revolutionize the way we stock our goods. You can now put it in a container van, don’t have to put in a truck anymore, pull it out, you can even load up a forklift…

(B)ring the ship to any place in the country. And we have now warehouses everywhere… (Cebu, Tacloban, Leyte, Zamboanga, CDO, Davao... Eventually we will be buying all these small warehouses…” to minimize cargo movement, stocking the warehouses by ship.

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Partners.

Gordon gambles, “Aboitiz promises to help us with maintenance. We have to raise money, No pain, no gain. I’m not afraid of that, we have just to work it out.

We are not a for-profit organization and if they see that we’re able to be effective, hopefully people will give us more money so we can maintain the ship.”

Fuel alone takes P27- million full tank, Shell usually picks the tab. Caltex pitches in during major disaster by filling-up PRC fuel trucks to move around and share to localities. Other interests may use the vessel for nominal fees (like DSWD) to help out PRC in its humanitarian missions.

“We may not make money but the profit is in human lives saved, in alleviating human suffering… That’s why it’s fun to work in the Red Cross.

Definitely, I’d like to see the maritime people helping (like Hanjin, Keppel, the local shipyards in Subic, in Cebu. Aboitiz has committed, so is the Coast Guard Auxiliary).”

Crewing.

At the PRC 31st Biennial Convention last year, PRC entered into an agreement with the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) for the latter to provide onboard crew and maintenance for the ship.

The MoU gives MAAP exclusive rights, for now, to operate the vessel. Gordon has done inspection and quite impressed the school “teaches our young sailors … modern shipping.” He even quips Susitna operations is by joystick, not a steering anymore, owing to cutting-edge, built-in computers.

However, Gordon makes clear in terms of the ship, the buck stops with PRC; in terms of steering the vessel, the captain takes the wheels and should exert extra diligence.

Dividend.

People should give contributions to maintain the ship. The dividend is in many people saved, get less hungry, brought to a hospital faster --- get water, clothes, shelter, get back to schools.

“That’s the real dividend. Money, you can always earn it. Everybody will die.

You cannot bring your money with you.

What a Red Cross volunteer passes on …a tradition… of greatness in service, kusang-loob, malasakit at kapwa tao (volunteerism, empathy and fellowship).

And that’s what he lives behind. He doesn’t count how many people he save.

He knows there are many. He doesn’t count how many food parcels he gave.

He just tells I was there and we made a difference.”

PMMA MultiSport-Cebu Gems Team

CEBU GEMS CARRIES PMMA FLAG Cebu Gems Innovation and Career Development Center continues to support the PMMA MultiSports competitions with a cash grant of P350,000 for the second consecutive year.

PMMA Multisport events are quite different from the usual hoops, with more than 600 members promoting these alternate competitions for fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

The sponsorship contract was signed March 8th by Capt.

Antoine dela Torre, Cebu Gems President and PMMA Batch ‘86 with Capt. Gilbert Garcia, PMMA MultiSports President and GM of Senator Crewing-Manila, PMMA Batch ’97.

While these are on local venues, PMMAers join prestigious regional, national or international race events as a group and as one team.

The sports project includes triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon, swimming, cycling and running.

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