US$8 €12 ¥200
VOLUME XI NO. 4 ISSN 1908-0972
PHP120
JULY - AUGUST 2016
MARINO WORLD
1
CSMART
the most advanced maritime simulation
and training center powered by Transas
technology, officially opens
THE NETHERLANDS – Carnival Corporation’s new world-class Center for Simulator and Maritime Training (CSMART)
was officially opened in Almere, Netherlands, July 14th. The CSMART is the largest facility in terms of training capacity
and utilises the most innovative technology solutions from Transas.
The Transas Integrated Full Mission Simulation Academy Solution implemented at the CSMART is a significant innovation
that moves the capability of the most complex challenge to maritime safety forward.
Carnival recognised that a step-change was required in the way seafarers are trained to improve safety at sea. The
interaction of human factors on board cruise vessels are some of the most complex in the maritime industry. Crews
empowered with a solid foundation of generic core competencies ensure significantly better safety outcomes than those that
rely heavily on established roles and procedures.
As a result of almost two-years of intensive R&D investment, the new training environment concept has now become a
reality at the CSMART facility.
The CSMART facility houses navigational and engine room simulators in various configurations from classroom stations
up to part-task and full mission solutions, interlinked to provide training and assessment for the entire crew.
Through cooperation with Dell, Transas reduced the number of physical machines by 77 percent from 650 to 150 and
cut energy consumption by 30 percent compared to a traditional deployment by the virtualisation of simulation tasks into
nVidia Grid System.
Full interswitching capabilities where any task can be available on any screen within the Simulator (Blackbox IP-matrix)
allow for a zero percent downtime which was one of the key requirements due to a to high volume throughput of seafarers
with defined limited training windows.
CCTV camera technology, similar to the one used at the ESA Space Centre, observes and records everything on the bridges
and in the engine room to allow full picture team training. Access is available to any task on any screen within the simulator
while the CCTV provides professional broadcast, AV control, recording and archiving system with full synchronisation of
all workstations, cameras and audio.
To ensure realistic team situational training for engine room and machinery functions, Transas has implemented high tech
‘gamification’ technology with 3D Engine compartments walk-through including usage of avatars controlled via large
touchscreens or gaming controller. The trainee moves avatar through the machinery compartments and can act as a team
with other trainees in case of emergency procedures.
Transas CEO Frank Coles comments: «The CSMART project is an important milestone in the Transas history. We are
proud of what has been achieved in such a short time through our close work with the Carnival Corporation, the CSMART
team and our project partners. By applying technological advancements never before utilised within the maritime industry,
Transas have created a multi-simulator integrated training that delivers an immersive real world situational environment in
which multiple crew members can operate and interact simultaneously, as if on a real vessel. This is the standard by which
all training should be measured.».
Education
MPCF TWIN CELEBRATIONS
Cover Story
“K” LINE BUILDS PHASE 2
Government
JUDAN: SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY
AMARO IN MARINA
SANTIAGO IN PPA
Shipping
PANAMA OPENS BIGGER CANAL
16
6
9
12
14
18
Content
ABOUT THE COVER
Layout by: Jhon Henson Ong
Local operations of foreign-based
organizations should not just be for
profit nor leverage. They must also
commit and synergize development
of the host country. This world view
is best exemplified by “K” Line in
constructing its second high-rise
building here.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Publisher
Editorial Consultant
Lyn Bacani
Creative Director
B. Cortes Lagac
Content Critique
Commo. Dante La 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
Special Projects Manager
Gel Miranda
Account Executive
Karen Mainar
Richard Teo
Visayas Correspondent
Boy Ilano
Circulation Assistant
Joana Marie Tud
EDITORIAL OFFICE
1732 Modesto St., Malate, Manila, Philippines
marinoworldpublication@gmail.com
Tel. / Fax
(632) 521-3633
Mobile
(63) 906-491-2777
Published by Bacani & Associates Media Services Co. (BASMS)
www.marinoworld.com.ph
Publisher’s Note
PROMISING MARITIME
Expectations are higher now with
the reassuring statement of a very
popular President Rodrigo Roa
Duterte: “The Philippines is in a most
advantageous position with Godgiven vast maritime endowments…
complemented by … hard-working
coastal fisherfolks, globally competent
seafarers, able maritime executives,
and ever expansive-looking maritime
communities.”
No beating around the bush, he adds:
“Recognizing this, the development of a
national maritime agenda will form part
of my government platform to achieve
an inclusive economic progress under
my leadership.”
These are on the Commitment prepared
by the Movement for Maritime
Philippines (MMP) and signed by then
presidentiable Duterte at the Talakayang
Eleksyon: Pagsulong ng Bayan,
Maritima ang Kasagutan (Election
Discussion: For Nation’s Advancement,
Maritime is the Answer). The forum
was held at Davao Merchant Marine
Academy Southern College of the
Philippines (DCSP), January 27th.
The event was witnessed by a cross
section of the maritime industry like
maritime cadets, seafarers and families,
fishermen, instructors, manning
agencies, government agencies and the
public.
The Davao assurance was not a fluke;
candidate Duterte also clasped hands
with major stakeholders of the industry
at the Joint Manning Group (JMG) First
Joint General Membership Meeting held
at Diamond Hotel, Manila, March 10th.
At that campaign period, Digong
presented himself as a man of action,
with concrete platform and sincere
in reforming the Government. And
barely the ink drying on his oath of
office, he posted an UnderSecretary at
the Department of Transportation and
Communications (DoTC) to directly
minister on maritime concerns.
In this issue, Marino World features the
triumvirate trusted by President Duterte
to help charter the ship of State:
Mr. Felipe A. Judan, DoTC
UnderSecretary for Maritime Concerns
was among the first to comply with
the implementation of a three-day
processing in its STCW Office.
This is only a sampling of what Marino
World notices as a concert of concerns
by the newly-appointed officials directly
affecting the maritime industry. They are
unanimous on the range of the challenge,
the need to act with political will and a
timeframe for positive results.
Buen entrada, go! go! Go! The start
gives us goose pimples.
But beware the mal salida, end-game
blues, the BSDU (Balik sa dating ugaliBack to old ways).
Our people have been subdued by
Colonialists, exploited by Imperialists,
dominated by Expansionists, even
conned by our own kind mouthing ideals
but steeped in corruption.
C/E Marcial Quirico C. Amaro III,
MARINA Administrator
The rising expectations must be
fulfilled, not used as the original EDSA
People Power noblesse catapulted the
undeserving into Government leadership.
Atty. Jay Daniel R. Santiago, PPA
General Manager
Oh, please God --- give it to us. This
time.
This, on top of an encompassing tsunami
of action for bureaucrats --- process
papers no more than 72 hours. MARINA
MARINO WORLD
5
Cover Story
Hardhats for stability
WORLDCLASS GOALS
“K” LINE BUILDS PHASE 2
by Coca H. Strobar
Mr. Jun Onodera, Chief Owners
Representative of Kawasaki Kisen
Kaisha-Manila and President of “K” Line
Marine Ventures Philippines (KMVP),
was visibly excited on the success of the
ground-breaking of “K” Line Building
Phase 2 Project.
“We are honored with your presence
today as we mark another milestone
in the history of “K” Line here in the
“Travel City” of Pasay, Philippines.
For the past 27 years “K” Line has
6
MARINO WORLD
established a solid business and personal
relationship with Filipino seafarers and
Filipino business partners.”
Onodera details: From 1989-1993 “K”
Line began partnership with Rayomar
Group of Companies by establishing
VENTIS Maritime at V.V. Soliven
building on EDSA, Quezon City. From
1993-2007, it transferred to the “K” Line
building in San Marcelino, Manila.
It was on April 1993 that “K” Line
Maritime Training (KMTC) was
established to offer training and
development courses to Filipino seafarers
hired and deployed by VENTIS.
Commitment.
Recognizing worldwide trade and
business expansion, “K” Line decided
to build “K” Line Building Phase 1
at Coralway Drive, Pasay City, from
October 2006 to Jan 2008. From
February 2008 until today, VENTIS
Full project support
Maritime Corporation, “K” Line
Maritime Academy Phils (formerly
KMTC), “K” Line Clinic, Rayomar
Metro Services and “K” Line Marine
Ventures (KMVP) worked together here
and called “K” Line building a second
home.
Onodera emphasizes, “Today we will
witness a new beginning as we break
ground for the construction of “K” Line
Building Phase 2. This new building
symbolizes our trust and hope for a
bright future and for continuous success
of our business and personal relationship
with the Filipino seafarers.
Please allow me to express my sincere
appreciation for the support of our
Filipino business partners and especially
the respected leaders of our host, City of
Pasay.”
Onodera even quipped, “I look forward
to standing here with you upon the
successful completion of this project and
cutting the ribbon together with you in
2018!”
A symbol.
Capt. Eiji Kadono, “K” Line Senior
Managing Executive Officer, publicly
expressed elation on the attendance
at the ground-breaking of VIPs from
government and maritime industry.
He even shared that Japanese for
ground-breaking is Ji Chin Sai, for the
pacification of the grounds. It is to join
the beneficial power of the ever-renewing
nature, realizing a world of peace and
balance, aiming at justice and happiness,
and creating a sense of safety and
protection.
The merchant marine captain cited “K”
Line Building Phase 2 is a symbol of
“K” Line commitment and confidence
with Filipino “K” Line seafarers as “we
mark our 27th year of partnership with
Manning company VENTIS Maritime
Corp., more than 30 years of business
partnership with Rayomar Group of
Companies as well as with our related
Ship Management and other Manning
Companies.
It will also provide additional
comfortable accommodations for our
seafarers while they are attending
training courses at KLMA-Phils, and a
place to stay before and after they join
their “K” Line vessels.
After completion of “K” Line Building
Phase 2, KLMA-Phils plans to expand
and upgrade its training facilities to
continue providing world-class training
programs for our seafarers.
“K” Line will continue to strengthen
the relationship with our Filipino
Seafarers, Filipino business partners
and all stakeholders around the world as
our shipping business proceeds toward
its second century after our 100 Year
Anniversary in 2019.”
More cheers.
Mr. Carlos C. Garcia, Business
Development Manager, Rayomar
Management says, “We are so honored
to be part of this new development of K”
Line Building Phase 2. I am optimistic
that it will greatly contribute to the
success and enhancement of all things we
are doing for Filipino seafarers.”
Pasay City Mayor Antonino G. Calixto
accepts, “Today’s ceremony is another
testament of “K” Line commitment
and dedication in promoting maritime
education and training for our youth and
people...
(W)e are likewise grateful for nongovernment entities in our city who
continue to be instrumental and initiate
valuable and well meaningful projects
that will benefit our constituents.”
Pasay Cong. Imelda Calixto-Rubiano,
represented by Atty. Peter Pardo,
observes, “K-Line has been one of the
dependable and faithful partners of the
City of Pasay in helping our constituents
especially those who have less in life.
K-Line through your CSR program used
to hold feeding program for the children
of Pasay in coordination with our office.”
Build and broaden.
The Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha builds its
Phase 2 Project in Pasay City while
expanding and upgrading an affiliate,
“K” Line Maritime Academy-Philippines
MARINO WORLD
7
“K” LINE BUILDS PHASE 2
Architect’s Perspective
(KLMA-Phils). It is a double-barrel
approach to being a trusted worldleading marine transport operator and
ensuring the continuous competency
building, upgrading and development of
its Filipino seafarers.
Ceremonial ground-breaking was done
July 01, 2016 with VIP guests from
The City of Pasay, Maritime Industry
Authority (MARINA), Technical
Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA), executives from
affiliate shipmanagement, manning
companies and senior executives from
“K” Line head office, Japan.
The “K” Line Building Phase 2 Project
will provide 225 more comfortable
accommodations for seafarers on training
courses at KLMA Phils. They have a
place to stay before and after they join
their “K” Line vessels. The Project shall
also be home for VENTIS Maritime, “K”
Line Clinic, and other “K” Line affiliates.
It also allows KLMA Phils to
continuously level up services, like
providing world-class training programs
to “K” Line seafarers, with approved
training expansion at the current “K”
Line building.
KLMA Phils is part of the “K” Line
global education system named “K”
Line Maritime Academy (KLMA). It
has KLMA training centers in Japan,
8
MARINO WORLD
Philippines, India, East Europe and North
Europe.
KLMA-Phils training facility expansion
and upgrading project includes additional
Bridge Simulation Systems, Engine
Room Simulators, Workshop Machinery
equipment, Deck Skills Laboratory and
Equipment, Working Aloft Training
Facility and other equipment for practical
hands-on training.
This new undertaking manifests “K”
Line’s trust and confidence in the
Filipino “K” Line seafarers as well as
its commitment to Philippine maritime
Coins for Prosperity
manpower industry. “K” Line will
continue to strengthen relationship with
Filipino seafarers and business partners,
all stakeholders around the world as “K”
Line fulfills Value for the Next Century!
“K” Line, moving to its 100 Years
Anniversary celebrations in April 2019,
is optimistic that the years ahead will
offer many opportunities to improve
lives of Filipino seafarers and their
families. “K” Line works hand-in-hand
to achieve the common goal of providing
reliable shipping services to customers
worldwide.
Government
_
JUDAN
SAFETY,
SAFETY,
SAFETY
by Ligaya Caban
Felipe A. Judan has been appointed at
the Department of Transportation and
Communications (DoTC) to hammer on
three goals: safety, safety and safety. The
posting revives that last used by U/Sec
Len Bautista during the Gloria M. Arroyo
administration. In such posting, U/Sec
Judan manages five DoTC agencies:
•
PCG, Coast Guard
•
PPA, Ports Authority
•
CPA, Cebu Ports Authority
•
MARINA, Maritime Industry
Authority
•
PMMA, Merchant Marine
Academy
Last July 19th, Marino World was
able to interview Juban at his office in
Mandaluyong City.
There was no need to break ice, he
is passionate on his public task, “I
came here to serve the country.” He
is not staying for the whole six years
of Duterte’s term. Perhaps, two years
dependent on verifiable, pivotal results.
“I am pressured to do it with a certain
time, that is the strongest, strongest
really, the challenge … Kasi kung hindi
ako mag aaksyon ngayon, kelan pa?” (If
I don’t act now, when?)
MARINO WORLD
9
JUDAN: SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY
“There are reforms that you cannot
do it on time but you lay down the
foundation, so this is the thing
that I’m really interested.”
Credentials.
He is be-degreed, a successful executive
in key industries like aluminum,
footwear, shipping, logistics. Six years
auditor at the accounting icon, Sycip,
Gorres, Velayo (SGV).
He holds a Masters in Business
Management (MBM) from Asian
Institute of Management (AIM); earned
a BSBA (Major in Accounting) from the
University of the East, cum laude. He
passed the board and registered a CPA
in 1969. He graduated First Honorable
Mention from Munoz Provincial High in
Nueva Ecija.
Personal.
The U/Sec was born August 23, 1948
in Munoz and now resides in Las Pinas,
Metro Manila.
He enjoys golf, bowling, basketball and
involved in sports associations.
He has a son and a daughter, both
married. The first born is a pilot in
shipping operations; the daughter,
married to an architect, is marketing
manager in a major mall in Ayala.
His wife enjoys life with their three
grandchildren.
Anti-corruption.
Judan marks that the marching order of
President Duterte is transparency. And
on top, it is also his business ethics like,
10
MARINO WORLD
“…kahit na doon sa private, kami ni
Art Tugade, talagang we go for what is
correct and what is right.” (… even in
private Art Tugade and I truly…)
He sets as an example an undeserving
seaman will just destroy the teamwork
on board. He feels old (over 65 years) to
hack other paths. But The President is a
straight shooter, to the point: between the
eyes of the corrupt.
And should anyone corrupts them, just
alert The President and he will take care
of the politiko (politician) to allow a
wider margin for private people in public
service do their best.
He quips, “I’m a golfer, so therefore you
must be honest…” And both him and
DoTC Sec. Tugade are angrily heralding,
“No corruption, we are emphasizing
that.”
As a starter, meetings are banned on
office hours. This weeds off quasiconcerns disguised as maritime issues.
These are double whammies depriving
the public of quality time as corruptors
(and bureaucrats) use official time for
monkey business.
Reforms.
These include culture development
or reconstitution of culture. The main
is how to improve the economic
contribution of the industry. Senseless
to improve domestic shipping without
inclusive growth to the economy. Each
sector affects the other, more so the
larger economy.
There is always a ripple effect on the
bulls and bears within the network.
In essence, Judan subscribes that,” That
to me is not only contributing to what
you intend to do for your business, but
you are part of a bigger group.”
Thus, he schedules consultations with
shipowners, ship brokers, industry users,
containers and so on. These are one-onone meetings since varied interests tend
to generate heated words.
Challenges.
The U/Sec is not wet on the ears. Al
contra, he is well experienced on facets
of the maritime world; on company and
career management, on the grain and
chaff of the business.
“The real challenge is can I do this on
time. While I want to do that, I make a
parameter, the problem is what are the
aspects that it can be done on time,” he
muses.
He observes money is needed, sometimes
not. Coordination is a must, sometimes
initiative may do. But whatever the mix,
“I won’t wait for 6 years.”
He targets two years, actually one if he
can. He will develop the attitude that can
go on for the next six years, to the next
ten years.
GOVERNMENT
U/Sec Judan open to people
Judan clarifies, “There are reforms that
you cannot do it on time but you lay
down the foundation, so this is the thing
that I’m really interested.”
The policies are there already, laid
clear at board meetings of agencies
under Judan’s management. He
believes implementation will depend
on resources or people on a target --making time as the greatest pressure.
Safety.
Department Top Three Priorities are 1.
Safety, 2. Safety and 3. Safety.
How would Judan act? Firstly, he
will increase the standards of the
classification society. International
standards are followed since
implemented by independent, sovereign
States. The domestic classification
is suspect to corruption. Like there
must be plates at the bottom of the
vessel. Checked as installed but really
substituted with check for the bank.
Safety will also bring profits to
operators. Under-the-table facilitation
causes delay; port congestions delay
--- all these delays eat on earnings and
ire of the patrons. With higher cost and
lower patronage, how can business
grow?
Realities.
Judan is partial to roll-on roll-off
vessels. These are mandatories in an
archipelagic nation, sprawling over
7,000 islands. He notes RoRos are
cheapest; fare is already for both
passenger and cargo. Container ships are
for cargo only, more expensive as crane
lift-on, lift-off are already about 40%
of cost. With the RoRos, port cost is
about 8-10% only. Plus convenience to
passengers coming and going.
But he observes most of our vessels are
very old, specially the passenger type.
Many are still wooden hulled which
should be taken off the service.
In Japan, 15-year old tankers (20 years
for passenger type) are decommissioned.
Who buys to continue active usage?
The three largest buyers are Indonesia,
Malaysia, Philippines.
About 70-75% of our passenger vessels
are 25-35 years old, over 50% are 30-35
years (and over!). He plans to get rid of
those over 30, given notice of a year and
a half, maybe (for lead time to order new
ones).
But he will check on financing like DBP
credit windows similar to those in Japan.
Judan hopes newbuilts are ordered at
the local shipyards to max economic
turnovers.
The U/Sec would cautiously balance
tripartite interests: the Government to
serve, the good of the public, viability
for operators.
MARINO WORLD
11
Government
AMARO IN
MARINA
Marcial Quirico C. Amaro III took over
Dr. Mejia as Administrator of the Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA) in simple
ceremonies July 18th at the MARINA central
office in Parkview Plaza, Manila.
Prior to MARINA, Amaro was VP for
Chelsea Ship Management and Marine
Services where he managed vessel operations
safely, economically.
Amaro is himself a seafarer with a BS Marine
Transportation (BSMT) majored in steam
engineering and electricity, Batch ’82 at the
Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA). He has
served on domestic and international vessels
of various types.
He managed for Transmarine Carriers (PTC)
for vessels and Filipino crew. International
Maritime Organization (IMO) hired him a
consultant, so with the computerization of the
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
Board Examinations for Marine Engine
Officers.
Amaro moved to valuation and condition
surveys, also audits for ISM Code
Certification (DOC and SMC) as Surveyor/
Assessor for the American Bureau ShippingMarine Services. Lloyd’s Register Quality
Assurance took him as Expert/Coded
Assessor, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
By 2003, he is Consultant for Petron Bataan
Refinery for safety courses, helped develop
manuals to safe port entry. In 2005, he
conducted suitability and safety inspections to
vessels using the Oil Companies International
Marine Forum Ship Inspection Report
(OCIMF-SIRE) Program for Petron.
He was also Lead Auditor for AngloJapanese-American Registrar for liquefied
natural gas (LNG), Marine Manager/Head of
12
MARINO WORLD
Vetting (Petron). He conducted annual vessel
inspections and ship vetting, ISM/TMSA
audits, assisted on maritime matters and ship
business.
With Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA),
he developed training regulations and
assessment tools. He headed the monitoring
of maritime schools and assessment centers
sanctioned by TESDA.
He was an independent ship inspector/auditor
pre-SIRE, TMSA, internal SMS/ISPS/MLC,
with the Liberian International Ship and
Corporate Registry for Asian countries on
documents compliance to ISM, ISPS and
MLC.
He lectures in schools on his expertise, coauthored two books in BSME courses.
Amaro earned a Masters in Shipping Business
Management from PMMA, a reserved captain
at the Marine Corps (airborne, combat
scuba diver, rainbow ranger and expert rifle
shooter). He holds a Doctorate in PhilosophyManagement at the International Academy for
Management and Economics in Makati City.
He passed UK Occupational Safety
and Health Certification, the first in the
Philippines to receive DnV Certificate of
Competence for Ship Superintendent. He was
honored Most Outstanding Seafarer in 2003.
Amaro was born in Iriga City on 23 August
1961, married Evangeline Nucum Pare and
blessed with three sons raised in born-again
Christianity.
Team person.
Marino World interviewed Administrator
Amaro July 29th at his office. He is obviously
perked on his marching orders, optimistic
with his teammates.
At first bat, Amaro praises the move of an
UnderSecretary for Maritime: “(W)e are
coordinate in one direction.” He looks at
U/Sec Judan as having the “compass” that
should align transit of DoTC agencies as the
MARINA, ports, coast guard, and the others.
He offers his time and service expecting
nothing more than making a difference. Not
monetary nor career enhancement. Fact is,
his recent posting creates a minor problem
his family being in the US and himself alone
here.
Bureaucracy.
He is hell-bent on implementing The
President’s public commitment of processing
papers no more than 72 hours, three days
standard processing in the STCW Office.
There are exemptions like review of plans
that demands validation and verification. But
findings must be relayed immediately to the
user who should not be clueless when (since
the waiting breeds corruption, avers President
Duterte).
People are needling Amaro why he is gentle
when he used to follow-up as a private
person. But he is so brusque now that he
is top honcho. But the role change is ideal;
Amaro can pinpoint bottlenecks (or “s.o.p.”
desks) and move full throttle. What takes a
month can be done in three days. Period.
There is an inherent problem, budget. We
are marginal at the central office yet we must
dial down to 12 regions. This slows things
coupled with technicalities of budget release,
usage, savings, reallocation --- the mills of
audit and safety nets. These contrasts with the
user-friendly systems in the private sector.
House cleaning.
The order of the day is cleaning the stable.
The President himself leads with rolled
sleeves, breaking protocols (not the law) with
common sense (spiced in rough language).
An example is the use of the social media
instead of paid hacks in the commercial mass
media. MARINA has installed Isumbong
kay Administrator Amaro (Report to
Administrator Amaro)
http://facebook.com/isumbong.kay.admin,
mobile phones 0919-911-2790 and 0920949-4364 with round-the-clock monitoring to
attend to the growing overseas calls, too.
He plans to expand to a call center. For
now, specific complaints are acted upon.
Generalized complaints are archived, unacted
like prank calls.
files to match competencies with job
functions.
An electronic engineer should be in IT, not
inspect vessels. There are other mismatch
brought about by political patronage and
office politics. These, Amaro vows to reform
not by reshuffle but with dismissal.
He is not hiring new ones as he believes his
bodies are enough when inspired to dedicate
themselves to their jobs, seriously.
STCW.
PMMAers? Why not if they fit the tasking?
He taps those whom he knows as competent,
dedicated and incorruptible. Amaro he is
open for the finest and the best of those
willing to serve, regardless of alma mater.
Some are petty: throw garbage properly,
clean what you use in respect of the next
user. Show malasakit (empathy). These are
almost childish but needed enough to evoke
censure from the head of agency.
Details.
Amaro shall strengthen research and
development as backbone of the industry.
Before talks on development of anything,
research is needed first. He quotes a smartie:
if you fail to plan you plan to fail.
He believes in education of seafarers, of
people in the industry. He points as example
the shipbuilding in Navotas and Malabon.
These give environmental impact on the
people working there. Yet, they show no
appreciation nor understanding. Instead, they
Amaro projects he is in the know of fixers
who must be caught in the act required by
due process. Those habitual or hardheaded
must face the consequences. He emphasizes,
“Kasi wala tayong pakiusapan” (because we
do not allow re-considerations).
Starting August 1, duty officers shall man the
trenches 24-7, to decide at once regardless of
the time nor day.
Postponed.
In a notice issued 19 July, board
examinations for Deck and Engine Officers
were temporarily suspended 21 July and
postponed to 28 July on allegations of
anomalies.
Inter-agency investigations were rushed
within the week. Examinees lowered, a
number fearing failure as questions were
modified from those already memorized by
street hawkers.
Questionnaires will be published soon,
mandated by the Implementing Rules
and Regulations (IRR) of RA10635. Two
Januaries have already passed and questions
are still unpublished. The current approach
is remove them from the examiners.
Instead, tap the Commission on Higher
Education (CHEd) and maritime schools to
draw questions from the usual theoretical
knowledge to required competencies.
Amaro even sees an added value: correct
grammar instead of how how de carabao
(faulty English from unlettered farm hands).
People.
The whole organization has no specific
axman; thus, it is foolhardy to promise heads
will roll. Amaro believes in due process, in
second chances. He is reviewing personnel
Like Capt. Eleazar Diaz took over as OIC
of STCW Department vice Capt. Herminio
Estaniel who suffers from a slipped disc and
cannot walk. Diaz has to be pulled from the
US, retired and comfortably settled with his
family.
He is on OIC status as Amaro plans to
reorganize MARINA, basically untouched
from its original design way back in 1974.
Diaz was president of Crossworld Marine
Services and Bourbon Marine Services, also
a PMMAer.
Rules.
It is almost de rigueur an ideal public official
is one who does not ask but prepared to
receive. Amaro bellows against and counters:
no one shall ask, no one shall receive. To
drive his point, he ordered the return of three
lechon (roasted pig) donated to party in his
assumption.
And adds more restrictions: don’t accept
even if unsolicited, no birthday celebrations
in the offices; no one should be late in afterhours meetings; serve with a smile, never
with a knitted brow. Avoid chismis (rumor
mongering) or face strict disciplinary action.
tolerate the trash, the dying of the river that
used to be a major water route.
Consultations.
Since July 12th, dialogue with maritime
stakeholders have been initiated for
proposals to uplift the maritime industry.
Being organized are several task forces and
technical working groups for shipbuilding/
repair/recycling, maritime safety,
environmental protection.
He will inspire associations to help pro
bono yet contribute expertise so expensive
in business. For manpower development, he
will engage alumni associations of maritime
schools to help charter the future and solidify
our edge as the Crew and Officers Capital of
the World.
Amaro cautions these cannot be done in
a dictatorial whim. We must work with
persuasive talk and impressive acts. There is
a timeframe from a very impatient President
to show the best in the shortest period.
Clock ticks and the pressure is on!
MARINO WORLD
13
Government
SANTIAGO IN PPA
Atty. Jay Daniel R. Santiago is the new
General Manager of the national Ports
Authority (PPA).
Atty. Santiago graduated from the
University of the Philippines with a BA
in Humanities and a law degree.
Prior to this, he is the Senior and
Managing Partner of a law firm
specializing in corporate law, and
handles special projects. Santiago was
also General Counsel of the Amusement
and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and
has extensive practice in gaming laws
and regulations as well as government
biddings and procurement.
Convenience.
Santiago was also a name partner of
Feria Tantoco Robeniol Santiago,
specializing also in corporate and
commercial law, particularly in banking
and finance, securities regulation, tax,
immigration, telecommunications and
new technologies and general business
advisory.
14
MARINO WORLD
In a casual chat July 13th with the press
at the PPA head office in Port Area,
Manila, the freshly minted PPA head was
equally relaxed.
“We are trying to rationalize everything
that will translate to the convenience
of passengers, cargo owners, logistics
service providers and also to all PPA
personnel,” says Santiago.
Santiago is personally asking private
service providers in the different ports
to fix all defective facilities, place these
in optimum level to reduce unnecessary
expenses oftentimes passed on to users
resulting to higher ticket prices and
logistics cost.
“I would want to concentrate on
especially within the first 100 days to
make sure that we follow all safety
protocols in all our passenger terminals.
The marching orders of the President
and Secretary Art is to make sure that no
untoward incidents happen during our
watch.
Initially, we will audit all safety
protocols and safety measures to address
any security threat in our port facilities
particularly and with emphasis on the
passenger terminal facilities to make sure
that it is safe for everybody, comfortable,
convenient.” Santiago ascertains.
The PPA head wants to also make
sure port and terminals are safe and
Consultations and consensus
comfortable; that they have the amenities
such as improvements of toilet facilities,
for one.
He will also equip passenger terminals,
initially the major ones, with free wifi
and free Internet access to all passengers.
Reception areas will be expanded,
including holding areas with basic
amenities, too.
Safety.
PPA will pursue installation of tracking
system and traffic equipment to properly
manage port traffic like the Vessel Traffic
Monitoring System (VTMS) and ship
Automatic Identification System (IAS) to
promote safe navigation.
VTMSs are now being installed in
Roxas-Oriental Mindoro, Iloilo, Davao
and Zamboanga; the AIS in Puerto
Princesa, Ormoc, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan
and General Santos.
Ease congestion.
Santiago believes a computerized system
of handling containers nationwide has
helped ease congestion. The decline in
storage fees paid to PPA is negligible
compared to the benefits that more
efficient cargo handling is bringing to the
economy.
The system is the Terminal Appointment
Booking System (TABS) which he
credited with a more efficient flow of
cargo into and out of PPA ports.
Changes.
Santiago issued marching orders to all
officials and employees to be transparent
at all times and prioritize clients.
At the very first minute of work,
Santiago also ordered all personnel of
the state-owned agency to refrain from
holding any kind of meeting during
office hours (8am to 5 pm) to not disrupt
delivery of public services.
“Meetings should not get in the way in
the course of public service,” Santiago
told PPA personnel at his first flag-raising
ceremony with the agency. “It is not a
reason to dispose of any of our clients.”
“The agency should also remain very
transparent and accessible to the public
in accordance with the new work culture
being installed by the President Rodrigo
Duterte administration,” Santiago
stresses.
“I am also ordering the review of the
current permitting processes of the
agency and will personally look for ways
to further reduce the burden in getting
permits from PPA,” Santiago adds.
Expansion.
PPA plans to expand the operations
of roll-on roll-off (RoRo) vessels to
improve inter-island connectivity and
docking for large foreign cruise ships.
Santiago confirms this as policy, “The
immediate plan is to address the concerns
of our public for their transportation.
We will improve the RoRo facilities. In
fact from the side of the Transportation
Department, they are trying to encourage
additional investments in RoRo
operation.”
Priority areas are ports with huge traffic
volume. PPA may start world-class cruise
ship facilities in key areas like Metro
Manila and Davao with Bohol, Puerto
Princesa, Caticlan and Currimao as major
arteries.
PPA has allotted P6 billion this year to
finance locally-administered projects
like the upgrade and rehabilitation of
ports in Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan
de Oro and Zamboanga. As of March,
PPA claims it had completed nine
infrastructure projects worth P313.03
millions.
MARINO WORLD
15
Education
Speaker Alvarez, Sec. Cusi lead well-wishers
MPCF TWIN CELEBRATIONS
Two sparkling events on August 4: 31st
Founding Anniversary of Mariner’s
Polytechnic Colleges Foundation –
Legazpi and 64th birthday of PCGA
Commo. Dante La Jimenez, President
and CEO.
The theme is Geared Up Towards True
Change.
Leading the guest list are House Speaker
Pantaleon D. Alvarez and Energy
Secretary Alfonso Cusi (coming from the
PDP Laban Party oathtaking at nearby
Albay).
Other personalities are Legazpi City
Mayor Noel Rosal, Gapan Mayor Emeng
Pascual with other government officials,
PCGA Admiral James Dy with Coast
Guard Auxiliary officers, Chairman
Martin Dino of the Volunteers Against
Crime and Corruption (VACC). And
Federalismo Alyansa Bicol convenors.
The well-wishers joined the Jimenez
family, their friends and school officers
in the traditional lunch prepared by the
HRM students and catered at the MPCF
Jimenez Hall.
16
MARINO WORLD
Gifts.
Jimenez accepted birthday gifts not for
himself but for the school.
Cusi confirms a possibility of MPCF
tie-up with a domestic shipping company
he once managed and taken over by his
son. He will suggest to Starlite Ferries to
have a MoA for MPCF cadets shipboard
training.
The Energy Secretary adds, “As a
birthday gift, Pards, we would have
a MoA signing…Maritime, shipping
is very close to my heart. Your
graduates bring … foreign currency
to the country… Kelangan talaga
magkatulungan tayo sa industriya… (we
need to help each other in the industry).”
Mayor Rosal assured MPCF of the
support of the government on its
endeavors. He announced a partnership
with the school on a future project in the
city.
The Legazpi chief declares, “I am so
proud to announce that this school is
part of the growing of the city... I have
a lot of young men and women who are
now in many places in the world given
opportunity by this school.”
Speaker Alvarez led the singing of
the birthday song for the celebrant
underscoring, “Gusto ko lang
magpasalamat sa pamilya ng aking
kaibigang si Dante Jimenez for
investing in the school business, yung
pagpapadala, pagti-train ng mga
seafarers because alam po nating lahat
kung gaano kalaki yung contribution
ninyo sa economy ng ating bansa. (I
wish to thank the family of my friend
Dante Jimenez for investing in the
school business, the sending, training of
seafarers because we all know how big is
your contribution to the economy).
Dante responded, “This makes me also
very proud they attended this occasion…
asahan nyo, andito lang ako sa Bicol,
kami ni Retired Judge Marvel Clavecilla,
classmate ni President, at iba pang
federelista dito. (assuring you I am just
here in Bicol, with Retired Judge Marvel
Clavecilla, classmate of the President,
and other Federalists here.)”
History.
Agreement.
Jimenez traces the story of the school:
that their father is not selfish but assures
the school is for his children, too.
Another highlight of the celebrations is
the MoA signing of MPCF- Legazpi with
the Phil-Chinese Charitable Association,
owner and operator of the Chinese
General Hospital in Manila.
Commo. Jaime C. Jimenez, declared
March 4th as the anniversary of MPCFCanaman at Camarines Sur, being
the birthday of (the late) Engr. Jaime
Jimenez, Jr.
August 4th is for MPCF-Legazpi, in turn,
the birthday of Dante.
He recalls when he left the Navy in
1984, he heard PMI’s Cloma is planning
a maritime school in Legazpi. He told
his father those are from Bohol, we are
Bicolanos who must have the school in
Albay. He went to check and when he
saw the elegance of Mayon, he readily
fell in love with the magayon (beautiful)
volcano. That was also the birth of
Mariners, 1985.
They opened in a very difficult time,
started with 30 students in make-do huts.
Now, the school have concrete buildings
and facilities, over 3,000 enrollees and
growing. Among many graduates are
ship captains and chief engineers, even
of international vessels.
This will provide diagnosis and treatment
to any school official or member,
including major surgeries complemented
with 50% discount from room charges
30% on laboratory pulmonary x-ray
services.
Admiral Dy notes, “… 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…
We honor the remarkable men and
women (teaching) … young minds and
hearts to appreciate seafaring as a viable
future in their horizon.”
More.
President Merle Jimenez-San Pedro,
Mariners’ Polytechnic Training Center,
led a symposium on the theme, The
Role of the Philippines Domestic
Shipping Industry in Maritime Career
Development.
Major speakers were Capt. Renie
Modelo, Business Development
Consultant, Archipelago Philippine
Ferries Corporation and Engr. Rogelio
Pavia, Operations Manager, Regina
Shipping Lines. Pavia is a graduate of
MPCF, oversees the company’s 80%
trainee-cadets from MPCF.
MPCF band and majorettes serenaded
Jimenez with songs as early as 4 AM.
At 6 AM, a parade on foot started from
Embarcadero to the Mariners Annex.
Following later were competitions
on swimming, posters and basketball
exhibitions. There were also band and
majorettes exhibition, dance presentation
from the first batch of MPCF K-12 senior
high school, awarding of outstanding
Mariners personnel.
At 9 AM, a Roman Catholic Mass was
celebrated for Dante; his mother and
school co-founder, Madam Eliza LazaroJimenez; his Aunt Luz Lazaro, first
registrar; his eldest brother, Dr. Gabriel
Lazaro Jimenez, the second president of
MPCF after the founder.
Ritual blessings of the official school
vehicle followed after the Holy Mass has
been offered.
Another working day, hard but meaningful
MARINO WORLD
17
Shipping
PANAMA OPENS
BIGGER CANAL
The Expanded Panama Canal was
inaugurated June 26th and its ambassador to
the Philippines relayed the great news through
formal, diplomatic channels.
H.E. Rolando Anibal Guevara Alvarado,
ambassador of Panama to the Philippines
calls the infrastructure “a new milestone “of
his government and people.
This structural marvel can serve larger
vessels transiting through the Canal, boosting
international maritime trade and synergy
among economies. The US$5.25-billion
project took years owing to economic,
structural and market research plus the
environmental aspect.
On the day, Panama President Juan Carlos
Varela Rodriguez, with foreign dignitaries,
government officials, major stakeholders of
the Canal and special guests, witnessed the
first commercial transit of a vessel across the
upgraded Canal.
Following the historic inauguration, over 100
Neo-Panamax vessels have already made
reservations for commercial transit through
the new locks. The ambassador reiterates his
country’s commitment, Pro Mundi Beneficio
(for the benefit of the world).
Neopanamax.
The first to pass was a Neopanamax vessel
of Cosco Shipping Panama through the
Agua Clara Locks on the Atlantic side of the
country. It exited through the Cocoli Locks on
the Pacific side. The ship left the Greek Port
of Piraeus on June 11, en route to Asia.
Originally named Andronikos, the vessel
was renamed by China Cosco Shipping as it
was selected during a draw for the inaugural
transit through the expanded waterway.
The Expanded Panama Canal is now
18
MARINO WORLD
officially open for business. Regular schedule
of transits through the canal starts June 27.
“More than 100 years ago, the Panama Canal
connected two oceans. Today, we connect
the present and the future,” says Canal
Administrator and CEO Jorge L. Quijano
adding “this is the beginning of a new era.”
Quijano further said there are currently
“170 reservations for Neopanamax ships,
commitments of two new liner services to the
Expanded Canal and a reservation for the first
LNG vessel to transit in late July.”
The Expansion Program is the Canal’s
largest enhancement project. It included the
construction of a new set of locks on the
Atlantic and Pacific sides of the waterway
and the excavation of more than 150 million
cubic meters of material, creating a second
lane of traffic and doubling cargo capacity of
the waterway.
While the expanded locks are 70 feet wider
and 18 feet deeper than those in the original
canal, they use less water due to water-saving
basins that recycle 60% of water used per
transit.
The expanded canal is expected to reshape
global shipping routes, increasing shipping
traffic to the U.S. East Coast.
Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Argelis
Moreno De Ducreux, Executive VP for
Planning and Business Development, Liner
Segment, shared more on the expected impact
of the new canal on the shipping industry.
De Ducreux says the expansion is already
having an impact on the maritime industry.
It is expected to shift trade patterns of entire
nations.
“Shipping lines, port facilities, rails and
distribution centers from different regions
are getting ready to take advantage of the
larger and more efficient ships. Shipping lines
are getting bigger in their fleet composition
and the Canal expansion will allow them
to deploy those larger vessels through the
waterway.
Furthermore, ports in the East and Gulf Coast
of the United States, some of which serve
vessels up to 9,000 TEU, are adapting their
infrastructure to allow even larger ships to
come ashore,” she continues.
Double tasking.
Outgoing MARINA Administrator Maximo
Q. Mejia Jr. took the occasion to also sign
with Mr. Jorge Barakat Pitty, Administrator
of the Panama Maritime Authority, a
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) mutual
recognition of STCW certificates.
The MoA lays out the conditions, duties,
and responsibilities of each party for the
recognition of STCW certificates.
Administrator Mejia referred to it as yet
another landmark in relations between the
world’s biggest seafaring nation (Philippines)
and the world’s biggest ship registry
(Panama).
Administrator Barakat lauded the great
benefit derived by world commerce from the
close cooperation between the two maritime
nations.
The MoA was signed on International
Seafarers Day, 25th of June, in Panama City.
Then President Aquino designated Mejia
as his Special Envoy to the event. Mejia
was joined in by Mr. Angelo Amonoy, First
Secretary at the Embassy of the Philippines
in Mexico.
MARINO WORLD
19
Event
Gift from SM to visiting IMO Sec-Gen
SM GLOBAL PINOY HOST
SM Global Pinoy hosted this year’s
celebrations of the International
Seafarers’ Day at the SM Convention
Center (SMX) in Pasay City, Metro
Manila.
The event, attended by around 5,000
seafarers and their families, marked the
first time IMO Secretary General Kitack
Lim was present in the Philippines, his
first visit to Asia since he assumed the
post.
Lim says, “Today, we celebrate the
official Day of the Seafarer, an event that
was created in 2010 here in this very city
and which is now celebrated all over the
world as an official UN recognition day.
In 2011, President Aquino also declared
this as the day of Filipino seafarers; so
we now have a joyous double celebration
of those often unsung heroes who do
so much for us all, and who play a
particularly important role in society here
in the Philippines.”
Annie Garcia, President of SM
Supermalls, explains their hosting of the
event is part of a commitment to honor
the many contributions and sacrifices the
Filipino seafarers do for their country
and family.
“SM Supermalls has strived over the
years to requite the sterling example of
the seafarer, including our OFWs whom
we deem as our new heroes and pillars
of the nation’s economy. Thus, we have
established the Global Pinoy Center in
every SM Supermall throughout the
archipelago (to) cater to (their) needs,”
continues Ms. Garcia.
Glenn Ang, Sr. VP (Operations) and
Program Head of SM Global Pinoy adds,
“(W)e salute our seafarers who stand
tall in their tasks; in their duty; in their
stewardship of their family. Thus, we
have set aside one day every year to give
due honor and recognition to seafarers
worldwide.”
Program highlights:
•
Oath taking of new marine deck and
engine officers
•
MARINA awards for Outstanding
Maritime Entities/Individuals
(Timonel Awards)
•
Launch of Women in Maritime
Philippines WOW Ang Byahe poster
to promote education and awareness
on safety in domestic ferries.
ISWAN.
OEF Seyle discusses with MTS Miller
20
MARINO WORLD
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and
Assistance Network (ISWAN) organized
a series of activities at the SMX Halls
including on stage entertainment
throughout the day, and a talent show by
cadets from maritime schools.
WOW Ang Byahe poster launch
Seafarers and their families took part in
family activities at the Children’s Zone,
sponsored by GASFI, and visit a range
of company stands in the exhibition area
with free giveaways. It also has Health
and Well-being Zone, sponsored by
UK PandI Club, which 1500 seafarers
passed through to take basic medical
tests, and receive health literature and
medical advice from volunteer doctors
and nurses.
recovery.
And more.
Filipino crew survivors and families of
the hijacked M/V Eglantine participated
in the seminar.
An early treat was offered by Marino
World last June 23rd. Saludo Sa Marino
(Salute to the Mariner) was celebrated at
the Seafarer Center, fifth floor of SMManila, a shopping mall.
Piracy.
Around 4,400 participated at the 10th
“Go Marino Go! Healthy Body, Healthy
Mind” fun run of the Filipino Association
for Mariners’ Employment (FAME) held
at the SM By The Bay at the Mall of Asia.
One Earth Director of Research Conor
Seyle discussed “After the Release: The
Long-Term Behavioral Impact of Piracy
on Seafarers and Families,” from the
research of Ocean Beyond Piracy and
One Earth Future.
The report explores the long-term
impact of piracy on seafarer and family
Other insights were expressed by Rev.
Canon Stephen Miller, Regional Director
(Asia) of The Mission to Seafarers.
Fun Run.
Part of the proceeds was donated to the
World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) for
its Maritime Environment Conservation
Program through Mangrove Tree Planting.
The affair entertained a prime audience
of seafarers as their documents are
processed by the MARINA SIRB and
D-COC Processing Center located in the
area.
Activities include Videoke Challenge
(singing), maritime seminars, product and
service exhibits, free raffles and promos
given with lively entertainment.
IMO Sec-Gen Kitack Lim with major participants
MARINO WORLD
21
Honors
AMOSUP Oca
AMOSUP WINS AT ISWAN
The Associated Marine Officers’ and
Seamen’s Union of the Philippines
(AMOSUP) wins the Dr. Dierk
Lindemann Welfare Personality of the
Year (for Organisations), a major award
for 2016 by the International Seafarers’
Welfare (ISWAN).
Other winners include:
• Duckdalben International Seamen’s
Club, Judges’ Special Award for
Outstanding Services to Seafarers’
Welfare
• Anglo-Eastern Ship Management and
MF Shipping Group, Shipping Company
of the Year
• Bremerhaven, Port of the Year
• Stella Maris-Barcelona, Seafarers’
Centre of the Year
22
MARINO WORLD
• Rev. Stephen Miller, Dr Dierk
Lindemann Welfare Personality of the
Year (for Individuals)
The awards were presented by IMO
Secretary General Kitack Lim to the
seven who have provided exceptional
services for the welfare and wellbeing of
seafarers.
This was at a high-profile ceremony
held June 24th at the historical Manila
Hotel in the Philippines. The special
affair is part of ISWAN celebrations in
the Philippines for the IMO Day of the
Seafarer.
The Welfare Personality of the
Year award is named after Dr Dierk
Lindemann who passed away on 17
March 2014. The good doctor served as
the Shipowner’s Group spokesperson at
the ILO. He is recognized as playing a
lead role in the adoption of the Maritime
Labor Convention.
Awards are funded by a grant from the
ITF Seafarers Trust; in turn, sponsored
by Garrets, Inmarsat, Crewtoo, Wrist
Ship Supply and the International
Chamber of Shipping. These are also
supported by the International Labor
Organization (ILO) and IMO.
Awardees.
AMOSUP is the largest seafarers’
union in the country with over 100,000
members. It continues and improves on
the legacy of Captain Gregorio S. Oca,
known as “the Father of Modern-Day
Filipino Seafarers.” He established the
Union on 11 November 1960 to unite
Filipino seafarers and work for social,
legal and moral rights of its members.
seafaring life through cultural projects
like theatre, photography exhibitions and
Captain’s Day in September every year.
Stella Maris-Barcelona.
Anglo-Eastern, Shipping Company of the Year
These are towards securing fair wages
and employment terms, benefits and
healthcare. It has created free healthcare
access at the seaman’s hospital, and a
clinic in Pangasinan, through the Family
Medical and Dental Plan. AMOSUP
supports quality living in its 300-capacity
Sailors Home, as well as a Widow/er
Survivorship Pension Fund and other
welfare programs.
AMOSUP offers world-class maritime
education through Maritime Academy
of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP)
founded in 1998. MAAP offers fouryear baccalaureate maritime programs
and maintains a training vessel, the
T/S Kapitan Felix Oca. The Seamen’s
Training Centre and Professional Career
Development Centre of AMOSUP
promotes career advancement and
licensing of qualified seafarers.
AMOSUP supports the continuing
growth and development, stability and
employment, and welfare of the Filipino
Seafarer and their family.
that sailing staff have a positive work
environment and good recreation
facilities on board, including social
events, gym and sports equipment and an
extensive book and video library.
MF Shipping Group.
It takes the welfare of their crew
seriously, providing flexible sailing
schedules and shore leave to maintain
work-life balance. To encourage
socialization, MF has its own social
media platform just for team members,
free Internet at sea and in port with
facilities in each crew cabin.
Bremerhaven.
The Port of Bermerhaven, Germany, tries
to ensure all seafarers get some fulfilling
time on shore. The port promotes modern
This organization based in Spain visits
about 2,000 ships a year and offer
religious support to all faith as well as
legal advice; staff at the centre go the
mile to address any problem visiting
seafarers may be facing.
Rev. Stephen Miller.
Stephen has paid special attention to
those on substandard vessels with no
other means of help. Working with port
authorities, he opened a new welfare
service in Myanmar. He promotes
seafarers welfare across East Asia.
ISWAN Executive Director Roger Harris
acknowledges, “It has been an honor to
hold the awards here in the Philippines,
home to a large number of the world’s
seafarers.
All of tonight’s award winners and
shortlisted candidates have made a great
contribution to improving the lives of
seafarers, and we are delighted to be able
to celebrate with them. “
Duckdalben International Seamen’s
Club.
Based in the Port of Hamburg, Germany.
The centre has always prided itself
on being a home away from home for
international seafarers.
Anglo-Eastern Ship Management.
Its approach to seafarers welfare has
won numerous awards from the Indian
government and employee unions. A
dedicated welfare department ensures
MF Shipping Group, Shipping Company of the Year co-winner
MARINO WORLD
23
Organization
2016 NRCO-ISP BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITIONS
Seafarers are again offered start-up capital,
a grand prize of P500,000, for presenting
the best model in the 2016 NRCO-ISP
Business Plan competitions.
prize winner was Seafarer William Gaspay
for his Seaweeds Farming proposal, now
operational and running well in Masinloc,
Zambales.
NRCO is the National Reintegration Center
for OFWs; ISP is the Integrated Seafarers
of the Philippines.
“I hope that this year, there would be
more seafarers who will be able to join
this Competition. We wanted to help
seafarers realize their dreams. Habang may
tumutulong, i-grab n’yo ang opportunity
(while there is help, grab). Seafaring is
not forever,” admonishes Capt. Gaudencio
“Jess” Morales, ISP president.
Three separate launches place the
entrepreneurial contest on the road:
•
June 22nd, media launch at SM CityManila events center
•
July 21, DOLE
Region XI at
Apo View Hotel,
Davao City
•
July 28, Elizabeth
Hotel, Cebu City
NRCO and ISP
signed a Project
Implementation
Agreement last 1 June
at the ISP Main Office
at P. Hidalgo Lim
street, Malate, Manila,
for 2016 a repeat of
last year’s success.
“Last year’s pilot competition was a
success. The NRCO and ISP would like to
continue this special project for seafarers
and their families as it became one of their
avenues in making their dream business
a realization. We would like to extend
hands to the seafarers for their fruitful
reintegration,” says NRCO Director Chona
M. Mantilla.
The contest last year attracted 40 entries.
Eight were on a shortlist for the grand prize
of Php500,000 coming from the ISP. Grand
24
MARINO WORLD
Rules.
1. Open to: a. Active seafarers preferably
those who are planning to retire from
sea life and interested to venture into
entrepreneurship. b. Inactive seafarers who
have been in the Philippines for not more
than five (5) years and interested to venture
into entrepreneurship.
2. Participants may
join the competition
either in solo,
in pairs or by
groups (minimum
of 3 members).
Competition entrants,
whether individually
or members of a team,
must be Filipino and
25 years old or older.
ISP Pres Morales invites seafarers
Dubbed as “From Seafarers to
Entrepreneurs: The 2016 NRCO-ISP
Business Plan Competition (Harnessing
Seafarers’ Capacities for Business
Enterprises Development)”, this
project aims to encourage and handhold seafarers intending to venture into
social entrepreneurship, and at the same
time, support the growth of jobs in their
hometowns.
The competitions is open to all returning
seafarers starting 22 June and closes 19
August, 2016.
ISP is a non-stock and non-profit
organization established for the welfare
of Filipino seafarers and their families. It
aims to create avenues where the seafarers’
families can improve their lives while the
seafarers are on active duty; and to provide
ways for their easier social reintegration
after the culmination of their overseas jobs.
NRCO is mandated to develop, promote
and implement a national agenda on
sustainable return and reintegration to
address the multi-faceted reintegration
needs of returning Overseas Filipino
Workers and their families, including the
development of their hometowns and/or
communities.
The primary clientele of the NRCO are
returning OFWs who are undocumented
OFWs; displaced, distressed and
repatriated OFWs; returning OFWs on a
temporary basis with the intention of going
back abroad; OFW returning for good; and
families of returning OFWs.
3. A qualified seafarer
who wishes to join
the competition but
is currently on duty
and is unable to
attend presentation
and coordination activities related to
the Competition including attendance
to screening and mentoring/coaching
activities, must have at least one (1) official
representative, preferably an immediate
family member, who will handle all the
tasks and activities required.
4. Open to start-up business plan only.
Agribusiness is strongly encouraged as a
business plan idea. Winners will be chosen
during an award ceremony on November
11, 2016.
5. Immediate family members of DoLE
and NRCO employees are not eligible to
participate.
6. Top 10 winners of the previous business
plan competition are not allowed to join.
7. Competition entrants must complete an
entry form downloadable at the NRCO
website: www.nrco.dole.gov.ph.
MARINO WORLD
25
Governance
The late Cadet Borra
CADET BORRA MAY FIND JUSTICE
Ship Intern Felipe Borra of Sara, Iloilo,
may not have committed suicide but a
victim of foul play.
On July 7th datelined from Iloilo City,
Ms. Glenda Sologastoa reports the
National Labor Relations Commission
(NLRC), Sub-Regional Arbitration
Branch VI, doubts ship cadet killed self.
Labor Arbiter Rodrigo Camacho noted
“an umbra of doubt that (Borra’s) cause
of death… (wa)s self-inflicted.”
Camacho then ordered Fil-Star Maritime
Corp., a manning agency, to pay Borra’s
family death benefits (including burial
benefits), unpaid allowances and
attorney’s fees as sought by the victim’s
family.
The NLRC branch came out with its
ruling on June 23, 2016. Still pending is
a separate criminal complaint (accessory
to murder) filed by the Borra family at
the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of
Iloilo.
26
MARINO WORLD
Borra, an honor student of John B.
Lacson Foundation Maritime University
in this city, was found dead in his MV
Sanko Fortune cabin around 8 p.m.
(Brazil time) on March 20, 2015.
That time, the ship was on its way to
Singapore from South America.
June 18 last year, Borra’s mother
filed charges before the Provincial
Prosecutor’s Office as accessory to
murder MV Sanko Fortune’s Captain
Bernabe Siro, Chief Officer Armando
Purificacion, Third Officer Michael Kent
Pajulas, and crewman Kevin Gan.
Camacho cited the autopsy report of the
National Bureau of Investigation noting
the injury or ligature mark encircling
Borra’s neck and 22 external physical
injuries on the intern’s face, chest, an
arm, and left leg.
Ms. Marilyn also charged with
obstruction of justice the management
and Board of Directors of the Philippinebased manning agency, Fil-Star
Maritime.
“….there are evidences that Felipe III
did not die of suicide, owing to the
sustained various external physical
injuries found..,” Camacho stated in his
decision. “From the facts obtaining, there
is substantial evidence to give ground to
a conclusion that the deceased…did not
die of suicide.”
However, the ruling added, “this does
not necessarily mean that (Borra) was
murdered…(I)t is not unreasonable to
say that a fight ensued before his death.”
Merchant Marine Capt. Victorio Milallos
of Fil-Star Maritime personally informed
the Borra family here of the death. He
told them the cadet committed suicide
by hanging himself from a coat hook
using a belt around his neck. He cited
the autopsy report of Singapore’s
Health Sciences Authority (HSA) which
examined Borra’s body.
Millalos is co-respondent in the
complaint for obstruction of justice
Borra’s mother filed.
Event
UFS Ramirez on Maritime Week
NATIONAL MARITIME WEEK
Arroyo also ordered the rotation of lead
organizers of the annual NMD between
the MARINA, PCG and PPA in tandem
with the Cebu Ports Authority.
GM Jay Daniel Santiago of the Ports
Authority (PPA) led the first formal
meeting on preparations for the National
Maritime Week (NMW) scheduled
September 25 to 30, this year.
•
Association of Maritime Training
Centers (PAMTCI)
•
Masters and Mates Association of
the Phils (MMAP)
The organizing meet was held July 2nd at
the PPA Corporate building in Port Area,
Manila. Present was UnderSecretary
Felipe Judan who filled the post of U/
Sec for Maritime at the Department of
Transportation and Communications
(DOTC).
•
Society of Filipino Ship Captains
(FILSCAPTS)
•
Women in Maritime (WIMAPHIL)
•
Apostleship of the Sea (AOS)
The president also sought the
participation of the public and the
industry to ensure success of the annual
celebrations honoring the country’s
merchant mariners and maritime
industry.
•
United Filipino Seafarers (UFS)
NSD
With U/Sec Judan are senior officials
of PPA, Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA), Coast Guard (PCG),
National Coast Watch and Department of
the Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR). Also present was Angkla, the
partylist representing merchant mariners
at the Lower House of Congress.
•
International Shipping Association
(PISA)
•
Lighterage Association (LAP)
Earlier in April 12th, the organizing
committee has met for details of the 21st
National Seafarers’ Day (NSD) as part of
NMW celebrations.
Joining government officials are major
officers of maritime associations:
•
Filipino Association for Mariners
Employment (FAME)
•
Association of Manning Agencies
and Ship Managers (PAMAS)
•
Conference of Maritime Manning
Agencies (COMMA)
•
Association of Maritime Institutions
(PAMI)
Business firms regulated by PPA sent
representatives like the Manila North
Harbor Port, Intl Container Terminal
Services and Manila International
Container Terminal.
The theme of NMW is Shipping:
Indispensable to the World, culled from
the World Maritime Day celebrations for
the year.
The affair is in accordance with
Proclamation 1560 issued July 17, 2008,
by then President Gloria MacapagalArroyo. This amends Proclamation 157,
earlier amending Proclamation 866
declaring September 27, 1996 and the
last Friday of September every year as
National Maritime Day (NMD).
The Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) led the
organizing committee.
The theme of the NSD is Marinong
Pilipino: Tatak ng Kahusayan (Filipino
Mariners: Mark of Expertise).”
Celebrations will be on September 25th
at SMX Halls, Pasay City.
Among activities approved are the
Memorial at Sea, Catholic Holy Mass,
oratorical, art and karaoke (singing)
contests.
Winners of the annual pick for 10 Most
Outstanding Maritime Students will
also be announced there. This project is
sponsored by Western Union.
MARINO WORLD
27
Feature
FASTCAT PARTNERS WITH SCHOOLS
Archipelago Philippine Ferries (FastCat)
has taken a proactive move to produce
globally competitive seafarers. It has
partnered with maritime institutions to
ensure industry knowledge and seafaring
competencies on the blue waters of the
world.
FastCat ferries are equipped with the
most modern facilities operated by highly
competent officers. FastCat opened its
facilities, particularly its roll on/roll off
(RoRo) vessels, to aspiring seafarers
enrolled at three institutions:
•
Phil Nautical and Technological
Colleges (PNTC)
•
West Bay College
•
Isabela College of Arts and
Technology (ICAT)
Supervising the teaming is the
Archipelago Phil Seafarers Training
Institute (APSTII).
“It all started when a maritime school
asked if they could send their students
to APFC for cadetship training,” recalls
FastCat EVP, Mary Ann Pastrana.
“The partnership became a solution to the
problem of maritime schools on where
to send their students for training, and it
also became a way for FastCat to have a
28
MARINO WORLD
pool of qualified and well-trained crew.”
FastCat has gained trust from maritime
institutions for its efforts in modernizing
catamaran vessels that adapt to weather
conditions and needs in the Philippines.
These experience and resources make
FastCat the most ideal training ground
for cadets.
“Our academic executives appreciated
the Shipboard Training activities that
APSTII submitted to us. We also put our
full trust in FastCat’s two-month OJT
program,” explains PNTC Shipboard
Training Officer Mario Tiu.
Shipboard Training Officer Tenioso
Abanil of West Bay College adds,
“FastCat vessels are also well-equipped
with modern facilities, similar to our
own, so our students can experience real
things. They also have very competent
officers whom I believe can be trusted
when it comes to training cadets.”
The training program accommodates up
to 220 cadets per year on ten vessels.
Numbers will increase as FastCat adds
more vessels to their fleet. “We are
increasing our capacity for shipboard
training via a blended learning in our
classrooms and in our training facility
found near the port,” assures Pastrana.
“We are also in the process of converting
one of our ships into a full pledged
training vessel which can accommodate
as much as 3,000 students.”
Cadets must follow the learning objective
prescribed by the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED). They will perform
duties in-line with the shifting schedule
of FastCat crew members and officers
under the supervision of the Vessel
Master.
“We have produced officers and
engineers who are now on board
international vessels. Late last year up
to this month we have 10 cadets from
FastCat who have successfully passed
their licensure examination,” points
out ICAT Shipboard Training Officer
Assistant Dr. Deogracia Lamsen.
In 2015, FastCat endorsed three passers
of its Cadet & Ratings Educational
Assistance program to Scorpio
Transport and Manning Services. The
program assists cadets in achieving full
accreditation by undergoing necessary
training. The three scholars are now
working for FastCat.
Now, FastCat further expands training
of students to be at par with global
standards. They must keep on learning
best maritime practices. These ensure
trips that are FerryFast, FerrySafe and
FerryConvenient for the passengers.
Embark on a lifelong career.
While we are passionate about shipping,
V.Ships is a people company.
We know that a good crew is what makes a
voyage successful. Because of this we are
enthusiastic about hiring and retaining the
best crew and supporting their development
throughout their career.
www.vcrew.com/phl
Contact Us
Main Office
Bradco Avenue, Aseana II,
Aseana City, Paranaque 1702
Phone: 858-9900 / 401-9557
Cebu Branch
3rd Floor Crown Building, North 6
Road, Cebu Port Center Reclamation
Area,
Mabolo Cebu City (behind Sun Gold
and in front of SM Cebu)
Phone: 032 238-2449 / 032 238-9713
Performance assured
MARINE PHILIPPINES 2016
Keppel Subic execs with guests
The 3rd Marine Philippines 2016 repeats
as a highly successful international
exhibition of maritime, shipbuilding
and offshore technologies, equipment
and supporting industries co-located
with Shipbuild Philippines and Offshore
Philippines.
More than 100 companies participated
including 16 from Singapore subsidized
by their government with 50% of
conference fees.
The over-all theme was “Propelling
Philippines’ Marine and Shipbuilding
Industry Ahead!” and held June 6 to 8
at Halls 3 and 4 of SMX Convention
Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila.
•
Opening ceremonies and tour of exhibits
were led by then Maritime Industry
Authority Administrator Max Mejia, Jr.,
National Coast Watch Council Secretariat
Chief Jose Luis Alano, Maritime League
Chairman Carlos Agustin and Fireworks
Trade Exhibitions and Conferences
Philippines General Manager Elizabeth.
Top-caliber technical talks were
delivered by:
•
Mr. Meneleo Carlos III, President,
Shipyard Association of the
Philippines, Potential of the
Shipbuilding Industry in the
Philippines and How Philippines
Can Maintain its’ Status as One of
the World’s Largest Shipbuilding
Industry.
Mr. Leong Kok Weng, President,
Keppel Subic Shipyard, How
Can the Philippines Marine and
Shipbuilding Industry Contribute to
the Local Oil and Gas and Offshore
Sector.
•
Atty. Rino Abad, Director IV,
Energy Resource Development
Bureau, Envisioning the Future of
Philippine Oil and Gas Industry: A
Department of Energy Perspective.
•
U/Sec Jose Luis Alano, National
Coast Watch Council Secretariat,
The Role of the National Coast
Watch System in Supporting the
National Maritime Agencies in
the Development of the Philippine
Maritime Economy.
•
Engr. Daniel Reyes, MARINA
Maritime Safety Service Head,
Modernization of the Philippine
Tanker Fleet.
MEETS IN OCTOBER
The 3rd AGM of the Overseas Project
Cargo Association (OPCA) is definitely on
October 26 to28, this year, at Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirate (UAE).
The event will be held in conjunction
with one of the top industry exhibitions
at the Middle East area. Project cargo
professionals will be exposed to decision
makers, easily winning new partners to
develop mutually beneficial servicing.
Another perk is a one-year free
membership to new members, just
to assist them in developing business
30
MARINO WORLD
within the spirit of OPCA.
It is highly recommended they review
www.overseasprojectcargo.com or one
can directly contact OPCA management
to get benefit from 1st year privileges via
info@overseasprojectcargo.com.
OPCA continues to expand with
professional project freight forwarders
and logistics companies. The world’s
best project cargo specialists are joining
OPCA to maximize on productive project
cargo partnering.
The association has now 120 active
members, projected to a minimum of
200 before the end of the current year.
Members are hand-picked agents,
qualified and experienced in handling
upwards million-dollar cargo safely and
efficiently.
OPCA monitors and filters these agents,
gathers them under the Association to
bring out their potentials. An immediate
goal is to increase their shipment volume
in the highly competitive logistics chain.
MARINO WORLD
31