TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
http://www.ufs.ph
PHP 20.00
1
2 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
3
WHERE’S
THE
MONEY?
MEOAP Hit for Failure to Explain Millions
Collected from Marine Engineer Officers
T
he question has been crying out for
an answer: What has happened to
the tens of millions of pesos collected
over the years by the Marine Engineer
Officers Association of the Philippines
(MEOAP) from its members?
The
mystery
remains
because
MEOAP, the sole accredited professional
organization (APO) for the country’s
marine engineers, has apparently not
been submitting the required financial
statements to the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). New members who
dare question the association’s finances
are routinely threatened with retaliatory
action, such as the withholding of their
Certificates of Competency (COCs).
That strategy has proved effective in
maintaining MEOAP’s cloak of secrecy but
perhaps not for long.
Taking up the cudgels for the countless
disgruntled MEOAP members, the United
Filipino Seafarers (UFS) has urged the
Office of the President in writing to step
in and direct the proper authorities to
investigate MEOAP’s “gross violation of
national revenue laws, certain provisions
of the Securities Regulation Code as well
as moral laws no less by an association of
professionals at that.”
“We feel that it is high time,” UFS
president Nelson Ramirez wrote in his letter
to President Benigno Aquino III, “that the
MEOAP leadership be made accountable
first and foremost to its members and to
the public.” Separate letters appealing
for action have been sent to the Bureau
of International Revenue, the SEC, the
Professional
Regulation
Commission
(PRC) and members of both Houses of
Congress.
Large-Scale Money Operation
Ramirez has expressed optimism that
the government will take prompt action
given the magnitude of the amounts
involved. “Failure by the authorities
concerned to investigate and punish those
involved in any wrong-doing will be a great
disservice to all Filipino ship officers and
their families,” he said.
UFS estimates put MEOAP’s minimum
annual take from membership fees at
PHP72 million. The figure is based on
at least 6,000 new members every year
paying an average of PHP1,200 each (there
are three membership categories with fees
ranging from PHP900 to PHP1,500). There
is no way for marine engineer officers to
avoid the expense as they are required
by law, through a PRC Board Resolution
issued in the middle of last year, to join
MEOAP after passing the PRC licensure
examinations.
The PHP 72 million is obviously a
very conservative figure. MEOAP’s total
revenues in any given year are much higher.
In addition to the membership fee, MEOAP
collects PHP850 from each successful
examinee for the oath-taking. Although the
regular venue for the ceremony is the classy
Manila Hotel, the amount is believed to be
excessive considering that only snacks are
served, most of the time, the usual pancit
bihon or pancit canton that go with the alltime
Filipino
merienda
favorite turon.
Every family
member
or
relative
who
accompanies
the new marine
engineer
officer
to
the
oathtaking rites is
charged
the
same amount.
Photos taken
by the official
M E O A P
photographer
cost extra.
T
h
e
association
has
been
engaged
in
other moneym a k i n g
activities,
such as the
publication
of a souvenir
programme
for the May
2010
oathtaking. The socalled receipts
issued
by
MEOAP each
time it receives
payment are
not registered
with the BIR
prompting
the UFS to call
for a formal
investigation of
the association
and its officers
for apparent
violations
of
the
Internal
R e v e n u e
Code. “It’s bad
enough
that
MEOAP has
made marine
engineer
officers its milking cow,” said Ramirez. “For
the government itself to be cheated in the
process to the tune of millions of pesos is
something else.”
Conjugal Dictatorship at Work
The issues raised by the UFS put on
the spot both the present crop of MEOAP
officers led by C/E Gilberto Deligero as
president and the previous administration
of C/E Leoncio Sempio, who headed the
association from 2000 to 2009. But there
is talk that a husband-and-wife team has
actually been running the show at MEOAP.
As in most conjugal partnerships of this
kind, it is the woman who wields the real
power.
This became very evident when Tinig ng
Marino, in the spirit of journalistic fairness,
TURN TO PAGE 34
4 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
Engr. Ramirez (sixth from left), C/E Isagani Valmonte (seventh from left), Vice President for
Internal Affairs of the UFS, and Capt. Walfrido Rivas (fifth from right), Vice President for External
Affairs of the UFS, are shown being flanked by the awardees during the 8th Tinig ng Marino
Awards, which highlighted the celebration of the UFS’ 16th Anniversary.
UFS: 16 Years of
Championing Filipino
Seafarers’ Cause
T
he United Filipino Seafarers (UFS)
officially logged in its 16 years of
championing the cause of Filipino
seafarers on December 12, 2010 but it
was one day after that the country’s most
outspoken and most active maritime labor
union marked the significant occasion with
a milestone celebration at Bayview Park
Hotel in Manila.
But instead of basking in the glory
and limelight of its proud and long list of
accomplishments for the Filipino seafarers,
their families and the maritime industry
as a whole, the UFS decided to share
the centerstage with the industry’s best
performers for the year 2010.
Thus, the 16th Anniversary celebration
of the UFS was highlighted by the 8th
Tinig ng Marino Awards, which is
the union’s own way of recognizing
outstanding individuals and entities who
have significantly contributed in making
a difference in the lives of many Filipino
seafarers, their families as well as the local
maritime industry.
As in the previous editions of the
acclaimed Tinig ng Marino Awards, the 8th
edition was again headlined by reputable
and certainly deserving individuals and
organizations that obviously turned in
outstanding performances in 2010. Most
of the recipients also had to hurdle tough
competition from other nominees in their
respective award category, which gave
members of the UFS screening committee
quite a headache, migraine even.
The roster of awardees during the 8th
Tinig ng Marino Awards were paced by
Capt. Gaudencio ‘Jess’ Morales of Astra
Marine International, Inc. as Outstanding
Master Mariner and C/E Ferdinand R.
Pascua, Member of the Professional
Regulation Commission Board of Marine
Engineer
Officer,
as
Outstanding
M a r i n e
Engineer.
C/E
Alex
Estabillo, Vice
President of
Abosta, which
is also owned
by
Capt.
Morales,
received the
award on his Rep. Emmeline Aglipay
boss’ behalf, delivering the keynote speech
as the latter during the UFS event.
had to attend to a prior commitment.
Other individuals in the honor roll were
Commodore Lino H. Dabi of the Philippine
Coast Guard (PCG) as Outstanding Marine
Environment
Protector;
Commander
Allan Victor T. Dela Vega also of PCG as
Outstanding Maritime Safety Enforcer,
running priest Father Roberto Reyes as
Outstanding Maritime Public Servant; and
a citation for Capt. Jeffrey Federigan of
Marlow Navigation Phils., Inc. for courage
and bravery at sea.
Father Reyes was not available to
receive his award but his mother, Mrs.
Natividad Reyes, was more than happy to
accept the recognition from UFS.
The three institutional awardees
were Maersk-Filipinas Crewing, Inc as
Outstanding Maritime Manning Agency,
received by Ms. Mailyn Perena-Borillo,
General Manager; Marlow Navigation
Training Center as Outstanding Maritime
Training Center, received by Mrs.
Monalisa Intong, Training Directress; and
Technological Institute of the Philippines as
TURN TO PAGE 43
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
5
6 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
Tinig ng Marino (Voice of the
Seafarer) is published by the United
Filipino Seafarers, a duly registered
Philippine maritime union. Editorial
office: 4th/F Room 402, Gedisco
Terraces Bldg., 1148 Roxas Blvd.,
Ermita, Manila, Philippines; Telephone nos.: (632) 524-4888; 525-5806; Fax (632) 524-2336; E-mail: ufs_07@
yahoo.com; Website: http://www.ufs.ph. Materials published in this
paper may be reprinted provided proper acknowledgment to Tinig ng Marino
and the author, if indicated, is made.
Nelson P. Ramirez
Executive Editor
Rey Gambe
Managing Editor
Creative Consultant
Arianne Rodriguez
Sonia Inserto
Assistant Editors
Erik España
Roland Cabrera
Minabelle Siason
Artists
Capt. Arturo Cañoza
Belgium Bureau
Fr. James Kolin
Japan Bureau
New York Bureau
Sapalo Velez Bundang
& Bulilan Law Offices
Engr. Samson Tormis
Greece Bureau
Legal Consultants
Corry Llamas-Konings
Philip Ramirez
Bob Ramirez
Dennis Rey A. Punzalan
Ahrvie Valdez
Jimharris C. Sampayan
Rotterdam Bureau
Production Staff
SOUNDING LEAD
EDITORIAL
CAPT. REYNOLD ‘BURT’ M. SABAY
Watch Lists for 2011
Time to Scrap the Ship
“
Fellowship” is the wrong word to describe the Marine Engineer
Officers Association of the Philippines (MEOAP). How can it be a
fellowship when the officers and Board of Trustees do not share the
hopes and ideals of marine engineer officers but work only for their
own selfish interests?
No, MEOAP is a pirate ship. And the pirates who now man the
ship are worse than those who operate in the Gulf of Aden and the
Indian Ocean.
The Somali pirates target only selected vessels and hold their
crews as hostages for ransom. In contrast, the band of MEOAP
pirates has been preying on all Filipino marine engineer officers,
who are forced by law to become Association members.
This is wholesale hostage-taking, the ransom for the hostages
taking the form of membership dues, charges for the oath-taking
and other fees. The message from the pirates is loud and clear: “Pay
up or else you don’t get your Certificate of Competency.”
The MEOAP pirate ship must be fully loaded with cargo as the
collections have been going on for the past 33 years. Yet, the value
of the cargo is anybody’s guess because the MEOAP has not been
rendering audited financial reports or issuing receipts duly registered
with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
It’s a ship where bills of lading are unheard of. Neither is there
any voyage plan. The pirates manning the ship take her wherever
there is money to be made - including the Manila Hotel, the regular
venue for the oath-taking of marine engineer officers.
The Somali pirates, at least, have been partially put in check by the
presence of allied navies patrolling the Gulf of Aden. In contrast, the
MEOAP gang has been operating with impunity, in open defiance of
the authorities. Not least, of course, is the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC), which is supposed to supervise all Accredited
Professional Organisations (APOs) such as the MEOAP.
To make matters worse, the officially designated ship master is
not even in control of the MEOAP pirate ship. The real person in
command is a domineering woman whose arrogance is known to all
and sundry. The lady - if one can call her that - is backstopped by her
husband, who is not a marine engineer officer but has been playing
a key part in MEOAP affairs.
Enough is enough. It’s time to mothball the MEOAP ship and take
her to the scrap yard. The ship is old and rusty. Its hull is filled with
gaping holes. Time to replace her with a newbuilding ship that will
be run professionally by marine engineer officers for the benefit of
every member of the profession.
Less than this and the pirates will continue to rule.
S
ounding Lead posted its
initial Watch Lists in 2007
and continued as the years
go by. Watch Lists continues for
2011.
1. EO 566, its wisdom, if any,
maybe understood (Since 2007).
The EO 566 was signed with the
aim in view to put a stop to all the
shame, indignities, irregularities,
anomalies
in
the
licensure
examination. The Supreme Court
issued a TRO on the implementation
of Malacanang’s EO 566 and
CHED’s CMO 21. This stays in our
list on its 4th year.
2. Walk-In Exams, that it may
become convenient to walk-in
(since 2007).
The Walk-In Exams is full blast
but in many different ways than
the original intentions. Candidates
are able to secure convenient
schedules as of year 2010. If the
trend continues for 2011, this is the
last time this issue shall be included
in this list.
3. Cadetship, a springboard
towards providing future Marine
Officers, must be mandated on
every vessel enrolled in POEA for
manning to provide berth for cadets
(Since 2007). Cadets of today, if
well selected, maybe trained and
provided with experience to serve
as the source of future Management
Level Officers. Nothing concrete
happened so this will stay in our list
on its 4th year.
4. Disability benefits may not
end up as retirement benefits (since
2007).
Disability benefits had been
wisely abused by sea dogs. There
were so many seafarers, even
Masters and Chief Engineers
claiming for disability then end up
onboard again after receiving the
disability benefits. This will stay in
our list on its 4th year.
5. Objective evidence made
available even in knowledge and
skills (since 2007).
Anybody and everybody can
claim they know all and they can
do all. For a few, we can take their
words for it but for the majority, there
is a need for objective evidence.
This will stay in our list.
6. The Philippines as Maritime
Training and Assessment Capital of
the world (since 2007).
The Philippines is now enjoying
its status as the Manning Capital of
the World; the challenge of going
beyond and becoming the Maritime
Training and Assessment Capital of
the World is on. This may as well
be a challenge to the leadership of
Philippine Association of Maritime
Training Centers, Inc. (PAMTCI).
This stays in our list on its 4th year.
7. Manning may evolve to Ship
Management (since 2007).
With all of its challenges and
confusion, the experience of the
Philippines is more than enough
to evolve its manning business
to Ship Management where the
return is more than ten times as in
manning. We have seen positive
developments in this area recently.
This stays in our list on its 4th year.
8. Philippine registry becoming
the preferred flag registry in the
world (since 2007).
The Philippine registry is
definitely NOT growing. This stays
in our list on its 4th year.
9. Less maritime disasters in
Philippine domestic waters (since
2007).
Maritime disasters in Philippine
waters keep on menacing us again
and again. We had some in 2010
such as the collision of FB Anatalia
and MV Catalyn B, the sinking
of MV Baleno 9 and others. Our
soundings indicate there will be
more to come so this stays in our
list on its 4th year.
10. Filipino seafarers as the
world’s best (since 2008).
Filipino seafarers are the number
one in the world in terms of supply,
however, nobody is claiming yet
that the Filipino seafarers are the
world’s best. We are still taking
soundings. This stays in the list on
its 3rd year.
11. Disclosure of the EMSA
Report (since 2008).
The EMSA report was extremely
revealing particularly on the issue of
the Philippine Maritime Education
and Training Regime. The report
indicated how deficient our BSMT
and BSMarE courses in terms of
full compliance with the mandatory
requirements of the STCW 95. This
report will educate a lot of those
who are willing to be educated. This
stays in our list on its 3rd year.
12. The computerization of
the TESDA Assessment and
Certification for Seafarer Ratings
(since 2008).
An efficient, seamless and clean
service for seafarer ratings so that
the process for assessment and
certification is secured with integrity.
This stays in our list on its 3rd year.
13. The Board of Marine Inquiry
to adopt the IMO’s Code of Practice
TURN TO PAGE 19
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
7
8 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
M O D E R N - D AY
HEROES.
The
country’s
new
breed of heroes
– overseas Filipino
workers
(OFWs)
and
balikbayans
were given the
Gawad OFW and
Ulirang Balikbayan
Awards
in
the
recent 7th Mega
Balikbayan OFW
Expo held at the
SM
Megatrade
Hall. The awardees
include
Vivencio
Fuentes, Fortunato
Lozano,
Narciso
Posadas, Lea Caseres, Nimfa Melegrito, Elyjar Villalobos, Dennis Oliveros and Myrna Virtudazo
(representing Engineer Rodolfo Virtudazo). Shown from left are Engr. Nelson Ramirez (UFS),
Mr. Glenn Lat (Farmacia ni Dok), Ms. Michelle
Ballesteros (Ex-Link Corp), Ms. Myrna Virtudazo
(UFS), Mr. Edwin Glindro (PCCI).
The UFS President was among the guests of Tina Monson-Palma’s TV program “Talk Back” on
Studio 23. Other guests in that particular episode of the show were (from left) Sec. Santiago
of PDEA, Gina Guerrero of Migrante International, Vic Fernandez of PASEI and Usec. Esteban
Conejos of DFA. The program discussed various issues affecting OFWs.
Engr. Ramirez is shown with Mr. Jay Babera,
Rear Admiral Adonis Donato and Capt. Hernado Eusebio during the 10th Asia Pacific Manning and Training Conference held at Sofitel
Philippine Plaza on November 17-18, 2010.
The UFS president with the members of the Maritime Industry Tripartite Council meeting to fastract
the ratification of the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006
Engr. Ramirez was the resource person in the TV program of
Ann Rentoy and Atty. Carera on UNTV that focused on the new
Standard Employment Contract.
The UFS president was seated right next to Vice President
Jejomar Binay during a Christmas Party held for the country’s
overseas Filipino workers.
At his best element again, Engr. Ramirez speaks before throngs
of Filipino seafarers regarding financial management during
OWWA’s seminar at the Philamlife Auditorium.
Engr. Ramirez joined Atty. Ting Miranda, Capt. Casareo, Atty.
Kate Sabado, Daphne of FAME and Atty. Imelda Barcelona
in their caucus with Rep. Emmeline Aglipay to discuss the
industry’s inputs to the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
The UFS president along with other leaders of OFW groups including
Jun Aguilar of Filipino Migrant Workers Group, Mel Nuqui of DAWN, Vic
Fernandez of PASEI, Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe President of PagIbig, and Sister Bernadet de Guzman of Center for Overseas Workers
The UFS volunteer-cadets wait for their turn in the blood-letting drive of
the Philippine Coast Guard during the Holiday Season. UFS is a regular
proponent of the drive as an active supporter of the Red Cross.
Shown from right are Atty. Angie Barcia-Wong, Marilyn Ruth
Ramirez, Engr. Ramirez, Beth Nieva and other leaders in the landbased sector at the dinner table during the MOFYA Awarding held
at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
9
10 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
BARISTA UNO
www.marine-cafe.com/mcblog/
Forecast for the Maritime Industry for 2011
T
he ancient Greeks consulted the Delphi
Oracle. Modern-day Filipinos, at least the
more superstitious ones, turn to fortunetellers plying their trade near the Quiapo Church
in downtown Manila. No need, however, for
Delphi priestesses or Third World soothsayers
to see where the Philippines’ maritime industry
is headed in 2011. The signs are all over the
place. Here’s our forecast based on what we
witnessed in 2010 and the years before that:
• No significant improvement in overall
container throughput. The Bangko Sentral
ng Pilipinas (Central Bank) has admitted that
it may have to lower its export and import
growth targets for 2011 (from 10% and 18%,
respectively) in light of the economic problems
that beset the US and Europe. Sounds like
a bad omen for the country’s major ports but
does it really matter? Philippine container
volumes have always been pitifully small visas-vis other Asian ports. Filipinos are simply
not producing and exporting as much as the
Chinese, the Thais, the Malaysians and other
Asian peoples. With national manufacturing
activity still concentrated in Metro Manila and
adjacent areas south of the metropolis, expect
the Subic, Batangas Phase II and Mindanao
container terminals to continue chasing after
the elusive boxes.
the cross-bay ro-ro ferry business, which will
continue to thrive.
• Continued foreign dominance in the
shipbuilding sector. For the past several
years, local shipbuilding has been squarely in
the hands of three foreign players: Tsuneishi
of Japan, Keppel of Singapore and Hanjin of
South Korea. It will remain so in the foreseeable
future. An indigenous shipbuilding industry no
longer exists. It died during the Marcos era
with the collapse of the Philippine Drydock
Corp, sister company of the Bataan Shipyard
& Engineering Co (Baseco) and one of the
largest shipbuilding yards in Southeast Asia
then.
• Maintenance of the status quo in the
overseas shipping sector. This means,
as before, a stagnant ocean-going fleet
mostly made up of foreign-owned bottoms
temporarily registered under the Philippine
flag through the bareboat charter scheme.
There will be little or no growth at all in fleet
size for two reasons. First, the obsession
with crewing other nations’ fleets, which has
deflected the Filipinos’ attention from the need
to develop their own fleet. Second, the failure
of the Maritime Industry Authority to revitalise
overseas shipping through the opening up
of the register. A setup akin to Singapore’s
international register, which is liberal but nonFOC, seems the only way for the Philippines
to go. It will never happen, however, because
some maritime minds are narrow.
• Domestic passenger shipping to stay
in the doldrums. Competition from domestic
airlines with their cheap promo fares has all
but killed interisland passenger shipping. Asian
Terminals Inc.’s Eva Macapagal Super Terminal
at the Manila South Harbor, which used to be a
profit centre for the company, sums up the fate
of this sector. In a real sense, the shipping lines
have only themselves to blame. Their poor
safety record, substandard onboard service
and treatment of passengers as cattle to be
transported are driving more Filipinos to the
airline ticket counters. The only bright spot is
• More direct participation by foreigners
in the local crewing business. The
phenomenon has been going on for years:
foreign shipowners and shipmanagers dumping
their local manning agency to put up their own,
as tanker specialist Odjfell did when it gave up
on Magsaysay not too long ago. Don’t expect
the trend to stop anytime soon. As the scramble
for qualified ship officers continues, some
foreign employers will want to have a greater
say in how their crew are selected, hired,
trained and managed. Fortunately for them,
there’s no dearth of Filipinos willing to act as
dummies with the title of company president.
• Tighter competition in the maritime
education and training sectors. The room
is cramped, what with some 75 training
centres and 90-odd maritime schools already
in operation. But seafarers’ training and
education is a lucrative business, so expect a
few more players to jump in and join the party
in the near future. The outcome can only be
more cutthroat competition and lower quality
standards. On the other hand, the more, the
merrier.
• No abatement in corruption in the
maritime bureaucracy. Despite President
Benigno Aquino III’s vow to put an end to
corruption, all signs point to its continuance,
in one form or another, in all state agencies
involved in the maritime industry. The roots
of the problem are the growing materialism
in Philippine society and the concommitant
erosion of traditional values. How to solve the
problem? That’s the great unknown not even
the Delphi Oracle may divine.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
11
12 TINIG NG MARINO
T
he maritime industry, both local and
international, has mourned the loss
of Capt. Gregorio S. Oca, president
of the Associated Marine Officers’ and
Seamen’s Union of the Philippines
(AMOSUP), following the demise of the
acknowledged maritime industry icon on
November 21, 2010, just days before he
was supposed to turn 84.
Capt. Oca’s unparalleled reputation as
an industry leader was again very evident
during his funeral wake that lasted for a
week as it became a convergence point
for some of the biggest names in the local
maritime industry, both from the government
and the private sector, known personalities
in the global shipping and maritime front,
as well as distinguished members of the
international diplomatic community.
More than a master mariner, having
graduated from the Philippine Nautical
School (predecessor of the Philippine
Merchant Marine Academy) in 1947,
Capt. Oca became a union leader par
excellence.
After sailing for many years onboard
foreign oceangoing and domestic vessels,
he decided to take on the cause, welfare
and rights of Filipino seafarers. His first
foray into the maritime labor front was in
November 1960 when he organized the
Associated Marine Officers’ Union of the
Philippines (AMOUP) for licensed Filipino
seamen.
Ten years later, Capt. Oca felt that the
union needed to consider as well the plight
of Filipino ratings, thus AMOUP merged
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
Industry Mourns Capt. Oca’s Demise
with another
maritime
union,
the
Associated
Seamen’s
Union of the
Philippines
( A S U P ) ,
w h o s e
members
are seafarer
ratings.
The late Capt. Gregorio S.
The merger
Oca, industry icon
of the two
unions brought about the birth of AMOSUP
in November 1970 and strengthened
Filipino seafarers’ dealings with foreign
shipowners for collective bargaining
agreements (CBAs). The union also got
a big boost in stature when it affiliated
itself with the progressive International
Transportworkers Federation (ITF).
The rest was history for AMOSUP
as it initiated various legacy projects for
Filipino seafarers and their families over
the years on course to becoming the most
stable, most reputable, and most influential
maritime union in the country and to a great
extent, in many parts of the world as well.
The United Filipino Seafarers (UFS)
also joined the local maritime industry in
mourning the passing away of Capt. Oca.
In his personal message to the bereaved
family of Capt. Oca, to the AMOSUP, and also in the global shipping arena,” Ramirez
to the maritime industry as a whole, Engr. further elaborated.
“I hope that AMOSUP will remain strong
Nelson P. Ramirez, president of the UFS,
said: “The Lloyds newspaper of London under its new leadership while remaining
once described the late Captain Oca as true to the vision that Capt. Oca pursued
a “hard act to follow.” I will go further and until the end. At the same time, I call on my
say that Capt. Oca is an act that will never fellow Filipino seafarers - both active and
be followed. Capt. Oca was a shrewd retired - to continue the fight for seafarers’
negotiator and a skillful organizer. Not less rights,” stressed the UFS president.
Capt. Oca was laid to rest at the
significantly, he was a kind benefactor to
many, even to those whose hearts were Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City on
November 28, 2010, the same day that he
not really with the Filipino seafarer. “
“Through hard work and by sheer would have turned 84.
force of his
personality,
Capt.
Oca
transformed
the AMOSUP
into
the
country’s
l a r g e s t
and richest
maritime
u n i o n .
AMOSUP
became the
union
to
reckon with,
its influence
felt not only
in the local
m a n n i n g Capt. Oca was interred at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City on November
industry but 28, 2010, the very day that he turned 84 years old
TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
ENGR. NELSON P. RAMIREZ
0RVW2XWVWDQGLQJ0DULQH(QJLQHHU2IILFHU35&
0RVW2XWVWDQGLQJ6WXGHQW=16$7
2XWVWDQGLQJ$FKLHYHURIWKH<HDU3URYLQFHRI=DPERDQJDGHO1RUWH
MEAN INDICATED
PRESSURE
What’s to Become of Us?
W
hat’s happening to us? What’s
really going on? These are some
of the questions many in the
maritime industry are asking. After being
deluged by scandal after scandal which
largely had to do with money matters,
malversation, and questions about the
fact that members in many maritime
associations have yet to see concrete
benefits after paying hefty membership
fees and various charges.
What has been done for us? Members
of the Marine Engineers and Officers
Association of the Philippines or MEOAP
have been asking for the longest time.
“Nakakahiya na talaga!” many observers
have been saying, but have also, for the
longest time, not been getting any answers
to their questions. The shameful part is
that their questions have been treated
brusquely, brushed away like they were
pests.
The real problem however, is this woman
who feels like she is the queen of the entire
industry, who cannot be questioned and
whose acts are far superior to all members
and even the entire Board of Directors of
the association that she’s been treating, for
all intents and purposes, like her very own
fiefdom.
This woman claims she is the authorized
representative and spokesperson of the
organization. She doesn’t stop there. She
also acts like the queen that she imagines
herself to be and treats everyone else
accordingly – like slaves!
In one instance, a board examiner
wanted to talk to the president of the
association. She volunteered to talk to the
hapless guy who insisted: “I’m talking to the
president. Why can’t he talk to me? Has
he been rendered invalid? Has his tongue
been cut out?” But the lady-queen insisted
on interrupting and presenting herself as
the one and only person to talk to. The guy
left in disgust.
This lady-cum-queen is half of what
is regarded in the maritime industry as
the “conjugal dictatorship.” But even if
she’s only half of this shameful setup, she
manages to silence even the members of
the board of examiners and everyone else
who crosses her poisoned path. When
someone calls the office, she’s first to
answer the phone and insists that she’s the
right person to talk to.
Once, when a magazine editor protested
that she wasn’t a marine engineer and
therefore not the person he wanted to talk
to, she insisted that she was the one and
only person to answer his questions.
The poor woman hung up in disgust
too. In another instance, she called a
review center and decreed that all new
board of examiners must undergo her
lecture classes, purportedly to familiarize
themselves with the concept of “culture
shock.”
“Huh?” they all chorused. One smartaleck said: “Sure, you will all be cultureshocked when you see her because she
really looks like someone from outer space.
That’s culture shock for you!”
In all PRC-accredited professional
organizations, only one piece of paper
13
pertaining to this organization can be
found.
Not a single financial statement, SEC
registration paper, annual report or any
other piece of paper that can ascertain its
legal existence can be located.
When asked why, the lady-cum-queen
says that “it’s all the fault of Nelson Ramirez!
He lost in all the cases filed against us and
he’ll go to jail soon. So if I were you, I’d
take a seminar so you wouldn’t suffer the
same fate as Nelson Ramirez has!”
Even those who ask the MEOAP
innocent and legitimate questions have
been met with the same brusqueness
and ill-mannered treatment. It must be
remembered that even the most infamous
dictators like Hitler, Haile Selassie, Idi Amin,
Marcos and many other such monsters
ended their reign in misery.
They are part of a special coterie
belonging to “the unlamented.” This lady
dictator should take it upon herself to learn
the lessons of history. She should start
convincing herself that she cannot hold on
to power indefinitely; nor can she wield
TURN TO PAGE 36
14 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
Shore-Based Opportunities for Filipino Officers
By Dr. Holger Manzke
Managing Director, Germanischer
Lloyd Philippines, Inc
S
tarting as a cadet, the career
path of a seafarer is leading
to the Master’s or Chief
Engineer’s position. From there, job
opportunities offering onshore career
follows the career at sea. By entering
this second career, the difficulties of
the life at sea begin paying off
Masters and Chief Engineers
brings with them not only professional
marine experience but also soft skills,
which are achieved during their life at
sea holding senior officer position.
Among those skills include the
ability to work under pressure,
independent thinking in difficult
situations, the ability to work with an
international team, and their conflict
managerial skills.
In the past, the second career was
not available for Filipino seafarers, as
mostly their career ended as Chief
Officer or Second Engineer.
Nowadays, ship owning and
management companies are eager
to hire Filipino senior officers. They
want to entrust to them their vessels,
because Filipino seafarers are globally
recognized and maintain a well-known
reputation as excellent mariners. This
opens the door for the onshore career
after the career at sea.
In the future, more and more
highly-paid onshore positions will be
available worldwide, simply because
in many countries, there are no upand-coming senior officers available
anymore to fill these positions.
At present, a lot of Filipino junior
officers are still hesitant to aim for
a senior officer position as they are
reluctant to take over the responsibility,
which
comes
with such a
challenging
position.
But bearing in
mind the great
opportunities,
which
comes
with the second
career,
every
motivated and
ambitious cadet
starting his life
at sea, should
aim high.
The career
doesn’t
end
with the Chief
Officer’s
or
2nd Engineer’s
position.
It
doesn’t
even
end with the
Master’s or Chief
Engineer’s
position. Those
are merely the
beginning.
TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
15
ENTERTAINMENT
New CEO
MikiKierulf:ABeautyandAnInspiration
for
I
BSM
By Arianne Blanche R. Rodriguez
M
r. Rajaish Bajpaee,
presently
the
deputy CEO of BSM
takes the helm of the
organization as the
new CEO replacing Mr.
Andreas
Droussiotis
who voluntarily retired
after 36 years with the Schulte group.
Mr. Droussiotis remains as a non–
executive chairman for a period of two years
for the smooth transition and support the new
CEO needs in his tasks and duties.
Mr. Bajpaee carries with him 23 years with
the group and is known internationally in the
shipping world for his dedication, contribution
and
professionalism. He is currently the
Vice Chairman of the Steering Committee on
Shipping KPIs of InterManager.
He is also an active Member of the
Customer Relations Group of the Marine
Department of the Government of Hong
Kong SAR, an Executive Committee Member
of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association
(HKSOA), as well as an external Board
Member of The Hong Kong Polytechnic
University International Centre for Maritime
Studies (ICMS).
The new CEO, with full commitment and
support from his team, will expand further
the activities and services of the organization
in the shipping environment. BSM and the
entire industry wish Mr. Bajpaee all success
in his endeavours as executive of a reputable
organization.
n a world of beauty, Miki Kierulf has proven
that not all models are snooty. Yes, she is
gorgeous but she doesn’t look down on mere
mortals. Yes, you see her photos even when
you’re out eating but she would still gamely pose
with you if you ask her.
She is every photographer’s dream, beautiful
but no primadonna. She once lay down on dirty
floor with a plastic bag on her head controlling her
breathing while a photographer took her photos.
Miki is not just a model, she is an inspiration.
She is a great example of how following your
dreams and believing in yourself can bring you to
where you want to be.
TNM: How’d you start your modeling career?
Miki: Well, I started when I was in my early 20’s.
I was still kind’a shy back then but I became more
confident when I lived in California for a few
years. I got more exposures especially with event
modeling such as hot import nights and different
photo shoots.
TNM: People look at modeling as very glamorous.
What is it really like to be a model?
Miki: Being a model has different levels. I do not
label myself as a very “sikat” model since I have
only been exposed for a few times on print ads,
resto murals and print, my pictures were used at
some places but I do live a simple life like anybody
else whom you see on a daily basis. I still eat
street foods. I shop at bazaars. Of course, every
now and then some people will recognize me or
when I do fashion shows, some people would ask
to have their photo taken with me. It’s flattering
yes, but I don’t let it get in my head. I make sure
my feet are firmly planted on the ground.
PACC Shipping Marks 20 Years
of Crewing Excellence
A
low-key but prolific manning company
that is a part of a shipping group whose
vision is to become an “Enterprise of
Excellence in Maritime Business” is officially
turning 20 years old on January 28, 2011 and
shall be marking the milestone event with a
grand celebration befitting of a stable and
durable organization that has withstood the
challenges over last two decades.
PACC Shipping Phils., Inc., which was
officially given a license by the Philippine
Overseas
Employment
Administration
(POEA) as a manning agency on January
28, 1991 will celebrate its two decades
of meaningful and productive existence
through an auspicious event to be held at
the expansive Ramon Magsaysay Hall of
the Ramon Magsaysay Center along Roxas
Boulevard in Malate, Manila.
As part of the PCL Group (Pacific Carriers
Limited) of Singapore, PACC Shipping
provides the full crew requirements of
ships of foreign principals who are owners
of various types of vessels including bulk
carriers, tankers, container ships and multipurpose vessels.
PACC Shipping’s roster of reputable
foreign principals include Faversham Ships
Limited of United Kingdom, PSM Perkapalan
Sdn Bhd of Malaysia, Pacific Workboats
Pte Ltd of Singapore and U-Ming Marine
Transport Corporation of Taiwan.
Mr. Lim Tau Kok, Chairman of the Board,
will be flying over from Singapore to join the
celebration of PACC Shipping as guest-ofhonor and keynote speaker.
Ms. Juvy Anaya, President/CEO of PACC
Shipping is expected to lead the company
officers and staff in welcoming to the milestone
event several guests from the local maritime
industry as well as some of the company’s
off-duty Filipino seafarers and their families
who are expected to come in droves.
Highlighting the program is the awarding
of long service awards to loyal staff and
Filipino seafarers of PACC Shipping to be
divided into three categories – the first set is
for those who have logged in between 10 to
14 years of service, the second is for those
who have already piled up between 15 to 19
years of service with the organization, and
the third and most elite is for the few who has
been with the company for all of its 20 years
or those who are known as pioneers.
Ms. Philna Malagad, Corporate Secretary
of PACC Shipping, will join Mr. Lim Tau Kok
and Ms. Juvy Anaya in handing out the long
service awards.
TNM: How do you prepare yourself for a shoot?
Miki: I eat lots of fruits. I prepare all the stuff
I need the day before the shoot. I also make it a
point to sleep early the night before. Then I just
relax on the day itself so I’d look fresh during the
shoot.
TNM: What’s your most challenging shoot?
Miki: The most challenging for me was when I
had this shoot which required me to like go rock
climbing. It was scary posing and smiling while
going down a cliff at the same time. Haha! It’s so
ant-like! I still had fun though despite the fact that
I was very nervous the whole time.
TNM: What’s a normal day for you?
Miki: A normal day for me is to wake up early,
eat breakfast with my little boy (his five-yearold son), watch cartoons with him, wait until he
leaves for school, then I run some errands or go to
work then come home afterwards because I know
Kikoy would be waiting for me and he won’t
sleep until his mommy gets home
TNM: Does modeling affect your love life?
Miki: When I lived in California, it didn’t really
affect me because my BF back then was very
understanding. Right now though, it does every
now and then. Of course I always explain that it’s
my work and this is what I do. Trust is one thing
really needed in any relationship.
TNM: Most of our readers are Filipino seafarers,
how can a normal guy snag a model?
Miki: Any normal guy can snag a model because
well, in my own perspective, what matters to me
is the personality of the guy and not his looks. He
doesn’t have to be a model or model-ish. It’s the
personality of the person that I have to deal with.
Looks will change, but the attitude of the person
is something that lasts forever. For me, attitude
is really what makes a girl (model or not) fall inlove with someone.
TNM: What kind of a girlfriend are you?
Miki: I am a very faithful girlfriend. I love my
boyfriend even if he is not model-ish, I love him
for what and who he is. I’m very much happy
and contented with him. Right now though, I’m
more focused on being a mom than on being a
girlfriend. I mean, my son needs and deserves my
time and affection more than anybody else :)
TNM: Is there a chance a model like you would
date a seafarer?
Miki: Of course! Like what I have said earlier, a
model can fall in-love with a normal guy. Me, I’m
happily taken though.
TNM: What do you look for in a guy?
Miki: Someone who is understanding (work
and family-wise), loving, honest, someone who
would respect me, maybe someone like my Lolo
Omping and most importantly, someone who will
love me and my son unconditionally.
TNM: What’s your advice to aspiring models?
Miki: No one can and will stop you from going
after your dreams. It doesn’t matter if you are not
extremely thin nor very tall. What matter is your
perseverance, drive, and your aspirations. I’m not
tall, I’m only 5’4” but that didn’t stop me from
doing what I love to do. I still do fashion shows!
What’s important is that I’m confident enough
and that I trust myself that I can do it. I’m also
a mom already but I’m still here in the business.
No one has the right to stop you from going after
your dreams. Just trust yourself and everything
else will follow.
TNM: What’s your message to our readers?
Miki: I hope that my short story will inspire
our fellow Filipino readers to keep on reaching
for their dreams. It may not happen in a snap
but in time, everything will fall into its right
place, at the right time. Nothing is impossible
if we really dream and strive hard to reach our
goals and once we reach where we want to be,
never forget to thank God for the blessings that
we receive every day. All the challenges that
we face make us a better person. Let’s always
believe in ourselves and everything else will
surely follow.
16 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
SAILORS’ CORNER
ATTY. AUGUSTO R. BUNDANG
+HDG/LWLJDWLRQDQG6HDIDUHUV'HSDUWPHQW
6DSDOR9HOH]%XQGDQJ%XOLODQ/DZ2IILFHV
RA 10022: Amending the Migrant
Workers’ Act - Part 2
(From Previous Issue)
7. Notwithstanding all laws to the
contrary, Section 22 of RA 10022 exempts
the worker from payment of travel tax,
airport fee, and the more important
documentary stamp tax (DST) on his/her
remittances upon showing of proof of
entitlement by the Philippine Overseas
Employment Administration (POEA).
8. Section 23 of RA 10022 which
provides for a new Section 37-A of RA
No. 8042 (Migrant Workers’ Act), is one of
the most highly-discussed portions of the
law. Section 23 deals with the compulsory
insurance coverage for agency-hired
workers whereby each migrant worker,
whether land-based or sea-based,
deployed by a recruitment or manning
agency is required to be covered by a
compulsory insurance policy that shall be
secured at no cost to the worker and shall
be effective for the duration of the worker’s
employment.
The insurance shall cover, at the
minimum:
(a) Accidental
Death,
with
at
least US$15,000.00 survivor’s
benefit payable to the worker’s
beneficiaries;
(b) Natural Death, with at least
US$10,000.00
survivor’s
benefit payable to the worker’s
beneficiaries;
(c) Permanent Total Disablement,
with at least US$7,000.00
Disability Benefits payable to the
worker;
(d) Repatriation
cost
when
employment termination is without
cause, including transport of the
worker’s belongings;
(e) Subsistence Allowance Benefit
with at least US$100.00 per month
for a maximum of 6 months for a
worker involved in litigation to
protect his rights in the receiving
country;
(f) Money Claims arising from
employer’s liability equivalent to
at least 3 months for every year
of the worker’s contract;
(g) Compassionate Visit by 1 family
member for a worker hospitalized
and confined for at least 7
consecutive days;
(h) Medical
Evacuation
when
adequate medical facility is not
available proximate to the worker;
and
(i) Medical
Repatriation
when
medically
necessary
as
determined by the attending
physician.
The recruitment or manning agency
shall choose from among the qualified,
registered, and existing insurance providers
that will insure the worker it will deploy.
After securing the insurance policy,
the recruitment or manning agency shall
provide an authenticated copy of the policy
to the worker and thereafter, submit the
certificate of insurance coverage (COC)
to the POEA which in turn will issue an
Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
or exit clearance to the worker.
Section 23 likewise provides that any
claim from accidental death, natural death
or disablement by the worker or his family
shall be paid by the insurance company
without any contest provided the duly
authenticated death certificate, police
report and medical certificate are submitted
to substantiate the claim.
Moreover, if it is shown that the worker
deployed paid for the cost of the insurance
or the insurance was utilized as basis by
the recruitment or manning agency to
claim additional fee from the worker, the
recruitment or manning agency shall lose
its license and all its directors, officers,
TURN TO PAGE 34
TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
I
n what turned out to be the most fitting
event to celebrate 10 years of dedicated
service to Filipino seafarers and its
foreign principals, Crewcare, Inc. marked its
first decade of crewing excellence through a
grand gala celebration at the Rizal Ballroom
of Shangri-La Hotel Makati on November
30, 2010.
Allseas Marine SA General Manager Mr.
George Skrimizeas and Allseas Marine SA
Crew Manager Capt. Ioannis Doumenis
together with
Senator Gordon, Greek
Ambassador Polyxeni Stefanidou and select
guests from the local maritime industry
joined the entire Crewcare family led by its
President, Ms. Josephine Roldan, in the
milestone occasion.
Some of Crewcare’s off-duty Filipino
seafarers and their families, as well as cadets
also took time off to join the momentous
celebration.
In her welcome remarks during the
program, Ms. Roldan shared the success
that Crewcare has achieved during its first
decade of operation to the company officers,
staff, cadets, Filipino seafarers and their
families. She was quite proud that despite
the many challenges that beset the maritime
industry, both local and international, in the
past couple of years, Crewcare managed to
pull through and even post significant gains
highlighted no less by the establishment of
its own office building in the heart of Manila
and a branch office in Cebu.
Ms. Roldan likewise extended her and
Crewcare’s appreciation to the company’s
principals, Allseas Marine and Paragon
Shipping, for anchoring their trust and
support to the crewing company.
In his message during the program, Mr.
17
Crewcare Marks a Decade
of Crewing Excellence
Mr. George Skrimizeas, Allseas Marine SA General Manager handed over to
Senator Gordon the company’s donation to the Philippine National Red Cross,
which the Senator also heads as its Chairman Looking on are Ms. Josephine
Roldan, President of Crewcare, Inc. and Capt. Ioannis Doumenis, Allseas Marine
Crew Manager.
Senator Gordon is shown being flanked by the event’s VIPs
including (from left): Capt. Ioannis Doumenis, Crew Manager
of Allseas Marine SA; Ms. Josephine Roldan, Mr. George
Skrimizeas, General Manager of Allseas Marine SA; Greek
Ambassador Polyxeni Stefanidou and Mr. Stefanidou.
has proven to be a good one. “This decade Filipino seafarers for their determination and Performing Vessel Award for 2010 to MV
has been full of experiences for Crewcare for meticulously logging in hours of hard work Friendly Seas, which was received by 2/E
and for us too. I am just glad that the Filipino that naturally fueled the company’s constant Rizalado.
officers that we recruited at the time we growth.
Combining Christmas with Filipiniana
started are still the same persons who are
He likewise commended Allseas for its motif, the event’s world-class entertainment
still onboard on most of our vessels now,” Mr. continued trust and preference for Filipino numbers were provided by the Folklorico
Skrimizeas said.
seafarers to serve onboard its managed Filipino Dance Company, the Intramuros
“We consider our crew members and vessels. “The fact that most of Allseas vessels Cultural Dancers, and the Don Bosco
their families as part of our family. We know are manned by full-Filipino crew complements Chorale. Crewcare’s Robert Dagalea also
most of them and they know us too. During speaks highly of the confidence of the Greek crooned several ballads while the company’s
our first decade of operation, Crewcare has company in the capability of Filipino seafarers cadets rendered a very inspiring pantomime
proven to be a company as world-class mariners,” Gordon enthused.
play that drew oohs and aahhs from the
that really cares and
Gordon also urged the Filipino seafarers audience, thus completing the event’s wide
supports each and every of Crewcare and Allseas not to rest on their array of entertainment.
member of its family. It has laurels and rallied them to continue upgrading
Capt. Doumenis drew curtain call to
also shown its concern their level of professional competence that the meaningful program by delivering the
for society through socio- will eventually redound to their own benefit closing remarks. “Allseas would not have
civic undertakings such and that of their respective families.
posted its constant growth if not for the
as medical missions and
Greek Ambassador Stefanidou also significant contributions of Crewcare and the
feeding programs among delivered a message during the program and competent and qualified Filipino seafarers it
other initiatives,” remarks she focused on the shared common values of regularly provides our vessels particularly in
Mr. Skrimizeas.
Greek and Filipinos when it comes to strong the aspect of productivity.”
He likewise reiterated family ties. She added that both nationalities
From a private company back in 1993,
Allseas’ commitment to the also have rich maritime traditions, thus further Allseas Marine SA has transformed into a
professional development strengthening the connection between the global international shipping group from
of its Filipino seafarers two cultures.
1996 until today. The company started
Ambassador Stefanidou is also proud that managing tanker vessels back in 2000. Five
Mr. George Skrimizeas (left), Allseas Marine SA General Manager as well as their welfare
and continued well-being Greece has the biggest merchant marine fleet years later, Allseas began managing bulk
and Senator Gordon delivering their messages during the event.
including their families in the world, and most of their vessels are carriers. In 2010, Allseas forayed into the
Skrimizeas expressed his whole-hearted through various training and family welfare also employing Filipino seafarers, which is containership market with the acquisition of
appreciation to Crewcare officers, staff and programs.
but a testament to the economic partnership two containerships.
their Filipino seafarers for their dedication
Senator Richard J. Gordon accentuated between the two countries.
The company has already attained a
and hard work in competently filling up the the significance of the occasion not only for
Following the speeches, Mr. Skrimizeas, leading position in the shipping industry and
crewing requirements of Allseas Marine and Crewcare but also for the maritime industry, Ms. Roldan and Capt. Doumenis, handed is committed to the highest quality, integrity,
Paragon Shipping.
as the event’s guest-of-honor and speaker.
out a Loyalty Award to Ms. Helyn Tamisan, environmental standards of shipping services
“Your collective efforts have immensely
Senator Gordon lauded both Crewcare and Accounts Manager of Crewcare, for having as well as business ethics on course toward
contributed in the continued growth of Allseas Allseas for achieving important milestones in been with the company for all of its 10 years business excellence. Allseas Marine is now
Marine SA despite the challenging times in a very competitive maritime industry. He cited in existence.
known all over the world as an excellent
the global shipping industry. At the moment, the officers and staff of Crewcare and their
The officials likewise handed out a Best first-class cargo carrier.
Allseas is continuing with its expansion
program with the recent acquisition of two
containerships and the placement of seven
newbuilding orders,” proudly stated Mr.
Skrimizeas.
The constant growth of Allseas augurs
well for Crewcare as well as for many other
competent and qualified Filipino seafarers
since this would mean more employment
opportunities onboard the vessels of
Allseas.
The Folklorico Filipino Dance Company (left) and the Don Bosco Chorale (right) provided the world-class entertainment during the event while the
The Allseas Greek executive said that
Crewcare cadets also rendered an inspiring pantomine presentation (middle).
their decision to put up an office in Manila
18 TINIG NG MARINO
P
icture this: A cargo ship foundering
ominously on the edge of a reefal
graveyard as it is being heavily
pounded by gigantic waves. A distress
signal is sent and crewmen are scurrying
about to put on life vests, trying their best
not to surrender to panic.
A difficult question is torturing the shivering
crewmen in the bitter cold: To jump or not to
jump? Then suddenly, above the deafening
roar of waves, the whirring of rotor blades is
heard above the pandemonium. A Philippine
Coast Guard helicopter, like a slow-motion
dream, is lowering a lifeline. One by one, all
21 crewmen of the ill-fated MV Lolo Uwing
are evacuated to safety before the sun could
even set.
This is not a dream sequence. The
movie-like, swashbuckling rescue is a reallife event that took place on January 7, 2011
in the coastal waters off Batangas. And what
seemed to be a rescue attempt straight
from a big-budget movie was performed by
personnel of the PCG, which of late, has
had an impressive share of publicity due to
its many heroic search and rescue efforts.
Thereafter, the tri-media was abuzz with
praise and congratulations for the heroic
rescue.
The PCG is not consciously seeking
publicity. It’s been carrying on with
its sworn duty to protect the citizenry
without any desire for reward or
publicity for that matter. But because
of the high-profile search and rescue
efforts of the well-respected institution,
the PCG simply can’t avoid the cameras
which suddenly seem to crop up from
nowhere each time something like this
takes place.
The January 7th incident came to
the public in the form of video clips
on all the noontime and evening news
programs. In the middle of the clips,
PCG spokesman, Lt. Cmdr. Armand
Balilo, coolly faced the cameras, telling
the whole wide world that it was nothing
extraordinary. The PCG was merely
doing its duty. End of clip. On Joey Dizon’s
radio program the next day, Commodore
Errol Reconquista humbly fended off all the
congratulatory messages with the same
mantra: “We were simply doing our job.”
This self-deprecating attitude of the PCG,
as skillfully projected by Balilo, Reconquista,
and many others has endeared the PCG to
many casual observers, earning for itself
countless fans in the process. Humility in
the midst of its many achievements is what
the PCG has been espousing all along. This
attitude is mirrored on all its personnel who
blithely go about their tasks with perhaps,
the highest morale, among the uniformed
services.
Behind all this is the trusted stewardship
of the PCG Commandant, Admiral Wilfredo
B. Tamayo, who has been strictly telling
everyone in the organization never to strut
around like peacocks and to refrain from
advertising their achievements.
“Let your achievements silently speak for
you as you perform your daily tasks.” With
that kind of stewardship, how can the PCG
fail? asks the casual observer.
The year just ended is replete with
achievements which can only be labeled
“outstanding.”
The year 2010, indeed, has been a banner
year for the Philippine Coast Guard, which,
as always, has been humble all throughout.
“Justifiably proud” is how PCG personnel
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
PCG Turns in
Solid Achievements
for 2010
feel when asked about their achievements.
However, they are one in saying that it was
“nothing special; nothing extraordinary, we
simply did what we were tasked to do.”
With that self-effacing attitude, the PCG’s
accomplishments have come to the fore even
more, characterizing these as nothing short
of spectacular.
A short backgrounder is in order: On
February 12, 2010, the Philippine Coast Guard
was re-established as a distinct uniformed
armed service attached to the Department of
Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
by virtue of Republic Act 9993. This law
strengthened the PCG’s authority to perform
its five core functions. These are: Maritime
Safety; Maritime Search and Rescue; Marine
Environmental Protection; Maritime Law
Enforcement; and, Maritime Safety.
At his assumption to office, President
Benigno S. Aquino III initiated a Zero Casualty
Program directed at all concerned government
agencies. In response to the President’s call,
the PCG launched its parallel program that
included the recall of all fisherfolk during
severe weather conditions.
During the onslaught of “Typhoon
Basyang” on July 14, 2010, the PCG launched
its early warning and recall system to protect
fisherfolk and residents in the affected coastal
areas, resulting in zero casualties, apart from
a couple of deaths from accidents during the
typhoon.
The year 2010 also saw the increased
efficiency in the operation of the 556
lighthouses under the care of the PCG. From
77%, operational efficiency jumped to 92%.
On top of this remarkable improvement
in efficiency, the PCG also made possible
timely broadcasts and dissemination of safety
information and notices to mariners, including
weather bulletins via Navigational Telex or
NAVTEX and through its website.
Communications capability was also
upgraded while the strategic deployment of
surface and air assets was also made even
as the 24/7 manning of all Coast Guard
action centers, 10 Coast Guard districts and
55 Coast Guard stations nationwide was
also implemented. All these efforts resulted
in radically reduced reaction time to reported
maritime incidents.
In the same year, the 24/7 manning and
operation of Vessel Traffic Management
Centers in Manila, Batangas and PHIVIDEC
in Misamis Oriental was started along with
the strict mandatory pre-departure inspection
of vessels and flag state control inspections
of domestic vessels while active port state
control inspections of all foreign vessels
calling on Philippine ports was likewise
implemented.
When “Typhoon Basyang” hit the northern
part of the Philippines particularly hard on
July 13 and 14, 2010, the PCG averted what
could have been an environmental disaster
when it supervised the handling of salvage
operations on the grounded LPG carrier, the
“MT Deborah Uno” in Mariveles, Bataan.
At the height of the same typhoon, the
PCG also successfully conducted oil spill
cleanup operations at the Petron Depot in
Rosario, Cavite as well as a coal spill cleanup
resulting from the grounding of the barge,
“Goldtrans 306” in Nasugbu, Batangas.
When “Typhoon Juan” wreaked havoc
on November 10th, the PCG successfully
conducted cleanup operations on the
bunker oil spill from the MV Nam Yang,
thereby preventing what could have been
a catastrophic environmental disaster in
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and the nearby
coastal areas.
Among some of the most noteworthy
achievements of the PCG in 2010 was the
capture of two vessels seized by pirates
on two separate occasions in international
waters. The two vessels (“Asta” and
“Atlantic”) were recovered intact by the PCG
and no less than the Regional Cooperation
Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed
Robbery Against Ships in Asia, based in
Singapore, commended the PCG for the
singular feat.
In the post audit report submitted by the
International Maritime Organization or the
IMO, the PCG earned some of the highest
marks when the Philippines voluntarily
submitted to the IMO Member State Audit
Scheme. The IMO declared the PCG to
have “… matured into a world-class maritime
safety agency whose competence to perform
search and rescue, marine environmental
protection and vessel safety inspection on
foreign ships is above par…”
Another rock-solid achievement for the
year was the interdiction of 74.5 kilos of
high-grade cocaine from several residents in
the coastal areas of Eastern Samar valued
at close to 400 million pesos. These were in
the form of one-kilo bricks thrown overboard
by the crew of the Chinese-registered fishing
vessel, FV King Yue, when they were tipped
off that the authorities awaited them at their
port of call in Hong Kong.
The cocaine bricks’ existence was
repeatedly denied by their keepers but the
TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
PCG Turns in Solid
Achievements for 2010
trusty K9 units of the PCG made it impossible
to hide the contraband. Again, the PCG’s
K9 units which have become ubiquitous
installations at piers, airports, malls, train
stations and various high-density areas,
have in turn become the palpable safety
nets of the general public, ensuring physical
and psychological security. The public views
the K9 units as a truly welcome relief.
The PCG, in 2010, continued to maintain
and upgrade the capability of its Deployable
Response Group (DRG) as its rapid reaction
unit in incidents that require search and
rescue, disaster response and maritime
security operations.
While constantly providing security
coverage to high-interest domestic vessels,
particularly passenger-cargo vessels on
long voyages as well as offshore drilling
units, the PCG also improved its setup at the
National Headquarters as a 24/7 monitoring,
reporting and coordinating center to ensure
timely response to maritime agencies.
Because of the PCG’s proactive
measures, it was awarded a Quality
Management System (QMS) ISO 9001: 2008
Certification by the Global Group based in
the United Kingdom. The Philippine Coast
Guard is only the second to have been so
recognized; the first was the Canadian Coast
Guard. A distinctly unique honor indeed. And
truly well-deserved.
Increasingly, the public which has given
the PCG a very high rating, has cooperated
with the agency by reporting various
maritime violations. This has resulted in
highly-efficient disaster response operations
by the PCG.
The public has availed of the 24/7 service
of the PCG through its hotlines: (02) 5273877 and (02) 527-8481. The PCG also
has what it calls its Hot Text number: 0917PCGDOTC or 0917724 3682.
A most welcome development for the PCG
is the authorization by Congress for the PCG
to acquire at least two high-performance,
all-weather, high-endurance helicopters for
its search and rescue operations capability.
This is of course, just for starters considering
the country’s limited resources. But even
more budgetary allocations have been
promised, and as proof of the President’s
trust in the PCG, he ordered a substantial
increase in the agency’s budget.
Also included in that budgetary
acknowledgment of the PCG’s proven
capabilities is the initial development and
Equipment upgrade as well as personnel
clothing and equipment have also been given
the much-needed increases in the rationalized
scheme while education and training also got a
much-needed boost. A rationalized budgetary
allocation was also made to support the
command’s Gender and Development (GAD)
PCG personnel demonstrating their rescue, first aid and evacuation capabilities.
construction of search and rescue bases
in Romblon and Mactan, Cebu for which
allocations have been given, while the
upgrading of facilities of the Coast Guard
Base in Taguig City has also been started
together with the repair and rehabilitation
of several lighthouses. On top of these, in
2011, the PCG will hire an additional 500 CG
officers and enlisted personnel to bolster its
now-proud fleet.
In its bid to operate
with full transparency,
the PCG has initiated
significant
reforms
to ensure fiscal and
operational efficiency
through an accountable
finance and logistics
support system. Some
of these include a
credible support system
that is designed to filter
down to the lowest
units of the PCG which
include Coast Guard
stations, detachments, OPCON units,
vessels and aircraft deployed in operational
areas. Rationalized increases in budgetary
allocations for POL products, repair and
utilities and other expenditures such as water
and power and communications services
have also been instituted.
program. Of late, the PCG’s all-female search
and rescue units have started to enter the
public’s consciousness.
Maritime communications systems have
also benefited from this recent development
while the PCG’s recently-instituted costsaving initiatives have yielded significant
positive results. Improved operational
readiness of surface and air assets has
been made possible
in cooperation with
the National Disaster
and Risk Reduction
Management Center,
the
Philippine
National Red Cross,
the Philippine Army,
the Philippine Navy
the
Philippine
Air
Force, the Philippine
National Police and
the Philippine Coast
Guard Auxiliary, among
others.
The
PCG’s
K9
unit has also been acknowledged for its
self-reliance program which has resulted in
substantial savings for the agency. The K9
unit has initiated its own breeding program
that includes the now famous “aspins” or
“asong pinoy” while doing its own training for
its dog handlers, thereby saving the agency
19
a lot of money while earning the public’s
trust.
The PCG has also improved its medical
and dental services, extending these to its
own personnel by activating its medical
and dental dispensaries in all Coast Guard
districts.
The PCG has also launched its
cadetship program via a memorandum of
agreement with the Philippine Merchant
Marine Academy. Under this pilot program,
14 cadets are now on their first year at the
PMMA.
They will be followed by a batch of 20
cadets and so on. Even better news is
that the US Coast Guard has promised to
see the PCG nominate its deserving and
qualified candidates to the revered USCG
International Cadet Program.
The year 2010 has truly been
very productive for the PCG. The
accomplishments listed above are but a few
of the agency’s rock-solid achievements.
The PCG has for its guide its continuing
‘Presence, Preparedness, Partnership,
Professionalism and Passion to Serve.”
With
optimism,
commitment
and
unfaltering vigor, the PCG looks forward to
the coming years with even more passion to
perform the jobs it has been tasked to do.
The public has no doubt whatsoever that
the PCG can pull it off. By now, the public
has already firmly ensconced the PCG with
laurel wreaths.
The public will never forget the ultimate
sacrifice the PCG has been known to offer
its countrymen. No one will ever forget the
heroism PCG personnel demonstrated
during the disastrous damage that
“Typhoon Ondoy” and “Typhoon Pepeng”
wrought on the country. At the risk of their
lives, PCG personnel rushed to the victims
without expecting any material rewards or
recognition for that matter.
Nor can the public forget the life a Coast
Guard rescuer gave to retrieve the dead
bodies of a sunken vessel. One can only
sigh in admiration that this unsung hero had
to give his own life for the dead trapped in
that ill-fated vessel.
Offering the ultimate sacrifice – giving
one’s life for others – is synonymous with
the Philippine Coast Guard. The public has
been made to feel safer and with the number
of lives selflessly given in the line of duty,
the Coast Guard will do very well to start
convincing itself, that it has indeed deserved
the appellation of “rock-solid achievement.”
The coming years will surely attest to
that.
SOUNDING LEAD
Watch Lists for 2011
FROM PAGE 6
for the Investigation of Maritime Casualties
(since 2009). The IMO’s Code of Practice
for the Investigation of Maritime Casualties,
since 01 January 2010 has become part
of the Standards of Training, Certification
and Watchkeeping Convention, STCW
as Amended and becomes mandatory for
member nations of the IMO. This stays on our
list on its 2nd year.
14. From “Blame Culture to Safety Culture”
(since 2009).
That the Philippines’ maritime culture may
evolve from blame culture to safety culture.
This will mean that all concerned particularly
the authorities will focus on solutions to
prevent maritime incidents/accidents from
happening again via new policies, standards,
and realistic rules and regulations. This stays
on our list on its 2nd year.
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be
those who cannot read and write, but those
who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” —
Alvin Toffler, futurist.
A peaceful and happy new year 2011
ahead of us.
20 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
21
PISOBILITIES
FRANCISCO J. COLAYCO
&KDLUPDQ&ROD\FR)RXQGDWLRQIRU(GXFDWLRQ
(QWUHSUHQHXU9HQWXUH'HYHORSHUDQG)LQDQFLDO$GYLVRU
Paghahanda sa Pagreretiro
I
sang ideya kung paanong gumawa ng
magaling na planong pinansyal ang isang
taong baguhan pa lang dito, ay ibinahagi
sa e-mail sa akin ni Mrs. CP. Pinalitan ko
lang ang mga halagang binabanggit niya
dahil ito’y lihim na impormasyon.
Ang sabi niya:
Naaliw ako sa pagbabasa ng mga libro
niyo. Para sa akin ay napakapraktikal
ng mga prinsipyong itinuturo n’yo at
napakaimportanteng matutunan at gamitin.
Malapit na akong magretiro pero hindi
ako nakapag-ipon para dito na gaya ng
itunuturo n’yo sa mga libro n’yo. Mabuti na
lang, may makukuha akong retirement pay
mula sa pinapasukan ko.
Ano kaya ang dapat kong gawin sa
perang
pang-retirong
pinagsikapan
kong pagtrabahuhan? Balak ko sanang
ipuhunan ito sa mga sumusunod na
paraan, na kombinasyon ng growth at
income investments, at ng konserbatibo,
medyo mapanganib at mapanganib na
pamumuhunan:
1. Mag-aabuloy ako sa aming parokya
para sa pagpapatayo ng simbahan.
2. 15 porsyento ay ipambabayad ko sa
aking mga utang para mabawasan ang
mga ito.
3. 10 porsyento ay gagamitin kong
puhunan sa negosyo. Gumagawa pa lang
kami ng aking mga anak ng feasibility
study para malaman namin kung ano ang
mga produktong ibebenta namin at saan
kami magtatayo ng tindahan. Kabisado
naman ng mga anak ko ang binabalak
naming itatayong negosyo at talagang hilig
nila ’yon. Pinag-iisipan din namin kung
magbebenta kami ng prankisa.
4. 5 porsyento ay gagamitin ko sa
mapanganib na pamumuhunan: negosyong
pagpapautang.
5. 3 porsyento ay gagamitin ko sa
medyo mapanganib na pamumuhunan:
pang-develop ng lupang pangsaka.
6. 21 porsyento ay ilalaan ko sa isa pang
medyo mapanganib na pamumuhunan:
mutual funds.
7. 15 porsyento ay gagamitin ko sa
konserbatibong pamumuhunan: Treasury
Bills.
8. 15 porsyento ay ilalaan ko sa isa
pang konserbatibong pamumuhunan: real
estate. Sasali ako sa mga seminar na dapat
salihan para makakuha ng lisensiya.
9. 12 porsyento ay gagamitin ko sa isa
pang konserbatibong pamumuhunan: time
deposits.
10. 2 porsyento ay gagamitin kong
pondong pangsuporta, at ilalagay ko sa
savings account.
11. 2 porsyento ay gagamitin kong
pondo para sa mga mahihigpit na
pangangailangan, at ilalagay ko sa shortterm time deposit.
Sa kwenta ko, mapagkakasya ko na
ang P30,000 kada buwan na panggastos
at pambili ng mga pangangailangan.
Narito ang sagot ko:
Hindi mo binanggit ang iyong netong
halaga (net worth). Importante kasi ito.
Bago ka mamuhunan sa kahit ano,
dapat ka munang gumawa ng Personal
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SAL),
Personal Income and Expense Statement
(PIES) at Personal financial plan na may
takdang panahon at mga halaga. Dito
mo malalaman kung ano ang kabuuang
halaga ng iyong pera at mga ari-arian at
kung magkano sa halagang ito ang pwede
mong gamiting puhunan.
Kahit wala kang ibinigay na mga
halaga, mukhang napag-isipan mo na ng
maigi ang iyong nalalapit na pagreretiro.
Masuwerte ka nga talaga at bibigyan ka
ng perang pangretiro ng pinapasukan mo.
Kung wala ka kasing ipong hindi bababa sa
P3.6 milyon kapag ika’y nagretiro, hindi mo
masusuportahan ang klase ng pamumuhay
na gusto mo. Kailangan mo kasi ng
P360,000 kada taon para makuha mo
ang gusto mong P30,000 na panggastos
buwan-buwan. Kung meron kang P3.6
milyon, ang kailangan mo lang gawin ay
ilagak ito sa mga fixed-income instruments
na kikita ng netong 10 porsyento kada taon,
matapos nang ibawas ang mga buwis, at
wala ka nang problema.
Pero kung makahahanap ka ng
instrumentong magbibigay ng netong 12
TURN TO PAGE 38
22 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
Capt. Reynaldo Casareo
(right) of Cargo Safeway is
shown proudly holding the
Class A championship trophy
along with MGAP’s lady guest
and Atty. Rey Oben (left)
of Wallem, who is also the
Honorary Chairman of MGAP.
Casareo Rules MGAP’s
Christmas Tournament
C
apt. Reynaldo Casareo of Cargo
Safeway, Inc. ruled the 29th Year
Christmas Golf Tournament of the
Maritime Golf Association of the Philippines
(MGAP) held on December 23, 2010 at
the West Course of Wack Wack Golf and
Country Club in Mandaluyong City, Metro
Manila.
Wallem Maritime Services, Inc. was the
main sponsor of the MGAP’s Christmas
tourney, ably represented by Atty. Rey
Oben, honorary chairman of MGAP.
Capt. Casareo paced the winners’ circle
with his two-birdie game en route to a net of
70 all the way to bagging the championship
honors in the Class A division. Chito Arreza
also logged in a net of 70 strokes with
his one-birdie and five-par performance
but Capt. Casareo’s gross of 83 was two
strokes better than Chito’s, earning for the
former the championship plum.
The championship for the Class B
category went to Rene Vargas as he
carded a net of 72 strokes, powered by
his three-par and 11-bogey game. It was
actually a hairline finish in the division as
Chen Jun also logged in 72 strokes via a
similar performance with three pars and
11 bogeys as well. Both parbusters also
had a similar gross of 91 so deciding the
winner went down to who made the first
three pars. Rene did, thus earning for him
the championship trophy.
Over at the Class C division, Edgar
Ramirez beat Ed Luwares with his net
of 73 thus earning for him the plum. Ed
actually fared better with his gross of 98
compared to Edgar’s 101 but due to a fourpoint advantage in their handicap, Edgar
was able to overcome the three-stroke
difference. Ed settled for the runner-up
honors.
Myra Abella once again ruled the Ladies
Division while Rico Brizuela turned in a
sterling three-birdie performance to run
away with the championship plum in the
Guest Division.
Special prizes were also handed to
Kiyoshi Oikawa for recording the longest
drive at hole No. 10 with his 253-yard
smash, and Banny Briones for posting
the nearest to the pin stroke at hole No.
14 with a miniscule one foot and one inch
distance.
Ramirez Cops Runner Up
Honors in Red Cross Golf Tilt
Engr. Nelson P. Ramirez of the United
Filipino Seafarers (UFS) copped first runner
up honors at the 11th Philippine Red Cross
Manila Golf Classic Tournament held at
the Intramuros Golf Club on December 4,
2010.
As a fund-raising initiative of the
Philippine Red Cross, the golf tournament
had a fitting theme: “Score a Life with Every
Stroke.”
An active advocate of the Red Cross
and supporter of PNRC Chairman
Richard J. Gordon, Ramirez joined the
golf tournament to express support to the
organization in continuing its noble work
for those in need.
Engr. Ramirez is shown being handed by
Red Cross tournament organizers the first
runner-up trophy at the close of the fundraising golf tilt at Intramuros Golf Club.
Engr. Ramirez is shown with other
tournament participants including
Ms. Delza Castillo (right) and Aurora Gonzalez of the Social Security
System.
Willie Monillas (left),
Atty.
Rey
Oben
(second from left)
and Terry Capistrano
(second from right)
join
the
winners’
circle of the MGAP
December tournament
including (from left
after Atty. Oben),
Chito Arreza, Myra
Abella, Rey Casareo,
Rene Vargas, Edgar
Ramirez, Ed Luwarez,
and Chen Jun.
Engr. Nelson Ramirez of the
UFS took part in MGAP’s yearend tournament. He is shown
at the tournament start with
(from left) Dr. Elpidio Nolasco,
Capt. Wally Rivas, and Capt.
Hernando Eusebio.
A Successful Yearend Tourney for MSC
The Marin Sports Club Inc. had a
successful yearend golf tournament held at
the Tat Golf and Country Club in San Pedro
Laguna late in December 2010.
The winners’ roll was headed by Roger
Torres who emerged as Champion for Class
A, Alfredo Mendoza, the victor in Class B,
Abel Bugas, the Class C champion, and
Tony Espinosa, who dominated Class D.
Jones Tulod meanwhile emerged as
the Lowest Gross Champ while Joey
Del Pilar had the Lowest Net during the
tournament.
In the Ladies Division, Nila Patricio
narrowly edged Greely Oposa to bag
the championship. Greely settled for the
runner-up honors.
Capt. Obet Nieto meanwhile bested Boy
Tolentino to take home the championship
trophy for the Seniors Division.
In the Guest Division, Rick Loyola beat
Bill Campbell and the others to run away
with the championship. Campbell settled
for the runner up trophy.
In the Ryders Cup contest, SPGA
emerged as champion with a cumulative
net of 372 strokes. Also in the same
contest, the Makati team of PMMAers also
beat the Manila team by a difference of one
stroke – 379 to 380.
In the colored golf – fun golf contest, the
group of Capt. Lagura , Capt. Rey and Axel
Casareo, Adm. Domingo Estera and Engr.
Nelson Ramirez came out as the champion
followed by the Vega
Group as 1st runner-up
and the Rivas Group as
2nd runner-up.
Some of the participating
parbusters to the Marin
Sports Club Inc. yearend
tournament,
including
(from
left):
Reymart
Casareo, Capt. A. Lagura,
Capt. Rey Casareo, Engr.
Nelson Ramirez, Capt.
Axel Casareo, and Admiral
Domingo Estera
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
23
24 TINIG NG MARINO
F
ilipinos are well-known for their
closely-knit family ties, which are
highlighted during special occasions,
where bonds are further strengthened on
course to a harmonious and productive
collaboration towards a collective goal.
INC Navigation Company Philippines,
Inc. showcased how strong the bond
among and between its officers, staff,
Filipino seafarers, cadets, their families,
and even the underprivileged children it is
helping to be healthy when it held a series
of Christmas parties from December 8 to
10, 2010 to be able to cater to its constantly
growing family.
Providential,
coincidental,
ironic
or otherwise, those three Christmas
parties of INC Manila had Capt. Peter
Bond, General Manager and Director of
Interorient Marine Services of Cyprus, as
special guest, making the family ‘bonding’
moments really special.
The first leg of the ‘very family’ INC
Christmas revelry began on December
8, 2010 as the entire officers and staff
of the company, along with Capt. Bond,
treated the young children under its
holistic feeding and learning program with
Soroptimist International of Mandaluyong
(SIM) to a kiddie Christmas party at
Jollibee in Mandaluyong City.
Just like the time when it formally
launched the feeding and learning program
in October 2010 with the members of SIM
and leaders of Barangay Highway Hills,
where all of the mothers and children
under the program reside, the entire INC
family was in full force to once again
reach out and share their blessings to the
underprivileged and undernourished tots.
Although, most of the kids have already
shown marked improvements in their
respective physiques, a little over two
months into the six-month program.
The INC Manila officers composed of
Capt. Jerome Delos Angeles, CEO; Mr.
Reynaldo Ramirez, President; Ms. Rose
Mesina, Financial Director, who is also an
active member of SIM; and Capt. Nesias
Rondina Jr., Crewing Manager; led Capt.
Bond and the INC staff in joining the kids
and their families in having a grand time
at Jollibee through plenty of food, games,
entertainment and gifts.
Capt. Bond, when called upon to deliver
a short message during the program,
said he was very elated for being a part
of the special moment that INC Manila
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
A ‘Very Family’ Christm
Capt. Peter Bond, General Manager and Director of Interorient Marine Services, leads INC Manila
officers and staff in giving gifts to the mothers of kids in the feeding and learning program
officers and staff are sharing with several
underprivileged kids and their mothers
because it speaks highly of INC not only
as a reputable and well-esteemed global
shipping organization but as a company
that knows its social obligations and
responsibilities as well.
He lauded the INC Manila team for
partnering with SIM in the feeding and
learning program and expressed profound
joy in seeing the beautiful smiles that
were momentarily embedded in the cute
little faces of the kids during the entire
celebration. “It really brings joy to the heart
seeing kids very happy. This is what the
Christmas spirit is all about,” remarks Capt.
Bond.
Ms. Rose Mesina, as the point person in
INC Manila for the socio-civic project with
SIM, says that the six-month feeding and
learning program is going according to plan.
“All indications point to significant health
improvements on all participating kids in
the program especially with the regular
monitoring and supervision being carried
out by the barangay nutrition scholars and
some members of SIM, who
are health professionals
too. So by April 2011, when
the program officially ends,
we expect some 30 very
healthy kids in Barangay
Highway Hills,” proudly
stated Ms. Mesina.
Filipino Seafarers’ Turn
The
following
day,
December 9, 2010, INC
Manila officers and staff had
its Seafarers’ Christmas
Celebration at its offices in
Ortigas, Manila with several
of the company’s off-duty
Capt. Delos Angeles giving a gift basket to a young mother of a kid under Filipino seafarers, some of
the feeding and learning program as members of SIM do the same.
whom managed to bring
along their respective families.
Capt. Rondina, who started the ball
rolling by delivering the program’s opening
remarks, explained that the event was first
and foremost, meant for the company’s
Filipino seafarers, whose productive
hard work and efficiency onboard INC
vessels have significantly contributed to
the constant growth of the global shipping
organization amid the economic challenges
that were felt worldwide over the last two
years.
“INC would not be where it is now if
not for your efforts and this celebration is
once again meant for you and your family.
This is again a perfect opportunity for us
to strengthen the camaraderie and bond
between ourselves – INC officers and staff
on one end and Filipino seafarers and their
families on the other,” expressed Capt.
Rondina.
Capt. Samson Jimenez, INC Manila
Training Officer subsequently made a year
ender report on the accomplishments of
the company as a constantly burgeoning
manning organization, operations-wise.
Mr. Ramirez, who was given the
introductory chores, referred to their
guest as the man who is leading the team
instrumental in the continued growth and
expansion of INC in the global scale over
the last couple of years. He also attributed
the guest for his continued support towards
the constant growth of INC Manila as a
dependable crewing unit of the global INC
organization.
Capt. Bond, in his brief message as the
special guest for the program, said he was
quite delighted to see the participation of
many Filipino seafarers and their families
in the celebration, citing the unique bond,
pun unintended, that INC has established
with its seaborne staff.
“As you know, we treat each other at
INC as members of one big family and
Ms. Rose Mesina, Financial Director of INC, with membe
and INC staff, join Jollibee and the kids in a group pose
we’re only too glad to celebrate Christmas with
you and your families. As much as we work hard
together, we also should have fun
together, even for a brief moment
because that’s what family is
all about. This is also a time to
be thankful for the blessings
that we received in the past
year and share some with other
members of the family,” enthuses
the Interorient Marine Services
General Manager and Director.
“Loyalty and commitment are
also very important in a family
and INC is more than proud
of its commitment to the
professional
development
of its loyal seafarers. The
company has a good career
path for determined, hard
working and qualified Filipino
seafarers,”
Capt.
Bond
added, obviously referring to the competitive
package of remuneration and benefits that the
company normally affords to its seafarers and
their families.
Soon after, Capt. Bond along with the officers
of INC Manila handed long-service awards to
several Filipino seafarers of the company who
have logged on a service of 10 years or more.
Several special song and dance numbers by
INC staff and cadets provided the entertainment
coterie during the short but otherwise very
meaningful celebration. A couple of parlor
games and raffling of special prizes completed
the entertainment fare of the event that ended
with a sumptuous and very filling buffet lunch for
everyone.
IN
The Christmas Party in Cebu
On December 10, 2010, it was the turn of the
INC sponsored cadets at the University of Cebu
– Maritime Education and Training Center (UCMETC) in Mambaling, Cebu to take centerstage
in the three-day pre-Christmas revelry of the
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
mas for the INC Family
Capt. Peter Bond, Capt. Delos Angeles and Capt. Sarthou are shown being flanked by the INC sponsored
deck and engine cadets at the close of the Christmas party at the UC-METC campus in Cebu.
ers of the Soroptimist International of Mandaluyong
e during the kiddie Christmas party.
company.
Completing a sweep of the celebration
as guest-of-honor was
Capt. Bond, who flew to
Cebu along with Capt.
Delos Angeles, to be able
to join the INC cadets and
their families as well as
several vacationing Filipino
seafarers based in the
province in the Christmas
party held at the spacious
Capt. Abella gymnansium Capt. Peter Bond joins top officials of INC Manila including Capt. Jerome Delos Angeles, Mr. Reynaldo
inside
the
UC-METC Ramirez (left), Ms. Rose Mesina and Capt. Nesias Rondina in posing with four Filipino seafarers of INC who
campus.
Joining the have been given their long service awards by the company during the INC Christmas party at its offices.
two INC officials in
“INC is just very happy to know that the
the celebration was Capt. was more than happy to acknowledge and
Michael Sarthou Jr., Branch thank Capt. Bond, Capt. Delos Angeles cadets are taking this great opportunity
and Capt. Sarthou for taking time off from to be able to serve and work onboard
Manager of INC Cebu.
Atty. Augusto W. Go, their busy schedules to join the celebration the vessels of INC for the long-term on a
very positive note. This has been a twoPresident
of
University with the INC cadets.
In his inspirational message, Capt. way relationship for INC and the cadets.
of Cebu, was supposed
to deliver the welcome remarks during the Bond once again expressed delight for We provide you with a strong educational
program but had to beg off in the last minute being able to take part in the important foundation for you to effectively carry out
and was substituted instead by Capt. Ricardo celebration with the INC sponsored cadets your job as future professional mariners
in the INC fleet. In turn, you should be
Gahuman, Training Director of UC-METC, who and their families.
NC
The INC-sponsored engine cadets of UC-METC showcasing their group dancing talents during the Christmas party. Photo at right shows Capt. Bond, Capt.
Delos Angeles, and Capt. Sarthou acting as Santa Clauses as they handed out gifts to each of the parents of the INC cadets.
TINIG NG MARINO
25
committed to give your best in your
studies so that you can officially become
part of INC and grow with the company in
the future,” elaborates Capt. Bond.
“So study hard and do your part
because INC has a lot in store for those
who seek to become the best in their
craft. In the meantime, enjoy yourselves
and let’s all have fun,” concluded Capt.
Bond.
The faculty staff of the Marine
Transportation and Marine Engineering
department of UC-METC were likewise
present
The INC Christmas party with the
sponsored cadets at UC-METC was
basically a cadet show as the 25 freshmen
deck cadets and their 25 counterpart for
the engine department made a series
of presentations depicting both their
terpsichorean and singing prowess, much
to the appreciation of Capt. Bond, Capt.
Delos Angeles and the entire crowd.
Despite being in their casual clothes,
the INC cadets were easily identifiable by
the Christmas colors they were wearing
– the deck cadets were all in green while
the engine cadets were in red.
While there may have been a tinge
of competition in the presentation of
both groups as they tried to outperform
and outclass the other, it was friendly
nonetheless, knowing too well that they
are all part of the big and happy INC family.
If there was one victor in the performance
competition of the cadets, it was no other
than the audience who expressed their
satisfaction through cheers and loud
applause.
Further spicing up the entertainment
during the program were a series of
games whose participants include the
entire audience including young children,
the most notable being the Christmas trivia
quiz which was basically a Q&A contest
with the first to run to the microphone and
give the correct answer wins the prize.
Even the Interorient Marine Services
General Manager and Director even
gamely contributed a question to the quiz
when he made the hosts ask what the
first name of his father is. It turns out that
his father was James Bond, much to the
bewildered amusement of the crowd, as
it was obviously a namesake of the most
famous fictional agent in Her Majesty’s
Secret Service – Agent 007 no less.
Following the Christmas trivia quiz,
Capt. Bond, Capt. Delos Angeles, and
Capt. Sarthou handed out long-service
awards to several Cebu-based Filipino
seafarers of INC who have logged in a
service of 10 years or more. Subsequently,
the three officials also distributed gifts to
each of the INC sponsored cadets.
A thanksgiving song, which they
composed
themselves,
was
then
rendered by the INC cadets, followed by
a pictorial session with the INC officials
that pretty much wrapped up the noon to
early afternoon Christmas party.
In those three days of Christmas
parties, INC once again proved the
closely-knit family ties that permeate
within and among its officers, staff, Filipino
seafarers, cadets, and their respective
families. That’s the INC family for you.
26 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
T
he inauguration and blessing of the
offices of POS-Fil Shipmanagement
Corporation on the 7th Floor of the
Jemarsons Place on January 14, 2011
certainly made an indelible stamp on the
maritime industry. The event has once
again put into the spotlight, the nobility of
the legacy that one man aims to benefit not
only the maritime industry but the entire
country as well.
This recent achievement is still another
addition to the empire that one man has
been establishing for over two decades. He
is powered by the vision that is enshrined
in his multi-faceted advocacy: to reach out
to the community and share his blessings
with as many people as possible.
The man behind this quest to employ
those who are affiliated with the maritime
industry to which he belongs as well as
those who aren’t in this sector but who are
likewise deserving, is Capt. Gaudencio
“Jess” C. Morales. He is the man with the
exceptional vision.
Having earned countless awards is
no accident for Captain Jess; those are
simply testaments to his persona, one
that has been characterized as generous,
infused with immeasurable kindness and
compassion for his fellow citizens.
Three awards, recently bestowed on
him, are closest to his heart: Outstanding
Achievement Award for Seabased OFW
given by OWWA on June 7, 2010; Model
OFW Family of the Year Award for
2010 (for NCR) given on November 19,
2010; and, Outstanding Achievement in
Entrepreneurship (National Level) given on
December 6, 2010. The last was bestowed
on Capt. Jess by no less than President
Benigno Aquino III himself, lending the
award an even more important meaning for
Capt. Jess, affirming his advocacy of giving
and sharing his blessings.
Also on December 13, 2010, he was
cited by the United Filipino Seafarers and
the editorial board of Tinig ng Marino
as Outstanding Master Mariner for 2010
during the 8th Tinig ng Marino Awards,
capping off what turned out to be a banner
year for Capt. Jess.
The inauguration of the Jemarson’s
Building, right next to the 12-storey
Jemarson’s Place, a mixed-use condooffice building is a most welcome addition
to the Astra Group of Companies. Among
the group’s business interests are: POSFil Ship Management Corporation: Astra
Marine International, Inc. (the mother
company) which has 1,100 crew fielded
worldwide at any given time; Abosta Ship
Management Corporation, with 1,200 crew
and Alpha Ship Management Corporation
with 450 crew manning vessels worldwide.
27
Capt. Jess Morales: The Man
with the Exceptional Vision
chapters overseas to help
them feel that they do not just
belong to this association but
allow them to participate in all
activities;
- Be more transparent
in all undertakings of the
association,
especially
in finance and to tap the
services of an external auditor
to implement this; and,
- Continue to support the
interests of each member and
the alma mater.
With
the
exceptional
stewardship of Captain Jess,
not one member ever doubts
that the Alumni Home will ever
become a reality because
he is well-respected for his
integrity and determination
to achieve whatever goals he
sets for himself.
Captain Jess is known
Capt. Morales receiving the Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship Award (National Level) from President
for his legendary generosity
Noynoy Aquino no less during the MOFYA Awards held on December 6, 2010.
such that he even has
a foundation that helps
countless people in
the areas of education,
livelihood,
health,
values
enhancement
and
community
development,
among
others.
So far, countless
scholars in high school
and college have been
his beneficiaries along
with many improvements
The Morales family posing with President Noynoy Aquino, Capt. Jess with his wife and son receiving the Model OFW in schools and churches
Vice President Jejomar Binay, OWWA Administrator Family Award (Regional Level) and the prize cheque from in Vinzons, Camarines
Carmelita Dimzon and Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz Labor and OWWA officials as well as from event organizers. Norte, the hometown of
after being bestowed the Outstanding Achievement in
Captain Jess.
Entrepreneurship Award.
conjunction with his avowed
Captain Jess, who was a consistent
principles and compassion for honor student, became the youngest (at
fellow Filipinos, his companies do age 29) Filipino captain to join the Sanko
not collect any fees whatsoever Line, a fleet of bulk carriers.
from the thousands of applicants.
Together with his wife, Lidwina, they
The group of companies has have conscripted their children to work in all
also branched out into real estate. their companies. They want to ensure that
The Jemarson’s Development their children know the ropes, while on-theCorporation handles two prime real job training as it were, and also to instill in
estate properties, the Jemarson’s them the value of education and hard work.
Place and Jemarson’s Building.
These values have all been inculcated into
The
Lidwina
Realty Captain Jess as he grew up poor. His father
Capt. Morales (second from left), holding his Outstanding Management and Development
drilled into his head the value of hard work
Achievement Award for Seabased OFW, is shown with
Corporation meanwhile, oversees and education, the latter the only assurance
other awardees as well as Labor and OWWA officials.
the Lidwina Farm-Resort and the out of poverty and desperation.
Capt. Jess believes in training Lidwina Housing Project, both in Bocaue,
When asked how he is able to handle
and training his people well. For Bulacan. The housing project is a world- all the work he has imposed on himself,
this reason, he has established class subdivision whose residential units are Captain Jess says: “I hire talented people,
POS-Fil MTC Corporation and sold at very reasonable prices to maritime those I can really trust, to help me with all
Sealand Integrated Training industry members.
this work and the presence of God’s divine
Center, both equipped with
The dream of Philippine Merchant Marine guidance made me strong to handle it.”
state-of-the-art simulators and Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMMAAI)
He says that with a benign smile that truly
various high-tech equipment.
members to have their own alumni home will reflects the essence of a man possessed
His land-based group is soon finally come to fruition with Capt. Jess with nothing but good intentions. In the
composed of: HRD Employment at the helm as elected president, which took same manner, his achievements reflect the
Consultancy
and
Multi- place also in 2010. He has buried himself nobility of the legacy that he has tirelessly
Capt. Jess and Mr. J.Y. Son, Director of POS-Fil Services, Inc. which has 1,000
into this task and plans to accomplish the worked for.
Shipmanagement Corporation, led officers, staff and several workers, and, MITAC Overseas
following:
Surely, this legacy will be felt by his
industry guests during the formal inaguruation and blessing of
Manpower
Corporation.
In
- Reach out to PMMAers, especially beneficiaries for a long time to come.
the offices of POS-Fil Shipmanagement Corporation.
28 TINIG NG MARINO
T
o the average observer, the trimedia is a constant source of
wonder, and often, irritation. But the
tri-media has also the power to influence
opinion and thus, shape, for the casual
observer, a reliable worldview of current
events that affect the lives of the ordinary
citizen.
Creating awareness in the subconscious
is an art that most PR practitioners and
advertisers have perfected. Whether
the accomplishments that are being
trumpeted are simply glossed over or are
outright inventions, doesn’t matter. What
matters is if the PR practitioner succeeds
in creating a good impression of the
client.
Of late, we have seen a very good
output of public relations efforts from
the Philippine Coast Guard. What the
casual observer thinks is that the PCG
has not been a product of excellent public
relations skills, but a genuine example
that an institution can actually accomplish
a lot without creating the impression of
braggadocio.
Recent
tri-media
exposure that features
the PCG has been
constant.
Most
important of all, the
PCG has been put in a
very flattering light not
because of the skilled
PR practitioner but
because the PCG’s
record is based on
solid achievements.
These achievements
have
been
well
covered by the tri-media and indeed, the
PCG is the first organization that comes to
mind when the rains start falling. Natural
disasters have now become associated
with the PCG.
The Philippine Coast Guard’s noble
efforts to save drowning victims were
put to the test during 2009’s typhoons
Ondoy and Pepeng. Search and rescue
operations yielded for the PCG endless
commendations for its personnel who
sacrificed their lives for their fellow
citizens in an effort not to make heroes
of themselves but simply to perform their
sworn duty - to save lives.
A more recent development has been
the creation of some sort of safety net for
the general public with the substantial trimedia exposure of the PCG’s K9 unit.
The unit has an eponymous newsletter
called “The Watchdog,” which chronicles
the unit’s most recent accomplishments.
The newsletter comes at a time when PCG
personnel who used to be unsung heroes,
have now been given a forum for their
exploits. Among others, it has become
an effective medium for exchanging
information among members or simply
just to keep tabs of everyday PCG life.
Most noteworthy accomplishment of
the K9 unit has been its indelible stamp
as a provider of security. The unit’s welltrained canines are ubiquitous at airports,
piers, train stations, bus terminals,
malls and other high-density areas. The
security that people feel in these places
is palpable.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
PCG’s K9 Unit, Pride of its Mighty
Fangs to Enforce Maritime Security
various airports, piers and bus terminals
that consisted of bladed weapons,
firearms, chemicals, gasoline, gas
tanks, explosives, firecrackers and a
plethora of prohibited materials. Stubborn
passengers who secretly hoped that their
cargo would escape detection were in
for a big disappointment because the K9
units simply didn’t disappoint.
The Philippine Coast Guard has also
vastly benefited from the PR skills of
Cdr. Armand Balilo. On television, Balilo
comes on as a photogenic military officer
who has a firm but gentle demeanor.
Coupled with his good looks, the observer
notices that Balilo speaks in a measured
cadence, never antagonistic, projecting
the image that he knows whereof he
speaks. Because he does. He’s not only
intelligent but also speaks without a stutter,
something that is considered very rare in
the military, and yes, the government.
Many agencies should take this as proof
that an institution can vastly profit from
The K9 unit operates in accordance with the PCG’s Selfthe right choice of spokesperson.
Reliance Program as the unit actually breeds its own K9s,
trains them and their handlers, deploys them in the operational
The PCG’s K9 units have also figured
areas, and provides for their wellness.
in countless competitions and as might be
expected, came home with almost all of
People
Recently more than 20 “aspins” have the coveted prizes.
go about been subjected to training and a good
Martial arts training hasn’t been
t h e i r number have reportedly passed the rigorous neglected
either
and
participants
business tests. More than anything else, the PCG’s found out that self-defense can best be
unconcerned of physical and various K9 units have figured in the interdiction of performed using martial arts. Participating
criminal threats because they feel that the substantial quantities of prohibited drugs. in parades is quite difficult for canines
K9 units are the first line of defense. And One very good example is that of 74.5 kilos but with patient training and discipline,
what better way to feel safe indeed?
of cocaine apprehended recently in Samar independence-day parades and turnover
The PCG’s K9 unit, ably headed by amounting close to PhP 393 million. This ceremonies have become peanuts to
Commnander Allen Dalangin, is not just find is reportedly part of one thousand K9 dogs and their handlers. Firing and
to provide a feeling of security in these tons of cocaine thrown overboard from a target shooting have also become part of
places. It has also become one of the best Chinese ship when its crew felt that they PCG personnel’s must-do and trainees
crime-busters in the country.
have since been grateful for their muchwere facing capture.
The K9 unit operates in accordance
The crime rate has radically gone improved skills.
with the PCG’s Self-Reliance Program as down, thanks to the presence of K9 units
Bombs - detecting and defusing them
the unit actually breeds its own K9s, trains conspicuously posted in crowded places. has become a PCG K9 staple. Many of
them and their handlers, deploys them After all, what criminal would want to these efforts have not seen any kind of
in the operational areas, and provides wrestle with a K9? Worse, who wants to media coverage but the PCG continues
for their wellness. Overall, this program
to do its work
actually redounds to significant savings on
unannounced
the part of the PCG.
because
the
The unit has two types of canines. One
PCG does not
type is trained for detection, as in “sniffing”
consciously
dogs, those that “smell” for illegal cargo
advertise what
such as drugs, weapons, chemicals and
it has been
other contraband items. The other type
empowered to
is trained as “attack” dogs, employed
do. It simply
in terrorist attacks and other violent
feels
dutysituations.
bound to do its
A recent development has been the
work,
minus
inclusion of “aspins,” dogs that are bred
the trappings of
locally. These canines are believed to be
public relations
more flexible because they were born and
work.
raised locally. As such, they are already
All
the
well acclimatized. Also, because they come
Philippine Coast
All the Philippine Coast Guard and its K9 unit want to do is to always be
from different breeds, they therefore come
Guard and its
prepared for all sorts of challenges that confront them.
from a much wider gene pool, making
K9 unit want to
them more adaptable to diverse situations, have their necks snapped off by powerful do is to always be prepared for all sorts of
in contrast to canines that come from canine jaws?
challenges that confront them. And most
inbreeding and therefore, from smaller
This year’s holiday season yielded of all, the PCG is always prepared to save
gene pools.
a rich treasure trove of illicit cargo at lives.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
29
30 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
31
EXCELLENT STAR to Set Standard
of Excellence in Assessing GOCs
A
new maritime assessment center has
embarked on a steadfast commitment
in determining the capability of Filipino
deck officers to competently and effectively
handle the vessel’s communication
equipment through actual demonstration
of competence, better known as practical
assessment, and the company appears
hell bent on setting a high standard of
excellence in its craft.
Excellent Star Maritime Center, Inc.,
(ESMC) the second assessment center
to be granted formal accreditation by the
National Telecommunications Commission
(NTC) to offer practical assessment for
General Operator Certificates (GOCs), has
formally embarked on its quest to walk the
straight path towards excellence.
Although the practical assessment center
was only given its official accreditation by
the NTC on December 20, 2010, Excellent
Star already had its offices and practical
assessment facilities and equipment set up
as early as October 2010 at Room 307 of
Travellers’ Life Building along T.M. Kalaw
Street in Ermita, Manila.
The comfort and cosiness of Excellent
Star’s offices is actually accentuated by
its light green hue that seems to radiate a
positive aura and put at ease anybody who
walks in to its doorsteps. The warm and
accommodating staffs of the assessment
center make a visit by any Filipino seafarer
to Excellent Star’s offices feel like a treat
by itself.
Former Radio Officer Paul Esber,
President of ESMC, is very confident that
his company would get its fair share of
Filipino deck officers who will be seeking to
undergo practical assessment before they
are given their GOCs by the NTC.
Excellent Star is actually a brainchild of
Esber along with five other master mariners
and four former radio operators who now
comprise the organizational make-up of the
assessment center. The proponents of the
assessment center shelled out a capital
investment of approximately PhP 7 million
to ensure that its equipment and facilities
shall conform to modern technological
demands.
The assessment center is equipped with
a modern GMDSS simulator program with
10 workstations powered by the latest PC
Excellent Star is equipped
with a modern GMDSS
simulator program with
10 workstations powered
by the latest PC models
each with 18-inch LCD
monitors enabling it to
provide assessment to 10
deck officer-examinees at
any given time.
the Excellent Star President.
As a matter of fact, when Excellent Star
officially rolled out its red carpet to the first
batch of examinees on December 28, 2010,
it had a total of 17; seven of them took the
morning session while the 10 decided to take
the afternoon practical assessment session.
Of the 17 examinees that vied for a
GOC with Excellent Star through practical
assessment, only six passed. Esber
however points out that it does not mean that
the practical assessment for GOC is really
difficult. “Most of the examinees may just be
new to the technology and they may still be
feeling the equipment, technically-speaking
that is. Eventually, once they get the hang
of the equipment, they would surely be
able to master
it and be able to
demonstrate their
compe-tence in
handling vessel
communication
systems
as
appropriate,”
quips Esber.
The
two
sessions per day
also allows an
examinee who
took the practical
Paul Esber (standing, middle) is joined by the staff of Excellent Star Maritime Center. Right photo shows the NTC Inspectors a s s e s s m e n t
watching the practical simulator examination on November 17, 2010.
in the morning
models each with 18-inch LCD monitors
enabling it to provide assessment to 10
examinees at any given time.
“While we do have staffs and personnel
to oversee the entire assessment procedure,
Excellent Star provides practical assessment
to Filipino deck officers with practically
no human intervention, ensuring that our
method of assessing competence is almost
full-proof,” cites Esber.
“The entire process from registration up
to debriefing after the practical assessment
phase takes only two hours, two and a half at
the most, so we can actually accommodate
as much as 40 examinees per day if we want
to. But initially, we are looking at an initial
target of only 20 examinees per day,” relates
to retake in the afternoon. “As a matter of
fact, one of the seven examinees who took
the practical assessment with Excellent
Star failed during the morning session
of December 28 so he came back in the
afternoon to do a re-take but unfortunately,
he failed again. The thing is, Filipino deck
officers vying for their GOCs can take the
practical assessment at their convenience
so the procedure does not really get in the
way of their limited vacation schedules, as
others claim,” explains Esber.
Its only competitor in the business
may have the advantage of location as
its center is located just a short distance
from the offices of the NTC in Quezon City,
but Esber is confident that Excellent Star
would eventually get the recognition from
many Filipino deck officers and eventually
a fair share of examinees considering that
it is actually a stone’s throw away from
the Luneta Seafarers’ Center, the official
convergence point of Filipino seafarers
since practically time immemorial.
During its initial run, Excellent Star
charges only P1,000 per examinee and
P650 for a retake which is quite a deal for
Filipino deck officers considering that the
competition charges a rate of P1,250 per
examinee and P650 for retakers.
Excellent Star Briefing Instructor,
Mr. Pablito Ronio said: “He emphasize
clarity and completeness of explaination
concerning simulator and nine GMDSS
functions in compliance with the STCW ‘95
Convention.”
The ESMC Board of Directors plans to
implement affordable prices of PhP2,000,
by February 1, 2011, which is justifiable
compared to other assessment center and
training centers offering simulator courses
for deck officers, according to ESMC
Executive Vice President Joey Dañez.
“Apart from being competitive, equipment
and personnel-wise, Excellent Star is also a
stickler to the righteous path. We shall not
allow hanky-pankies here or short-cutting of
process. We will assess Filipino deck officers
based on their competence to handle the
vessel’s communication systems not on
their earning or paying potentials. Excellent
Star will be threading along a straight path
or the tuwid na daan as President Noynoy
Aquino likes to say,” Esber proudly shared.
Esber also dismissed notions by some
quarters in the maritime industry that
practical assessment for GOCs is not
necessary.
“That’s a clear exaggeration meant to
highlight their opposition to the process. But
practical assessment for GOC is actually
provided for in Table IV-A of the STCW
Convention 95 and Excellent Star’s operation
is well-covered by both the law and the bible
of seafarers itself,” emphasized Esber.
Indeed Excellent Star is just about up and
ready to set a high standard of excellence
in assessing the competence of Filipino
deck officers to be able to earn their GOCs
rightfully.
32 TINIG NG MARINO
T
acloban City - The National Maritime
Polytechnic has opened four new
courses
for
seafarers,
namely:
Consolidated MARPOL 73/78 Annexes IVI, MARPOL 73/78 Annexes III, IV & V,
Safety Training for Boat Captain and Marine
Diesel Mechanic and Anti-Piracy Course for
Seafarers.
These courses will be initially offered at
NMP Tacloban Training Complex starting
January 2011.
Consolidated MARPOL 73/78 Annexes I-VI
A five-day course on marine pollution
prevention which includes topics on the
prevention of pollution by oil (Annex I); control
of pollution by noxious liquid substances
(annex II); prevention of pollution by harmful
substances carried by sea in packaged
form (annex III); prevention of pollution by
sewage from ships (annex IV); prevention
of pollution by garbage from ships (annex
V) and prevention of air pollution from ships
(annex VI).
The course is open to marine deck
and engine officers and other personnel
responsible in ensuring compliance of
onboard operations to regulations of the
MARPOL 73/78 Convention.
MARPOL Annexes III, IV & V
A two-day course, it is offered to address
the training requirements of seafarers who
have taken MARPOL Annexes I, II and VI
courses separately in compliance with PRC
requirements to complete the training on the
six annexes under MARPOL Convention.
Safety Training for Boat Captain and
Marine Diesel Mechanic
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
NMP Opens 4 New Courses
The course is intended for domestic
seafarers as required by the Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA) pursuant to
its Memorandum Circular No. 170 dated
December 13, 2001 on
Rules on the Conduct
of Examination and
Issuance of License
to Major Patron, Minor
Patrons, Boat Captains
and
Marine
Diesel
Mechanics and per
MARINA Administrative
Order No. 36-09 s. 2009
which provides that one
of the requirements in
taking the licensure
examination for boat
captains and diesel
mechanics is having
attended a one-day
safety seminar.
Anti-Piracy Course for
Seafarers
It is designed for all
seafarers in response
to POEA Memorandum
Circular No. 2, s. 2010
requiring all departing
seafarers to undergo a
mandatory anti-piracy
awareness training.
It covers basically
the topics on the “Code
of Conduct Concerning
The Repression of
Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in
the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of
Aden” adopted on 29 January 2009 (Djibouti
Meeting) and the “Best Management
Practices to Deter Piracy Off the Coast
of Somalia and in the Arabian Sea Area
(BMP3)”, version 3.
For enrolment reservation and inquiries,
please contact the Registrar at telephone
nos. (053) 321-3353/56 or email us at info@
nmp.gov.ph.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
33
34 TINIG NG MARINO
FROM PAGE 3
attempted to get the side of MEOAP on
the issues and allegations raised by UFS
against the association. Protocol dictates
that the response should be obtained from
C/E Deligero himself being the supposed
man at the helm of the association. But
lo and behold, Mrs. Lydia Malbog, wife of
Ernesto Malbog, the association’s Admin
Manager, picked up the phone from the
other end and stated that she is the official
spokesperson of MEOAP as she is also
the editor of the MEOAP magazine.
She claimed that she knows MEOAP by
heart so she can speak for and on behalf
of the association. When asked about
the status of the financial statements of
MEOAP and whether they were regularly
submitting financial reports to the SEC
or the PRC as an APO, the 15-seconder
question of Tinig ng Marino was met by
a more than 30-minute litany from Mrs.
Malbog, resembling the rapid-firing of an
M-90 machine gun put on automatic mode.
The lady can figuratively speak faster
than a speeding bullet, Tinig ng Marino
discovered.
Even if one would record her statements
on a tape recorder, transcription would pose
a big challenge even to a veteran journalist.
Mouthful is simply an understatement when
Mrs. Malbog opens her mouth and start
firing words, as if there would no longer be
a tomorrow.
Mrs. Malbog claimed that MEOAP was
never amiss in submitting its financial
statements to the SEC. She said that they
also submitted the same to the BIR and the
PRC, which comes out quite ironic as the
association does not have BIR stamps on
its receipts, and thus cannot be considered
as official receipts, and that it has only a
one-page document, the MEOAP profile, in
the PRC files.
She further blurted that all the
accusations being hurled against MEOAP
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
WHERE’S THE MONEY?
doing so would take the
Q&As almost an ‘eternity’
with
the
answers
dominating the airtime
with a conservative
ratio of 1,000 to one. In
addition, Mrs. Malbog
stated that she does
not care what Tinig
ng Marino publishes
as it represents UFS
and Nelson Ramirez
anyway.
Mrs.
Malbog’s
fascinating
prowess
A scanned copy of the home-made MEOAP ‘official’ receipt. Note
became known also to
the absence of the BIR Registration Number and the name of the
one press photographer
printing press.
when the latter was
are being instigated by Nelson Ramirez prevented from covering one oath-taking
because the latter lost in his case versus rite of marine engineer officers at the Manila
the association to unseat the previous Hotel on the grounds that MEOAP had its
officers, headed by C/E Sempio. Short own official photographer for the occasion.
of saying that Ramirez was only sour- Intervention by a PRC board examiner
graping, Mrs. Malbog also sarcastically finally enabled the photographer to go
welcomed Tinig ng Marino’s publication about his work, although Mrs. Malbog still
of the allegations against MEOAP as they insisted that all pictures taken be cleared
will be filing charges after charges with with her.
In another incident, a journalist
the publication when the issues are made
representing a well-known maritime
public.
Amid her non-stop outbursts, Tinig ng publication called the MEOAP office to
Marino was still able to throw in one more request an interview with the president.
question to Mrs. Malbog, which surprisingly Mrs Malbog who answered the phone,
went through to her. Asked whether MEOAP arrogantly told the caller that any questions
is paying taxes to the BIR, she claimed that can be addressed to her because she
MEOAP is a non-government organization could answer all of them. Fortunately,
and is thus exempted from paying taxes to the journalist was not the kind who would
the government. Whether she thought of be pushed around and talked to with
her answers well or it was a mere spur of disrespect.
These are only several of the many
the moment, the lady seemed to be in a
instances where Mrs. Malbog has acted
trance when on a talking rampage.
Several more questions were actually like the big boss of MEOAP. She is reported
in store for her from Tinig ng Marino but to have declared one time that the PRC
SAILORS’ CORNER
RA 10022: Amending
the Migrant Workers’
Act - Part 2
FROM PAGE 16
partners, proprietors and employees shall be perpetually disqualified
from engaging in the recruitment of overseas workers.
RA 10022 is a serious step by the government to further improve
the protection afforded to Filipino migrant workers.
But there is no doubt that the road to redemption is still far and
more initiatives must still be undertaken both by the government
and the private sector, to ensure that no more Filipino migrant
worker shall be victimized by illegal recruiters or abused by his or
her foreign employer.
[Atty. Augusto “Tito” Bundang is a graduate of the Ateneo
de Manila University, a Board Member of the Maritime Law
Association of the Philippines (MARLAW), and a Lecturer at
the De La Salle University. He is a Partner at the Sapalo Velez
Bundang & Bulilan (SVBB) Law Offices and currently heads its
Litigation and Seafarers’ Department. SVBB is located at the
11th Floor, Security Bank Centre, 6776 Ayala Avenue, Makati
City with telephone nos. 8911316 to 19.]
board examiners for the engine department
should be made to undergo ‘cultural shock’
lectures from her because they had a lot to
learn from her because of her Ph. D. What
she can teach seasoned ship officers is still
not clear, however.
The reported hold of the conjugal
dictatorship on the MEOAP president and
the day-to-day operations of the association
has resulted in proper procedures being
overlooked or deliberately set aside.
This was made clear when MEOAP
submitted to the SEC in 2005 a number of
amendments to its Articles of Incorporation
Copies of the oath-taking ticket stubs being
issued by MEOAP to inductees and guests.
and By-Laws, including the change in
MEOAP’s name to “Marine Engineer
Officers Association of the Philippines”
(heretofore, the group was known as the
Marine Engine Officers Association of the
Philippines).
The
Trustees’
Certificate
that
accompanied the application was signed
by nine individuals, three of whom were
TURN TO PAGE 37
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
35
36 TINIG NG MARINO
T
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
Hepa B, 100% Mas
Mapanganib sa AIDS
inatayang may 70
porsiyento ng tao sa
buong mundo ang
may sakit na Hepatitis B na
karamihan ay matatagpuan
sa Timog Silangang Asya at
sa Rehiyon ng Pasipiko.
Ito ay ayon sa pag-aaral at
pagsisiyasat na ginawa ng
isang grupo ng dalubhasa
sa larangan ng Hepatitis
B management mula sa
MEAN INDICATED
PRESSURE
What’s to
Become of Us?
FROM PAGE 13
that power which she is only imagining as
hers. It simply won’t last. And she’d better
understand that, quick.
It hurts many members who threw
enormous amounts of money, their very
own blood, sweat and tears, into this
organization. It hurts; and it’s shameful the
way they have been treated, especially
when they ask where all the money has
gone and what has been done for them.
This brings to mind the comment of
one former US senator: “The Philippines
is inhabited by 60 million Filipinos and one
dictator.” But by now everyone knows what
happened to this particular dictator who had
an ignominious end. Same with this woman
who is reigning over an organization with
some 60,000 members or so and with one
dictator who is not even a member. She
should know better.
MEOAP pales in comparison with the
Philippine Electrical Engineers Association
of the Philippines which now has its own
building and funds worth more than 80
million pesos. This fiefdom ruled by the
conjugal dictatorship, in contrast, has
nothing to show for. Recent information
indicates that it even has a negative cash
position.
On top of that, not one marine engineer
has seen a single annual report, financial
statement or any proof that money has
been accounted for.
“Transparency” is nothing but a
strange and abstract word to this conjugal
dictatorship. Even more shameful is the
way the lady-cum-queen has been throwing
her weight around.
Her imperious manner and rude
treatment of members, whom she
considers nothing but her slaves, will prove
to be her own undoing in the end. And the
end is near!
pagsasaliksik sa iba’t ibang
panig ng mundo.
Ang Hepa B ay isang
nakakamatay na sakit na
dulot ng Hepa B Virus(HBV)
at panlima sa talaan ng mga
nakamamatay na sakit sa
buong mundo.
Ito ay isangdaan ulit na
mas mapanganib at madaling
makahawa
kumpara
sa
Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS), ayon sa
siyentista sa larangan ng
Hepa B management.
Sa
pag-aaral
ni
Dr.
Masahiro
Yamamoto ng
Nissay Hospital ng Japan
natuklasan niya ang isang uri
ng halamang ugat na mabisa
upang muling mabuo ang
atay o liver cells na sinira
ng Hepa B virus at tuluyang
maka-recover ang taong may
sakit nito.
Ito ay aprubado ng Bureau
of Food and Drugs (BFAD).
Para sa order at delivery,
tumawag sa Lizada KRG
Center na may tanggapan
sa Room 601 6th floor
Manufacturer Bldg. Inc.(MBI
Bldg.) at mga landline bilang:
736-7732, 736-7691 o cell
phone numbers na 09285019519 o 0928-5019508.
TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
FROM PAGE 34
WHERE’S THE MONEY?
not members of the MEOAP Board of
Trustees. The main document itself, which
contained the amended by-laws, was not
signed by any of the 10 people (directors,
ex-officio directors and the secretary of
MEOAP) who were supposed to affix their
signatures. Surprisingly, the SEC approved
the changes despite the obvious legal
infirmities.
Fighting for the Greater Good
Ramirez has sought to debunk
suspicions that the UFS move to raise the
issues against MEOAP is motivated by
some personal agenda. He explained: “Our
marine engineer officers have suffered for
too long because the association that’s
supposed to protect them is working
against their interest. The UFS has been
deluged with complaints from MEOAP
members who hate what is going on but
are helpless in changing the situation. Who
else is left to defend them?”
He added that the MEOAP leadership
could be accused of economic sabotage
unless it renders an honest accounting of
how the money collected from members has
been spent. “We are talking grand scale here
- tens of millions of pesos, money earned
by marine engineer officers through their
blood and sweat,” Ramirez said. However,
it is not only a question of money. “The way
things are now,” the
UFS president said,
“MEOAP is dragging
the whole merchant
marine
profession
down the gutter with
it because of its lack
of transparency and
disregard
for
the
common
rules
of
decency.”
R a m i r e z
acknowledged
that
he filed a court case
in 2005 questioning
the way the MEOAP
election that year was
manipulated to ensure
that Ramirez and
his group would not
win. That case was
dismissed, but what
is not widely known is
that Ramirez’s petition
was thrown out by the
judge because of a
technicality. “We lost
the case because our
lawyer failed to file the
petition within the 14day period prescribed
under the court rules,”
The current roster of MEOAP Officers. Note the absence of Lydia Malbog.
Ramirez pointed out.
37
The UFS leader says this doesn’t
change the fact that the group of C/E
Sempio had planned to hold the election
in faraway Baguio City as part of their
strategy to discourage MEOAP members
from participating. After the scheme met
with strong objections from Ramirez’s
group, the other camp went ahead with an
election in Manila when there was only one
from the board of directors who attended.
“In short, they voted themselves into power
for the next five years,” Ramirez said.
According to Ramirez, the 2005 incident
only continues the tradition in MEOAP in
which a small group of individuals connive
with one another to control the association
and its coffers.
“But at the same time,” he said, “it set a
new style of governance in MEOAP where
anything goes and the leaders don’t feel
the need to defend or explain their actions.
This is Mafia style.”
Ramirez described the trend as
dangerous.
“In addition to further exploitation
of marine engineer officers,” he said,
“we are seeing the disappearance of
professionalism in the very organization
that was accredited by the PRC to nurture
its members.”
He called on PRC Chairperson Jennifer
Manalili to conduct a thorough investigation
to identify all erring individuals and
determine if MEOAP should continue
representing the marine engineer officers.
“If the PRC has to recall the accreditation
of MEOAP or revoke some officers’
licenses, so be it,” Ramirez said.
38 TINIG NG MARINO
T
here is always a big responsibility that
comes with money. As the Bible says,
we are stewards of such blessings.
I learned to act like a steward and handle
my finances from my mother who taught
me since I was a child to save and spend
conservatively after experiencing a lot of
financial challenges throughout the years
from bad investment decisions, credit card
debts, recession and bankruptcy.
From all these, I learned my lessons and
decided to act for a new beginning.
Now as a financial adviser, I am more
motivated to share my lessons and help
educate people who are willing to learn and
PISOBILITIES
Paghahanda sa
Pagreretiro
FROM PAGE 21
porsyentong interes, P3 milyon na lang
ang kakailanganin mo. Pwede mong
ipuhunan ang sobra sa isang matibay nang
negosyong gaya ng isang subok nang
prankisa. Hindi ka na siguro dapat magtayo
ng bagong negosyo sa puntong ito dahil
magreretiro ka na nga at mahihirapan na
nang magsimula at magpatakbo nito.
Pero kung ang mga mo anak naman ang
magpapatakbo ng negosyo at balak mo
namang ibigay ito sa kanila bilang paunang
mana, walang problema. Pwedeng-pwede
silang magtayo ng bagong negosyo. Bata
pa kasi ang mga anak mo at kayangkaya pang magsapalaran at bumawi kung
sakasakaling sumuong sa panganib.
Sinabi rin ni Mrs. CP na balak niyang
ilagak ang pera niya sa iba’t ibang klase ng
pamumuhunan, na kombinasyon ng growth
at income investments, at konserbatibo,
medyo mapanganib at mapanganib na
pamumuhunan. Narito ang buod ng plano
niya:
• Mag-aabuloy siya sa kanilang parokya
para sa pagpapatayo ng simbahan.
• Ang 15 porsyento ay ipambabayad
niya ng utang
• Ang 15 porsyento ay ipupuhunan niya
sa tatlong mapanganib na negosyo.
• Ang 24 porsyento ay ilalagak
niya sa medyo mapanganib na mga
pamumuhunan.
• Ang 44 porsyento ay ilalagak niya sa
mga konserbatibong pamumuhunan.
• Ang 2 porsyento ay gagamitin
niyang pondo para sa mga mahihigpit na
pangangailangan.
Ang sabi ko kay Mrs. CP: Mukhang
balak mong ikalat ang iyong pera sa
napakaraming klaseng pamumuhunan.
Baka mas mainam na pag-aralan mo
munang muli ang plano mo at baguhin
kung kinakailangan. Parang napakarami
mo kasing gustong pasukin nang sabaysabay, baka sa huli’y mahirapan ka lang.
Ganito ang dapat mong gawin:
1) Gumawa ka ng talaan ng lahat ng
balak mong gawin o pasukin. Ilista mo
kung magkano ang balak mong ipuhunan
sa bawat isa at ang inaasahan mong
tubo o kita bawat buwan o bawat taon.
Kwentahin mo kung makukuha mo ba sa
kitang ito ang P30,000 na kailangan mong
panggastos kada buwan.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
are committed to accumulate wealth.
I am determined to empower people and
let them understand and correct their wrong
impressions about the importance of life
insurance for them and their family.
Life insurance is a wonderful gift to loved
ones. It can be claimed upon the death of the
insured, whether due to old age, accident, or
disease. Riders can be added to make one’s
life insurance coverage more comprehensive.
These include Total and Permanent Disability
and Accidental Death and Disablement.
Pru Life UK also offers coverage for
death due to murder and assault, attached
to the accident insurance; and for medical
reimbursement due to accident.
The Crisis Cover Benefit and the Life
Care Benefit are considered among the most
important riders. The Crisis Cover Benefit
covers 15 major illnesses while the Life Care
Benefit covers 36 major illnesses.
Nowadays, even a young person can
suffer from heart attack, stroke, cancers, renal
failure, among other major illnesses. Major
illness can strike us any time. Even health
buffs that go to the gym or join a marathon
may suddenly collapse and eventually die.
I believe that no matter how much
preparation we do, financial liquidity is still
the best factor and life insurance is the best
example. Most people are drawn to purchase
properties and forget to provide liquidity in
case an emergency arises.
Check out your financial portfolio and let
an insurance consultant help you understand
what direction you need to take.
If interested, get in touch with AILEEN T.
ELLO, Pru Life UK Insurance Consultant,
through her mobile number at +63 920 951
0388 or through email by writing to aileen_
ello@yahoo.com.
2) Alamin mo kung gaano kalaki ang
panganib ng pagkalugi o kawalan sa bawat
negosyo o pamumuhunan na papasukin
mo. SIGURADONG MAWAWALAN KA!
Ang dapat mong gawin ay siguruhing
KAHIT MAWALAN KA PA, kaya mo pa ring
maabot ang pinupuntirya mong halaga.
3) Kumunsulta ka muna sa eksperto sa
negosyo o pamumuhunan na balak mong
pasukin.
At bilang huling paalaala: Huwag mong
ilalagak ang lagpas sa 5 porsyento ng
iyong pera sa mga pamumuhunang malaki
ang panganib ng pagkalugi o kawalan.
Imbitahin ninyo ang pamilya at kamaganakan ninyong sumali sa aming Pisobilities
Seminar, Pera Palaguin Workshop at
sa Investability Seminar. Buwan-buwan
ang aming mga seminar. Magtanong
sa
info@colaycofoundation.com
o
tumawag sa aming opisina 026373731 o
026373741 o bisitahin ang website www.
colaycofoundation.com
Isang Manigong Bagong Taon sa lahat!
Appreciating the Benefits of Life Insurance
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
39
40 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
Official Letters to the Editor
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
41
42 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
UFS: 16 Years of Championing
Filipino Seafarers’ Cause
FROM PAGE 4
Outstanding Maritime School, received by
C/E Ramon Deseo, President.
Engr. Nelson Ramirez, President of the
UFS, says that the maritime union would
not have been able to achieve its many
accomplishments if not for the support of
several stakeholders in the local maritime
industry. “The honourees during the 8th
Tinig ng Marino Awards were among
those who made facing the challenges a
little bit easier for UFS and other concerned
industry stakeholders,” says the UFS
president.
He also elaborated on the short-term
goal of the UFS to be able to contribute in
having the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers
passed into law before the end of the 15th
session of Congress, which was quite
fitting too as the event’s guest-of-honor and
speaker was no other than the young, witty
and very comely Rep. Emmeline Y. Aglipay,
Partylist Representative of the Democratic
Independent Workers Association (DIWA).
Rep. Aglipay, who is authoring the
counterpart bill of the Magna Carta of Filipino
Seafarers, in the Lower House, explained in
her speech during the UFS event that she
and her office is in the process of collating
as much information as possible from
Filipino seafarers and the entire maritime
industry to be able to incorporate important
points prior to finalizing the bill. The Senate
Bill on Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers
has already been filed before the close of
the 14th session of Congress by Senator
Edgardo J. Angara.
Rep. Aglipay also called on several
industry stakeholders, who were quite
aplenty during the UFS event, to provide or
submit their inputs or position papers to her
office related to the bill that she is crafting
for Filipino seafarers.
She also recognized the sincere and
unrelenting efforts of Engr. Ramirez and the
UFS in really fighting for and championing
the cause of Filipino seafarers and their
families all aimed towards the betterment
of the local maritime industry.
Prior to the keynote speech of Rep.
Aglipay, Rey Gambe, National Secretary
of the UFS, made a short powerpoint
presentation on the humble beginnings,
notable accomplishments and the men
behind the maritime union.
The occasion was actually a three-inone event for the UFS as the union also
took the opportunity to officially launch the
Gitik-Gitik Ginagmay: Humor at Sea,
Book 2, the second joke book of the UFS,
excerpted from the pages of Tinig ng
Marino. The first joke book was launched
in December 2008 and has since generated
raves and clamors from many Filipino
seafarers, necessitating the publication of
Book 2.
Engr. Ramirez formally launched the
joke book and subsequently gave out
complimentary copies to the advertisers
from the local maritime industry, whose
support was instrumental in
the publication of the book.
He also took time out to sign
several copies for guests as
co-author of the book.
Capt. Walfrido Rivas, Vice
President for External Affairs
of the UFS, wrapped up the
eventful program by delivering
the closing remarks, focusing
on the idea that the union
would not simply rest on its
laurels. “Despite logging in
The UFS event was well-attended by several key stakeholders of countless accomplishments
the local maritime industry.
over the last 16 years, the UFS
43
will endeavour to
serve and do more,
first and foremost
to its members,
to the entire lot of
Filipino seafarers,
their
families,
and to the local
maritime industry Ramirez: UFS is here to
in general,” he stay.
stated.
Spicing up the event were several
entertainment numbers provided by an
orphanage chorale, which rendered a
variety of Christmas carols; DJ Jop, the
young rapper seafarer son who became
popular among Filipino seafarers for his
relevant songs about OFWs; and a dance
medley from several UFS cadets.
Arianne Blanche Rodriguez, Associate
Editor of Tinig ng Marino and daughter of
Engr. Ramirez, served as an able emcee
during the program.
44 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
MULTIPLE WIVES
Chinese: I have four wives. One more, I
have a basketball team.
American: I have 9 wives. One more I
have a football team.
Filipino: I have 17 wives. One more I have
a golf course, 18 holes!
NEW MEDICAL TERMS
MOTTO NG MGA BADING
BAWAL NA ANG KOTONG
•“Walang kaibi-kaibigan pag agawan na ng
dyowa ang usapan.”
•“Sa hinaba-haba man ng prusisyon,
bading din pala ang magiging karelasyon.”
•“Walang matinong lalake sa malanding
kumpare”
•“Aanhin mo ang guwapo, kung mas
malandi pa sa iyo?”
•“Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling
dyowa, sa mga bath houses naglipana.”
•“Matalino man daw ang bading,
napeperahan pa rin.”
Pulis: Bayad ko sa kape, o.
Intsik: Aba, bakit ka bayad?
Pulis: Utos na ni P-Noy, wala nang kotong.
Intsik: Aba sige, simula ngayon hindi na
ako dura sa kape mo.
MGA PAMATAY NA HIRIT
•“Kumain ka ba ng asukal? Ang tamis kasi
ng ngiti mo!”
•“May lahi ka bang keyboard? Type kasi
kita!”
•“Ipapupulis kita! Ninakaw mo kasi ang
puso ko!”
•“Are you a dictionary? Kasi, you add
meaning to my life.”
•“Meron ka bang lisensya? Kasi, you drive
me crazy.”
•“I lost my number. Can I have yours?”
•“Angel ba ang name mo? Kasi, you look
like one.”
•“I forgot your name. Can I call you mine?”
A student answering his medical entrance
examination ..
Antibody - Against everybody
Artery - Study of fine paintings
Genes - Blue denims
Hymen - Greetings to several men
Labor pain - Hurt at work
Liposuction - French kiss
Microbes - Small dressing gowns
Cardiology - Advance study of playing
cards
Cat Scan - Searching for lost cat
Coma - Punctuation mark
Bacteria - Back door to a cafeteria
CHOICES
Sa isang mumurahing airline:
Stewardess : Sir, would you like some
dinner?
Passenger : Ano ba ang mga choices?
Stewardess : ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ lang po
NABANGGA
Isang umaga sa kalye, meron kotseng
umaatras:
Driver: Pare pakitingnan kung mababanga ako.
Taga-Sigaw: Sige po ser!
… at ilang sandali lang....
Taga-Sigaw : KASYA! KASYA! KAAASSSYAAAA!
... at bigla na lang bumanga yung kotse
Blaagag!
Driver: Nakupo keplos nabanga!
Taga-Sigaw: ANO KA BA NAMAN SER?
SABI NG ME PUNO NG KASYA EH!
TRAS KA NG TRAS!
5 PEARLS OF WISDOM
MALING AKALA
KOMISYON SA ELEKSYON
Attorney: Is it true that you accepted a
bribe of P1 million?
Witness did not answer.
Judge: You may answer the question.
Witness: Ay! Akala ko judge ikaw ang
tinatanong.
Gorio: Gusto kong magtrabaho sa COMELEC.
Estoy: Dahil ba sa malakas ang lagayan
dyan?
Gorio: Uy! Hindi lagay yan ah! Komisyon
yan sa eleksiyon.
MANA SA AMA
ENJOY LIFE
ROOMS
Four kinds of room
woman’s anatomy:
1. Face
2. Breast
3. Stomach
4. D One Downstairs
according to the
-
Showroom
Playroom
Storage Room
Men’s Room
Reasons why the government is giving discount to senior citizens:
Food - Marami na ang bawal
Transportation - Hirap ng sumakay
Groceries - Hindi na makakabuhat
Sine - Malabo na ang mata
Concert - Hirap na ang pandinig
Hotels - Ano pa ang gagawin doon?
Father – Kumusta ang exams ninyo sa
eskwela, mga anak?
Brother - Mabuti po. Nakakuha kami ni
Dina ng 100%.
Father - Magaling! Nagmana kayo sa
talino ko.
Sister - 60% po yung sa akin at 40% yung
kay Kuya.
(nagmana nga!)
1.Money can’t buy happiness but somehow it’s more comfortable to cry on a BMW
than on bike.
2.Help a man when he is in trouble and he
will remember you when he is in trouble
again.
3.Many people are alive today because it’s
illegal to shoot them.
4.Forgive your enemy but remember the
bastard’s name.
5.Alcohol does not solve any problem but
then neither does milk.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
45
46 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
Patuloy na Nangunguna sa Pagbabago
Matindi ang Laking UFS
Maayong Pasko sa inyong tanan diha sa UFS labi na sa akong guwapo nga Ninong
Nelson, liwat nako. Hehe. Nandito pa ako sa barko sa kasalukuyan at medyo matatagalan
pa ang uwi ko. Ayos naman ako dito bilang Chief Engineer at nag-iisang opisyal na Pilipino
dito sa makina ng aming malaking tanker vessel.
Tauhan ko sa makina ng aming barko ang ilang mga Ukrainian, Sri Lankan, at
Indonesian. Minsan ko na ring naipamalas sa kanila ang husay at galling ng isang UFS
Boy pati na sa ibang mga marinong Pilipino na kahit na anong kalase at laki ng barko at
kahit ano pang nasyonalidad o lahi ang mga kasama natin, talagang lalabas at lalabas
ang husay nating mga marinong Pilipino.
Utang ko ang malaking bahagi ng aking kaalaman sa UFS dahil din sa mahusay at
magaling na pamununo ni Ninong Nelson. Kaya Ninong, yung pamasko ko, wag mong
kakalimutan ha. Joke lang.
Thank you for your guidance
all throughout, without which, I
will not be where I am now. I am
always praying for your health at
sana lagi kang malakas.
Believe it or not, my salary is
higher than our ship captain but
please be quiet about it. Hehe.
Ganyan katindi ang original UFS
boy. – C/E Fabian Borga
C/E Fabian Borga with his nonFilipino subordinates at the engine
room of their their tanker.
Maraming salamat sa iyong liham Fabian. Sadyang nakakataba ng puso ang malaman
na naipapamalas mo ang iyong husay sa pagbabarko sa harap ng ibang mga lahi
ng marino. Ipagpatuloy mo lang ang iyong pagpapamalas ng husay at tinitiyak kong
malayo pa ang iyong mararating. - Editor
Salamat sa paalalang iyong pinahatid Nelson.
Masaya ako dahil nadaragdagan ang karunungan at kaalaman sa kasalukuyang takbo
ng propesyon.
Malungkot din naman dahil sa lahat ng bagay na gawin tama man o mali, mali pa rin.
Talagang mahihirapan kang kumuha ng kapalit pero ang totoo niyan wala kang makukuha.
Ikaw ay nag-iisa. Walang kang katulad. Gaya ng iyong sinabi “ LET US CROSS THE BRIDGE
WHEN REACH THERE.” Yun lang para sa akin ang tamang gawin. Marami ang susunod,
susubok, magtatangka, pero wala ni isa man ang magiging katulad mo.
Nakatutuksong sabihin na IKAW LANG ANG NAGHANDA O NAGSIMULA at ang iba
ay gumagawa pa o gagawa pa lamang ng nagawa mo na.
Naniniwala naman ako na ang lahat ay may magagawa. Hindi puwedeng haligi,
bubong, hagdan, ilaw ang lahat. Kailangang mabuo ang bahay sa pagsasama-sama ng
bawat isa.
At sa kanyang pagkabuo, taas-noo nating masasabi ang tunay na pagbabago sa ating
kapaligiran at sa industriyang ating ginagalawan. Dito nakasisiyang isipin na ikaw ang
pundasyon at simula ng lahat.
There you made your name. There you make a difference. There you make a change.
Mabuhay ka Nelson! - Benny Lodriga, Kapitan, MV Korean Lily
Maraming salamat sa iyong mga papuri Benny. Sinasabi ko lang ang aking nalalamang
tama batay sa pananaw ng mga nakakarami at malugod kong ibinabahagi ang mga
kaalaman at impormasyong ito sa mga kabaro ko sa propesyon upang mabigyan
sila ng mas maaliwalas na pananaw hindi lang sa kanilang pagbabarko, ngunit pati
na rin sa kanilang industriyang ginagalawan at higit sa lahat, sa kanilang pribadong
pamumuhay. Mabuhay ka rin Benny! - Editor
Napag-iwanan ng Pagkakataon
A pleasant day to you Sir Nelson. Nawa’y nasa maayos kayong kundisyon sa
pagtanggap ninyo nitong liham ko. Ako po si Ernesto A. Viernes, nakatira sa 604 Malinta,
Dulong Tangke, Valenzuela City. Ako po ay 28 taong gulang, may asawa at may anak na
rin po. Ako ay nagtapos sa kursong B.S. in Marine Transportation sa PMI College sa Sta.
Cruz, Manila noong pang taong 2003.
Sa kahirapan po ng buhay, nagtrabaho po muna ako kaya magpahanggang sa ngayon
ay wala pa akong experience. Kahit sa interisland po sinubukan ko na mag-apply. Sa
mga manning agencies, ang madalas po nilang tinatanong ay kung anong age at kung
sino ang kakilala ko sa loob at sasabihn pa ng iba na tatawagan na lang daw po nila ako.
Ngunit sa tagal po ng aking paghihintay, kahit isa sa mga agencies na aking in-apply-an
ay wala pong tumawag. Naisip ko na nga po na wala na akong pag-asa na makasampa
ng barko at pinanghihinaan na nga po ako ng loob at malapit na akong mawalan ng
tiwala sa aking sarili. Dagdag pa sa aking pangamba ay ang aking patuloy na pagtanda.
Nanghihinayang nga po ako sa aking kurso dahil hindi ko man lang nagamit. Madalas
po akong dumadaan sa Luneta pagkagaling ko sa mga agencies kaya po nabasa ko
ang pahayagang Tinig ng Marino. Dahil sa mga nabasa kong ibang mga liham ng mga
bagong marino na inyong natulungan at ng UFS, nagbakasakali po akong lumapit sa inyo
at sa inyong tanggapan. Sa inyong tanggapan ay may nakausap akong isang kadate.
Ang sabi po ay may age limit nga po at dahil doon ay tuluyan na akong nawalan ng pagasa na makasampa pa ng barko.
Sir Nelson, nakikiusap po ako at humihingi ng tulong na bigyan nyo po ako ng kahit
kaunting pag-asa.Maraming salamat po at nawa’y patuloy kayong gabayan ng Poong
Maykapal sa walang-sawa niyong pagtulong sa mga taong nangangailangan. – Ernesto
Viernes
Pilit man kitang tulungan sa abot ng aking makakaya Ernesto ngunit sadyang mahirap
na para sa kagaya mong may edad na 28 ang matanggap ng mga manning agencies na
nagde-deploy ng mga marino sa foreign vessels. Gayunpaman, kung magkakaroon ka ng
isang taong karanasan sa interisland, maaari pang magbigay sa iyo ang pagkakataong
iyon ng isang maliwanag na daan para makatawid ka sa overseas. – Editor
Make your day!
;
PROVOCATIVE
;
INFORMATIVE
;
RELEVANT
;
CONTROVERSIAL
;
ENTERTAINING
seafarers’ newspaper
Now available in selected newsstands in Manila! Published every two months, Tinig ng Marino is also distributed in more than
400 ports and hundreds of seamen’s centers and Filipino-manned vessels around the world.
6XEVFULEHQRZWR7LQLJQJ0DULQR
Name:______________________________ One year rates:
Address :_____________________________
IMPORTANT:PleasemakechequebankdraftpayabletotheUnitedFilipinoSeafarers,
Room402,GediscoTerraceBuilding,1148RoxasBoulevard,Ermita,Manila,Philippines 1000
(6 issues, Air mail)
Philippines
Metro Manila Rate:
Provincial Rate:
Asia:
US & Europe:
Africa:
One year rates:
Bulk copies (6 issues)
minimum of 10 copies
Php 500.00 (inclusive of delivery
Php 600.00 charges - Metro Manila only)
Php 2,400.00 10 copies - Php 1,000.00
Php 2,800.00 25 copies - Php 1,750.00
Php 2,800.00 50 copies - Php 3,500.00
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
TINIG NG MARINO
47
48 TINIG NG MARINO
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011