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CONTENT 5

COVER STORY : Nick Conti at a Junction

MANNING : Borromeo rolls sleeves for EMSA

EDUCATION & TRAINING : Bridging the Ph METC

FEATURE: Museo Maritimo boosts Ph

EVENT : Human Anchor Honors Seafarer

FOOD FOR THOUGHT : On Seafarer Day

PROFILE : Lift anchor, Captain

SHIPPING: Panama Toll Hike

CRUISE: Wallem optimistic

GOVERNMENT: VAdm Tan Leads Promotions

About the Cover EO 75 is defining for the maritime industry; albeit, also a pivotal challenge to MARINA. But we believe all these are paperwork without credible people to do the job, with the political will and executive vision. Thus, we centerstage a man who hacked the path towards the “daang matuwid” everybody wants but seldom pursue. Our cover reflects a dream - actually, infusion of grit and gumption to move forward to a national action long-overdue. Photo by Chai Cubilla

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

Editorial Board LYN BACANI Publisher B. CORTES LAGAC Editorial Consultant JHON HENSON ONG Layout & Design

Contributors Comm TESS LORA Ms MERLE SAN PEDRO Dr. ALICE LAMIGO RAdm ADONIS DONATO Capt RODOLFO ASPILLAGA Capt EDWIN ITABLE Capt Ireneo Delos Santos Atty DENNIS GORECHO

News and Feature Writers COCA H. STROBAR LIGAYA CABAN EVA TAN Correspondents ROSVIE CORCUERA MICHIKO LARDIZABAL

Circulation Manager CHAI CUBILLA Marketing Assistants JOMELYN TUD JOAMIRICA TUD

Editorial Office Unit 7G The Manila Residences Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila Telefax : 254-7408 Tel. : 975-7578 Hotline : 0917-5964526 www.marinoworld.info Find us

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

LIPSTICK

ON LIP SERVICE The Day of the Seafarer was first celebrated in 2011, following a resolution by the United Nation’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted at the Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, held in Manila in June 2010. This Conference also passed major revisions to the STCW Convention and Code, the overtone being the resolution is not just a run of the mill, not a mere de riguer but a priority “consciousness” of the world to recognize the importance of seafarers. With his team of brilliant communicators, President B.S. Aquino III took note and reacted to the IMO call by signing Presidential Proclamation 183 declaring June 25 as the Day of the Filipino seafarer. “Filipino seafarers deserve respect, recognition and gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the national development efforts of the country. Filipino seafarers have become “sailing ambassadors” of the country for having demonstrated before the global maritime community the best traits of the Filipino,” reads the proclamation. This year’s theme is “Saludo Kami, Marinong Pinoy! Bayani Ka Talaga!” (We Salute You, Filipino Mariner! You are Truly a Hero) On this tone, maritime stakeholders have prepared various activities with color and content, pomp and pageantry for the special day. The accolade is well-placed, Filipinos account for 350,000 of the 1.5 million seafarers around the world. Their remittances help prop up the national economy, more so for developing nations. As of December 31, 2011, our Bangko Sentral (Central Bank) says their remittances amount to US$4.3 billion. This major chunk even helped our national economy stay afloat even as the world reels with economic recession. Somehow the paeans and words of praises momentarily ease the nagging concerns of merchant mariners. But is lip service an end by itself in this critical sector? A day dedicated to their honor is lipstick on the lip service, fine and have a good day. Is this an acceptable exchange to real and rugged reforms for the protection and welfare of seafarers? Certainly not, I’m sorry. Just recently Marino World went to bat for the easier release of assistance funds for the mortal victims of piracy on the vessel Eglantine off the southern coast of India. We believe benefits must be released speedily to the survivors particularly in their moment of grief and uncertainties. If

agencies could fast track cash advances for their executives, why not for the seafarers? Worst, those seafarers victimized and abused by the brigands do not have any benefit should they live. Nothing, zero – for those who did not die in the atrocity; even how traumatized they are; even how disoriented after bits of brain blasted from a fellow crew land on one’s face. Bad luck, Mate – you did not die. A lot more issues pend on the bargaining table, on Government procedures and on marital and family stress owing to the nature of the job that demand months of separation and uncertainties. Not that we snicker on the both proclamations of IMO and the Palace for a day honoring the seafarers. But this could just be lipstick on lip service unless defining reforms are made and sustained to meaningful levels of political will. EO 75 is a major answer, hopefully motivated by the interest of the seafarers and not just in compliance with STCW demands, of EMSA salutations, of VIMSAS defense and other “reforms” actually protecting business and State yet seafarers remain at the lowest rung of the pecking order of things. We still await the coming into force of international conventions but for the ratification of our Senate occupied with partisan political questions. We anticipate local legislation that will streamline procedures and protocols to make life easier for seafarers in the pursuit of their livelihood. A lot more things, a lot more action needed. And a lot more debates and hang-ons as forces leverage for community and selfish interests within the market place of democracy. We must accept the ethical beauty of all and bear with a grin the pragmatic burden of the system. Just celebrate a day for the seafarers of the world. And its own day for the Filipino seafarers on June 25th, right after the traditional wet celebrations for St. John, the Baptist. Oh yes, there are 365 days in a year.

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cover story

A DOTC workhorse

NICK CONTI AT A JUNCTION By Coca H. Strobar

Politics of the choice.

The Philippines crossed its Rubicon by establishing a Single Administration for maritime affairs at the transportation department (DOTC) through its Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

Will Sec. Roxas set him free to hack an independent path? DOTC is in the midst of huge projects under the presidential flagship program, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The Secretary needs Conti’s caliber to effectively communicate the plans and programs of the Department.

Now begins the herculean task of cleaning the Aegean stable, to groom Pegasus for the Olympian steering of world’s fleets on commerce and leisure.

It seems the young lawyer is fencedin by his own talent; a victim of corporate culture that rewards good work with more work.

EO 75 has been declared, its IRR drafted and sifted. Now comes the Gordian knot: who shall be the MARINA Administrator. The bowings have been frequent, the elbowing more vicious. Jockeying continues but the Palace seems aware the best man for the job is the one who does not want it. Who comes to mind right out? A man superbly qualified but does not covet the plum post: Atty. Nicasio Conti, now OIC. On the pragmatics, he is an alter ego of DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas who, by protocol, is the man who holds the pen for the President on this post. But this strength could also be Conti’s weakness.

Or even if Roxas sets Conti free, there could be other men the President may want to play his own script. Allegedly on the shortlist are heavyweights like former Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag and Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Ocean Concerns Gilberto Asuque.

Remaining at DOTC places him at the whim of a president leaning towards his rival.)

Destined? Isolated from realpolitik, OIC Atty. Nicasio Conti is arguably a great choice to permanently hold the reins of MARINA, morphing into a super agency on maritime concerns with EO 75. Conti is a son of an Able Bodied Seaman for 25 years. In 1971, the father fell 27 feet on a ship plying to Calcutta, India. AB Conti was declared clinically dead for 16 days. Informed of the tragedy, the father of the elder Conti suffered a fatal heart attack. But the seafarer willed to live. He was repatriated home to recuperate. As fate would have it, he sired a son, Nicasio, who opted to be a lawyer than a mariner.

Observers believe Roxas will not fight tooth-and-nail for his protégée against that of the President’s. It is too early to annoy the sitting president, more so one who appears biased towards Vice-President Jejomar Binay, a Roxas rival come the 2016 presidential elections.

Yet in a full cycle, the father seafarer and the lawyer son will synergize; for it seems iginuhit (destined) that the son of a seafarer shall be a leader of the maritime – Conti at the MARINA.

(Indeed, Roxas is in a bind. To run for the Senate, he must top again or he is perceived passé. To run for the Lower House, he must be Speaker or he bills lower than Binay, a Vice President.

Stripped of the dramatics, Conti holds his candle against anybody. And how!

MARINO WORLD

Credentials.

He entered government service in 2001 as a legal consultant of the Press

A yeomen’s job on a major policy.

Secretary. He took stints at the Heart Center, Information Agency (PIA) and the Agriculture Department basically on public communications. In 2003, he stirred hornet nests as Presidential Assistant on lifestyle check in an administration peppered with accusations of graft. He became Commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) then to a similar collar at the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PAGG). He was the bane of the corrupt, evoking that blockbuster television series, The Untouchables. He pried open the sacred lairs of the grafters, more so in DPWH, Customs and BIR leading to suspensions of high-ranking officials. For one, he exposed the Php10.35 million unaccounted cash advances of the topman, Chairman Camilo Sabio of PCGG which remains unliquidated. Malaya and Abante columnist Ducky Paredes loves to quote the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) praised the Philippines for technical assistance during its Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in Vienna, Austria. Who was the Filipino responsible for the honors?

Crime and Corruption (VACC) for his book, To Serve With Honor: A Primer Against Corruption.

horse.

Technicals. Atty. Conti was with the Philippine Technical Working Group (TWG) of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC); also of the TWGs of the Lower House on bills to cut red tape and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on concerns of investors.

On the side, he is corporate secretary of BISYON (Business for Integrity and Stability of Our Nation) which supports anti-corruption advocacy and programs. It is funded by PIF (Philippine Integrity Fund) capitalized from a swap of Philippine debt papers which earns interest.

He attended in 2003 the first global post-graduate course on corruption studies as a USA-EGTA scholar at the Hongkong University School of Professional and Continuing Education. His guru was the world renowned Tony Kwok Man Wai, former Deputy Commissioner 6 of Hongkong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

BISYON and PIF were cited by UNODCCCS and officially presented as “best practice” on private sector-led anticorruption initiatives at the Global Compact Implementation Workshop for Senior Managers held at the UN System Staff College in Turin, Italy.

As Philippine Consultant on prevention of corruption, he was bestowed the Highest Award of Distinction. And a lot more, prominently by the Volunteers Against

Nick Conti, again. Perhaps frustrated in seeking robust results, he returned to private practice in 2008. His second wind came in 2010, persuaded to serve at the MARINA. But that’s putting the cart before the International caliber of expertise. MARINO WORLD

He is a professor on Economics since 1998 at the San Beda College where he took his law (cum laude) and ABEconomics (salutatorian). Conti also speaks in Bali on invitation of the Indonesian Government at the 2nd Conference of the State Parties

to the UNCAC on “Effective AssetRecovery Methods and Programs.” He is to receive the prestigious Chevening Fellowship on Public Sector Reform at the University of Brandford, UK. His waking hours are for Sec. Roxas, on communications and as DOTC spokesperson while doubling as OIC of MARINA now on overdrive due to EO 75. But just like rarified earth, Atty. Conti is a critical element in achieving targets; as essentially himself and not on any personal closeness with the secretary ( who, after all, is a gritty executive who rates subordinates on performance rather than pawning).

Own vision. Never swallowed by the bureaucracy he often crosses sword with, Conti brings in fresh wind in in the job. He stresses that a regulating agency like MARINA should not be perceived as restricting, but instead, as promoting the interests of the regulated. “The regulation is supposed to enable them to grow, not to restrict them on expanding… the regulator and the stakeholders are effective partners in promoting economic development, ” Conti explains. The moment regulators abuse power, the industry is destroyed, he emphasizes. He seeks the upgrade of domestic fleets, to gradually phase-out wooden hulls with plastic-based materials. Ports are being developed so users must also upgrade their vessels. He will bat for a stronger Philippine Registry: “Right now, we have 167 ships. I’ve been asking myself what’s with … Panama and Marshall Island and all the others with strong registry? He deduces some answers which need reforms: •

An Admiralty Court to fast-track cases

•

Tedious ownership requirements

•

Tonnage tax, not income taxation

•

Registration done in half-a-day

Conti wants to implement by 2014 the Seafarer Identification Document (SID) per ILO 185. He realizes the wide technology and major amount required. He sees the solution on the

With UN’s IMO Sec-Gen Koji Sekimizu.

President flagship policy, the Private Public Partnership (PPP). So much lessons have been learned from the implementation in other countries and he feels we could replicate the success.

Here, Conti actually excuses himself from the credit. He has personally done a yeoman’s job for the crafting, acceptance, revisions and finality of EO 75, even its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

Connectivity.

Now the playmaker.

He believes the improvement of the Registry will usher in more port calls, more drydocks, more repairs. One does not have to be a rocket scientist to conclude shipbuilding and repairs are natural spin-offs to an expanded Registry.

It is not just a passing fancy, Atty. Conti has consistently tracked the implementation of the STCW way back since the accession of the Philippines (1984); performance of the functions during Cory Aquino (1998) and thereafter till today with the ping-pong transfers of tasks from MARINA to agency-this, agency-that; complete with presidential orders and enabling laws to burnish turfs of petty powers.

But expansion will demand safety precautions or the bubble bursts. 7 Conti shall connect with the Coast Guard (PCG) for safety on our waters and on these currents, viz: •

Safety of passengers

•

Upgrade of vessels

•

Higher competency of seafarers

•

Stricter implementation of laws

EO 75 has ignited the industry and – surprise! – have ushered in a unified stand and expectations from conflicting maritime interests. Conti warns we should continue to hammer for reforms and upgrade, not ningascogon (fickle) on our common efforts. “We’re on the right track and on the right direction. I have never felt this cooperation… we are experiencing now because of the EO of the President and the efforts of DOTC,” Conti admits.

MARINO WORLD

Conti believes the dye is cast, MARINA holds the ball now - no more fingerpointing, thank you. It is about time lip service translates to meaningful action for the welfare of seafarers. But he passionately points out that this is a win-win situation for the players, the owners and the industry. There are no cutting corners in the reforms, Conti reassures his audience. He is curt and incorruptible: Gawin ang tama sa tamang paraan (Do the right thing the right way).

People person. The Alliance of MARINA Employees have conferred Atty. Conti a very special award for bringing back glory to the agency. More meaningful is

The endorsement is no shrinking violet but a solid and open statements from five presidents: Jose Albar G. Kato of FAME; Dario R. Alampay, Jr. of FSA; Vicente C. Miranda of INTERMAP; Pedro Miguel F. Oca of PAMAS and Eduardo Manese of PJMCC.

Even what gives. With mutual respect in the meetings and dialogues, Conti was able to pry deep-seated concerns important in MARINAs planning, viz: •

Capt. Abelardo Pacheco, President of Maritime Security Consultant suspects our maritime policies are managed by advanced nations like the US, Japan, UK and France. Those qualified here appear in the comfort zone of their exclusive circle.

•

Capt. Burt Sabay, President of New Sim and Rotary-Buendia says EO75 opens the door and minds as Sec. Roxas promised to be vigilant and strict. Sabay challenges “bright minds, time to share, speed is what we need today… STCW 95 Amendments is STCW 2010 now, 17 years already.”

•

PRC Board of Marine Engineers Freddie Pascua sees as opportunity for that dream a mariner heads the marine agency. (Midstream observers think this “dream” is parallel to a “demand” a mariner heads a maritime school. It seems uncalled for now since PMMA – preeminent government-owned institution - is headed by an excellent administrator with very limited onboard experience.)

Down to earth, reaches out.

that the plaudit comes from peers, arguably in the know if he is gimmick or genuine. This is not a fluke but an apex of his passion and patience on consultations with affected parties. His style is genuine dialogue, not patronizing with opportunists out to forward selfish agenda negating government reforms. A sampling of reactions from the private sector: •

•

Capt. Rodolfo Estampador, Chairman of Maritime Manning Agencies (COMMA), says “The long awaited EO75… is very much welcomed by the Philippine Marine Officers and the whole shipping industry.” Pres. Jose Kato, Filipino Association for Mariners Employment (FAME) and ViceChair Joint Manning Group (JMG) says, “We support the single maritime administration. We want streamlining, better supervision…” Dr. Conrado Oca, President of Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union (AMOSUP) says, “AMOSUP supports it as long as the seafarers will not be burdened by new additional charges.” Commo. Dante Jimenez, Sec-Gen of Phil Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) says, “EO75 is a welcome development and showed the political will of the President”

Formal endorsements. Because Atty. Conti “ … is well equipped with the required vital competence to

pursue much needed development and improvement…”major interests petitioned Secretary Roxas to appoint Conti as MARINA Administrator, viz: •

President Benito Chiongbian, Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI)

•

President Rodolfo Aspillaga, Masters and Mates Association (MMAP)

•

President Edwin Itable, League of Maritime Educators Intl (Lemare)

•

President Alfredo G. Haboc, Association of Maritime Training Centers (PAMTCI)

•

President Nelson P. Ramirez, United Filipino Seafarers

•

President Gaudencio Morales, PMMA Alumni Association

Earlier at the tail-end of June, the Joint Manning Group (JMG) de4clared that “ … with Atty. Conti’s competent leadership, we shall be able to faithfully carry out the spirit of EO 75…” JMG is the umbrella of five associations: Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment (FAME); Filipino Shipowners’ Association (FSA); Intl Maritime Asso of the Phil (INTERMAP); Asso of Manning Agencies and Shipmanagers (PAMAS) and the Phil-Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC). JMG covers more than 200 (almost 60%) active manning agencies combining to 80% of total seafarer deployment from our shore.

MARINO WORLD

Bottom line. Too close to call whether Atty. Nicasio Conti will hold the MARINA standard. Or shuffled elsewhere in the maelstrom of public bureaucracy. Industry stalwarts are almost unanimous that he should stay and make model of the Single Administration of Philippine maritime affairs. Diogenes and judicious, annealed by skirmishes against corruption --indeed, an achiever to watch in the national scene. But however the MARINA tide ebbs and peaks, here already is a young lawyer shining in the service of his people.

BORROMEO ROLLS SLEEVES FOR EMSA By Michiko Lardizabal PTC Vice Chairman Gerardo Borromero

overnment leaders and maritime stakeholders have made efforts to communicate with the European Union community on the developments that have been made to avert possible EU ban on Filipino seafarers. Gerardo A. Borromeo, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Philippine Transmarine Carriers says the private sector is working hand in hand with the government and foreign counterpart to address the concerns of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Foreign principals are concerned on the EMSA audit as it threatens to ban Filipino sailors on EU-flagged vessels should the Philippine government fail to heed reforms being asked by EMSA, particularly on local schools. A sizeable block of EU vessels are Filipino seafarers hence the mutual concern of shipowners, shipmanagement and manning agencies. “We just need to continue to engage our foreign counterparts, EMSA, and all other agencies, to show them that we are making progress. The problem is ours; the challenge is ours completely, together with all these different partners. It’s in their (foreign principals) interest to help us, so they are talking to their government and they are also talking to EMSA,” Borromeo explains. “We have our minds set for solution. How we can come together to solve

whatever is the gap. In the meantime, if the gap cannot be completely resolved, what are the interim measures that we can do? They (foreign counterparts) are also working hand in hand,” he adds. Transportation and Communication Secretary Mar Roxas says the country’s representative in the recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) convention presented the Philippine move which should ensure jobs to 300,000 seafarers. Roxas reveals the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Executive Order 75 (EO75) have been finalized and should be released soon. “We made consultations with all stakeholders. IRR salient points are: strengthening of training, certification and ensuring credibility of certificates wherein you can say that all the maritime training centers’ curriculum and certification are reliable,” he explains. The DOTC Secretary also assures that the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), designated as the central maritime administration, will have additional budget next year. Borromeo thinks MARINA was very effective in bringing the seafaring industry forward to where it is today. “I believe that, based on the President’s discussion with the different departments, all have committed

to make this happen because it’s an important industry to us, when you consider that over $4 billion is remitted annually by the maritime sector. Marina with the private industry and the union-this tripartite effort allowed this to move faster than the normal pace,” he adds. “Atty. (Nicasio) Conti is doing a great job in trying to put things altogether but it’s not just within MARINA, the other government agencies have to come together to work hand in hand,” Borromeo acknowledges. In turn, MARINA OIC Administrator Nicasio Conti says EMSA’s final audit will come in the last quarter of the year or in the first quarter of next. “The 94 maritime schools must be ready with the random inspection by EMSA by October or by the first quarter of next year,” Conti advises. MARINA will first conduct the inspection of maritime education and training institutions (METIs) to check whether they have qualified educators and equipments and if the school is at par with international standards. ”We have to remain positive that we have to do it. Failure is not an option for us. The fact that we are part of the global industry, we have to work within the norms and practices and policies of the global industry. We need to be flexible to work with them as well,” Borromeo advocates.

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BRIDGING

PHILIPPINE MARITIME EDUCATION, TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

bravely face and contend with the same brand of politics in place— the closer you are to the seat of power, the better chances. This time though, the external pressures from EMSA became more real and pronounced and the advocates steadfast.

TRAINING MATTERS

“There’s a bridge to tomorrow, there’s a bridge from the past”, so goes the song Bridges popularized by Sergio Mendes. Maybe an understatement of the recently signed Executive Order 75 designating the DOTC through MARINA as the single maritime administration tasked to do oversight function in the implementation of the STCW. After a prolonged “tug of war” between (and among) agencies primarily DOLE and DOTC— the latter finally (re)assumes jurisdiction over the administration of the STCW—in an attempt to bridge the country’s maritime education, training and certification to EMSA requirements and the STCW of the IMO in general. There’s a reason for that sigh of relief— the ecstatic sense though in suspension over this turn of events. After 25 years from 1987, EO 125-A penned by the late President Cory Aquino which transferred the function of COC issuance to MARINA finds its connection in the April 30 signed EO 75 of President Noynoy Aquino, the son to finally address the lingering maritime administration (MARAD) issue. It’s an ordeal previous agency heads had to

It would have been more eventful if EO 75 were signed sans the threat posed by the EMSA to withdraw EU recognition of the Philippines with regard to education, training and certification of Filipino seafarers this June. Observers hoped it was government’s self realization of the importance of industry responsible for a steadily increasing source of remittances that reached US$4.3B from the seafarers in 2011. So how will EO 75 address or “quickfix” the issue of fragmented maritime administration? Aimed at convincing the EMSA that the Philippines is seriously taking action on the audit findings since 2006. The issuance of EO 75 hopes to correct the governance structure of maritime education, training and certification since 1984 in the establishment of the Maritime Training Council and the interplay of 12 other agencies relative to STCW implementation. EO 75 reorganizes the Executive Department with DOTC through MARINA to be the “single and central maritime administration” authorized to issue the appropriate certification to seafarers for international seaborne trade. It abolishes the MTC as it transfers all its functions in favor of MARINA, including the function of TESDA to issue the COC for Ratings per EO 242 s. 2000. And cited in Section 4 the role of other agencies (read CHED and PRC) to extend “full assistance and cooperation” to DOTC to effectively carry out its functions under EO 75. The omission of CHED and PRC in the MARINO WORLD

EO however, was purposely made due to the complications arising from their legal mandate under RA 7722 (CHED/ Higher Education Act of 1994) and RA 8544 (PRC Law/Act Regulating the Maritime Profession of 1998). The amendments to these legal instrumentalities have been tabled for Congressional action. EO 75 directs MARINA to take the lead in reviewing all laws and issuances and revise or amend RA 7722 (CHED/ Higher Education Act of 1994) and RA 8544 (PRC Law/Act Regulating the Maritime Profession of 1998). Pending Congressional action, MARINA hopes to harmonize the contradictory provisions of these laws through MOA to be agreed by agencies as PRC and CHED, as a tentative institutional arrangement to be included in the Implementing Rules and Regulations to be issued. How effective this stop gap measure will depend on the cooperation of these agencies to make it work. Without belaboring the point, the issue of fragmented MARAD has been viewed as the root cause where other findings like the Quality management system, insufficient monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and deficiencies in program/course approval and review, assessment and quality of METIs (educational and training institutions) are merely its reflections. Simply translated, the PHL administration lacks the appropriate form and substance relative to international administration models of the IMO. At this point, it is incomprehensible for these agencies to continue their turfing stance when the “BOSS” in President Noy already gave the green signal to reorganize and shape up. With the forthcoming 2013 elections and the eventual shift to campaign mode though, we heard that the much needed amendments to said laws

might not be coming soon enough.

www.mihca.com.ph

Let’s not forget, the Philippines needs to submit its documentary compliance to the STCW Manila Amendments of 2010 by 01 January 2013— and that includes legal translation of the PHL compliance to the STCW. On the occasion of the 2nd year celebration of the Seafarers’ Day on June 25, it is fervently hoped that EO 75 will not just be a paper tiger. Secretary Mar Roxas during his meeting with the stakeholders in May aptly declared that the transition period for MARINA “will not be smooth and not without the bumpy road ahead” characteristic of change. What should matter is government’s political will to effect strategic change in the industry and the stakeholders’ participation. Others are skeptical with the change of guards— while some are desensitized by the tentativeness of government action in solving the issue of administration and absence of policy in maritime. But many remain hopeful and I share this hope— that government finally realizes that this EMSA episode calls for decisive action far beyond EO 75 and legislative changes in administration. Government needs to steer clear this industry with a vision and policy framework of a real maritime administration reflective of the government’s over-all policy on delivery of service/programs in maritime specifically shipping. Despite its “fractious” governance for the past decades, the seafaring profession after all has managed to contribute USD 4.3B to the national economy—truly a blessing to all stakeholders especially the seafarers and their families. Here’s a toast to all seafarers using this year’s slogan of MARINA: “Saludo Kami, MarinongPinoy! Bayani KaTalaga!” Wishing you “bridges made of stone and made of love………….”

 MS. MERLE JIMENEZ-SAN PEDRO – Past President, Philippine Maritime Training Centers (PAMTCI). Auditor, Women in Maritime Philippines (WIMAPHIL). President, Mariners’ Polytechnic Training Center (MPTC).

Shipboard Training Programs Designed to prepare the student for a shipboard career, these programs are equipped with lectures and hands-on activities in the areas of sanitation, culinary, management and leadership.

COURSES OFFERED: • CHIEF COOK TRAINING PROGRAM • CHIEF COOK ENHANCEMENT • CRUISE GALLEY TRAINING • BASIC MESSMAN COURSE • PROFESSIONAL MESSMAN COURSE MIHCA MANILA 3/F Times Plaza Building, United Nations Avenue corner Taft Avenue, Ermita Manila Tel: +632.524.9996 Fax: +632.523.8538 E-mail: admissions@mihca.com.ph

• CUISINES • FOOD SAFETY AND SANITATION • GALLEY STEWARD COURSE • ASSESSMENT AND TESTING - SKILLS ASSESSMENT - MARLINS (MARITIME ENGLISH TEST)

MIHCA MAKATI 5/F Walter Mart Mall, Chino Roces Avenue corner Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City Tel: +632.887.5329 Fax: +632.889.1707 E-mail: makaticampus@mihca.com.ph

MOL PRESSES ON MARITIME SAFETY

eafarers, particularly deck officers, must have advanced training to understand well and handle efficiently loading and discharging equipment, among others. One must internalize the principles and commit to muscle memory the practice, inclusive of pollution of cargo. These concepts were operationalized last May 21st with the launch of the MOL Training Center Philippines training programs for double hull tanker liquid cargo handling simulator. This was at the Magsaysay Institute of Shipping, San Agustin II, Dasmarinas, Cavite. Major personalities were in attendance: Capt. Soichi Hiratsuka, MOL-Mitsui senior managing executive officer, marine safety and ship management; former Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag; Magsaysay Maritime President Marlon Rono, Magsaysay MOL Marine President Francisco Menor, Oriental Shipmanagement Operations Manager Wilfredo Gonzaga and Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) President Commo. Richard Ritual. Formalities were ushered in by the ceremonial ribbon cutting and unveiling of a marker. These were followed by a demonstration of discharging operations by the pilot class of tanker training.

Unveils a historic marker

A company video was also presented, focused speeches made meaningful by occasional ceremonial toasts. MOL-Mitsui Senior Managing Executive Officer Capt. Soichi Hiratsuka underscores the company’s goal of ensuring all MOL seafarers in the front lines of ship operations equipped with realistic and practical training. “We are aware that safe operation is the key to winning credibility and trust from our customers in the severe business environment surrounding our company. Our 146 years history in shipping has molded us into a company that is characterized by MOL Corporate principle of being responsible, always thinking ahead and implementing innovations,” Hiratsuka continues. MOL Training Center GM Capt Joel Y. Abutal comments on the discharging demo, “In a real scene, what they did as a team today can actually mean transferring a full cargo of a very large crude oil carrier of about 310,980 metric tons, more than enough to overfill 124 Olympicsized pools.” He underscores the importance of preventing accidents through sensible education and training. Capt Abutal even quipped, “The best benefits about our simulator training can be summed up by the

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worthy saying “I hear, I forget; I see, I remember; I do, I learn.” “Our primary aim is to inculcate technique and technology to our seafarers; to ensure delivery of MOL training center excellence that gathers for the entire MOL fleet zero marine casualty, zero fatal accident, zero marine pollution and zero cargo damage, continues the captain. First and foremost, sensible training requires clearly defined objectives. Simply telling the trainee that what he did is not enough and wrong as he will quickly forget. Instructors must show – indeed, demonstrate – how to apply corrections in various scenarios. Instructors must convince trainees that the corrective measures are valid. Without such training protocol, trainees are bereft of the new knowledge which are indispensable on board ships. In addition to feedback performance, trainees must clearly articulate (in their own words) the legal basis, the company policy and the procedure why they must act the way they do during the simulation exercises. If they are unable to clearly verbalize points in the training, instructors believe trainees cannot also properly function in a reallife situation.

MOL leadership and associates

MOL simulation training contains components missing from most training programs, viz: • The ability to fail (implies training must be realistic and challenging enough to reduce the possibility that it might lack corrective action; • The ability to succeed (If scenario shall allow the students to repeat the training as many times as necessary until the correct habit. Again, repetition is the only way trainees will develop competence in newly-learned skills; only then can one equate failure equals success. Training is a constant learning environment where actions are improved through repetition and drill. If problems are detected, training provides the opportunity to correct the deficiency. The training syllabus reflects these thoughts of major officers, like:

Magsaysay President Marlon Rono: “Basically this is MOL commitment to continuously provide and hire Filipino seafarers, a testimony that despite the global crisis, MOL invested on expensive equipment to make sure that our seafarers are wellequipped and well trained…” Magsaysay-MOL President Francisco Menor: “The generation of seafarers today can be considered very fortunate in terms of state-of-the-art technology… We can say that almost everything they need to further skills development are already within their reach. This investment is placed to further uphold the commitment to safety of MOL.” Oriental Shipmanagement OM Wilfredo Gonzaga: “Thanks and appreciation for the continuous, magnanimous gesture of providing accurate up-todate quality training solutions

targeted to meet real training need of Filipino seafarers and continuously involving new technologies in concept training, education and safety. Without simulator training it is impossible to develop necessary high level sea practice procedure... this will surely and significantly enhance students training experience and will allow the instructors to deliver realistic training to all MOL seafarers to accelerate competency.” Former PCG Commandant Admiral Liwag: “I would like to thank MOL for providing not only job opportunities for our seafarers but also training them to be able to maintain the recognition as Number One seafarer in the world.” (Liwag is a front-runner as MARINA Administrator on EO 75.) On a recap, the event and the statements buttress the quality of MOL as an institution. The training is considered an investment - to protect the marine environment and to show stakeholders and the world company philosophy. Safety is a culture within MOL, practiced while serving its large clientele. But when heads are counted, the challenge rests on each and every seafarer to shine. After all, MOL has given its all.

Abutal

Hiratsuka

Liwag MARINO WORLD

WALLEM INDUCES OPTIMUM SAFETY Vidar Winciansen with his Captains

First class service to ship owners, borne of seafarers giving all-out efforts – those are the niches that bring Wallem Ship Management to the top. And ever solidly entrenched. Wallem fleet personnel director Frank Simon says they have a close and genuine relationship with seafarers, discussing concerns faced onboard ships. “The issues in the industry right now are very much on the lack of quality performance. There is a continuous focus on trying to find ways to improve the performance level not only from the ships’ crew but also from the total package of what our office is delivering,” Simon analyzes at the sidelines of a recent meeting of Wallem Fleet Officers. The theme, “Our Goal is Super Performance,” inspires more than 100 marine officers who participatedheld at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila, on June 7 to the 8th.

The meeting cum workshop tackled a range of topics like: •

Fleet Personnel as One Team

•

Piracy issues

•

Onboard training and feedback

•

MARPOL concerns

•

Deck Officers on Navigation Safety

•

Engineers Maintenance Management

“Taking into account that the market for the ship owners today is very stressed, we have to be careful on how we spend our resources and at least make sure that when we spend money and funds to conduct meeting, we also get value for money,” Mr. Simon explains. He cites slips, trips and falls are preventable with safety always on mind.

More details. In-depth updates were presented on •

Engine Challenges and Prospects

•

Wallem SMS

•

Marpol Investigations (USA)

•

Price Against Cost

“There are incidents of people falling when ships move. They slip and fall and hurt themselves. When you have an accident onboard, you are going to face a lot of losses because sometimes you get to pass on a port to have the person ashore if the accident is serious enough,” he stresses. Aside from Simon, a team of Wallem officers also made presentations like Morten Hervig, Fleet Personnel Manager; Capt. Vijay Soman, Manager, Safety and Insurance Department; Paul Zuchorski, Fleet Personnel General Manager; Umesh Razdan, Fleet Manager; and NavinPassey, Managing Director, Wallem Ship management (India). From the shipowners side are President Robert Buchanan of Genco Shipping and Technical Director Vidar Winciansen of Viken Shipping.

Efficient spending. Mr. R. G. Buchanan says the ship manager should discuss safety as it affects the individual seafarers. As ship owners, they are not cutting cost but just being efficient on money spent.

Frank Simon

Robert Buchanan

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Asked what they expect when seafarers come back, Buchanan replies, “They are more aware of the situation. They are aware of what is expected of them. They are aware of their own personal safety. They are aware of the safety of their

fellow seafarers and that everybody works as a team and see for each other.”

that should return due also to crewing matrices.

He adds masters,chief engineers and even CEOs know they must run ships as efficiently and safely as they can.

Competence.

“Everybody has a family. The family expects to see them safe and sound not to end up injured, dead or in captivity at Somalia,” Buchanan stresses.

Philosophy. VidarWinciansen, technical director of Wallem Steckmest and Viken Shipping cites their company philosophy favoring the Filipino seafarers.

Wallem Maritime Services GM Art Serafico clarifies to their seafarers that they don’t want to take away their vacation leave, but trainings are for them as well. “By undergoing the trainings, you’ll be assured of your safety, competency in doing the right things onboard. Ofcourse, we always would like to see our seafarers continue sailing with us and not to go home inside the box,” says Serafico.

“Vicken has a very very simple philosophy: if the position onboard overseas can be filled by a Filipino seafarer that is how it shall be. But because of crewing matrices and other requirements from oil majors, not all positions can be taken by them. So now and then, we have to go outside of our philosophy; but that is just more of exemptions.

He explains that they have a training matrix being followed for every type of vessel that they are joining. The intention is for the crew to be able to take all of these trainings.

We have some Chinese crew which we are now replacing with Filipinos because we are not satisfied. Thus, our vessels are mainly manned by Filipinos.

Stable company.

We used to have many Filipino captains;

Because of changes in regulations on STCW, training courses revisions are required hence these do not seem to end.

Wallem deals with 35 ship ownerswho areAmericans, European, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans and even African.

It manages 380 ships and employs 8,000 seafarers, of which 2,500 are Filipinos. It is among the largest ship managers in the world and in the Top 6 in the Philippines. Wallem is over 109 years now; 40 years in the Philippines providing secured jobs. “This is our core source and we are developing here in the Philippines, China, India and Eastern Europe and we will stay here for good,” assures Mr. Zuchorski, GM-Fleet Personnel. He further underscores that Wallem is a service provider to the shipowners and not directly affected by global economic crisis. “In fact we are not suffering from any downturn because we work for the same fee; it doesn’t matter if the market is good or bad. Ofcourse, there is fluctuation but we are not affected by the market directly. If the owners have less money to spent, we have to work more efficiently and more effectively. That’s what they expect from us, and this for the same fee.” Zuchorski adds all their fleets are covered with Union agreements.

MARCH 2012 Photo by Mayen Veluz Angeles

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PAL MARITIME CELEBRATES WITH PIVOTAL TRAININGS

PAL leadership with the well-trained crew

Yes, so much achieved. And so much blessings for PAL Maritime Corporation (PAL), now celebrating on the theme, â&#x20AC;&#x153;United by love, patience and loyalty.â&#x20AC;? VP and General Manager Mrs. Sonrisa David looks back in August of 1979 when PAL was registered at the SEC. By April, 1980 it was accredited by POEA and then licensed as a manning agent. Following May, PAL started the operations of selecting, hiring and deploying Filipino seafarers on global merchant marine fleets. And 33 years from there today, we find a solid firm - viable and growing steadily, powered by the love of patience and loyalty (a romanticized version of the initials PAL). There is much to celebrate, whipping it up on parties and food and boisterous merriment. On top of all these is the call for professionalism.

From May 16 to 30, some 30 marine officers took up a PAL-sponsored training at the WSP Maritime Training Center in Prestige Tower at the Ortigas Center in Pasig City (where PAL is also located). It was a refresher training on collision avoidance and passage planning (for marine deck officers) and introduction/familiarization to RT-Flex main engines (for marine engine officers)Marine Deck and Engine officers also took assessment and incident investigation courses. And More. On May 17th, thirty six marine officers of PAL met with ship principals Winter Crew Management and Manx Ocean at the Discovery Suites, also in Ortigas to discuss MLC 2006 with Jan Lember and STCW by Engr. Edwin Aloc. On the 19th some 250 seafarers and families from Manila, Iloilo and Cebu converged in Cebu City, the Queen City of the South. It was

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PAL Family Day at the Elizabeth Hotel in Barangay Camputhaw with shipowners representatives Jan Lember; Jens Winter of Winter Crew Management; Sven Fromm and spouse Sabine of Manx Ocean and Ben Hoon of Norwest Management. Officers and crew with 20 or more years in the company were given Loyalty Awards like Capt. Nelson Osorio, Chief Engineers Miguel Gregorio, Jr., Norberto Gilpo and Jose Reanzares, 2/E Nicanor Inso, oiler Daniel Ompad and electrician Crisostomo Gregorio. The Employee of the Year was Eriberto Jabonillo while Rachelle Enriquez bagged a Service Award. Crew and families from Cebu gave special numbers as exciting prizes were raffled amid shrieks and friendly jostings. Corporate core. PAL MARITIME is a company that integrates quality in all aspects of its corporate mode. PAL assures

A deserving recognition

its principals of its continued commitment in providing quality services that fully satisfy mutuallyagreed requirements, even higher than expectations.

to its current fleet of 38 container vessels. Sixteen are of 100% Filipino crew, with about 480 seafarers always onboard at any given time. The mission.

The firm puts emphasis on improved services and continuous development of personnel and crew. PAL critically focuses on technical and professional knowledge by harnessing the full potential of every individual.

PAL takes its mission as being competitive with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best in crew manning by adopting a system that is effective, with continuous improvement delivered through ISO 900E2000 standard.

This manning agency consistently strengthens its foundation for a stable and profitable organization.

This is to excel and not only comply with national and international criteria, with statutory and regulatory requirements based on

an effective Quality Management System. PAL MARITIME assures the staff and crew shall exert best efforts in serving clients and principals with optimum efficiency and professionalism. It puts emphasis on continuous improvement where and when necessary, to increase effectiveness and efficiency in providing added benefits to the staff and crew, to associates and principals. To a certain extent, to the maritime community as a global whole.

At present, PAL provides seafarers

Family Party MARINO WORLD

Museo Maritimo Boosts Ph Seafaring Identity By Michiko Lardizabal

he country’s seafaring industry can now boast of rich maritime heritage with the opening of the Museo Maritimo in Metro Manila. Dr. Arlene Abuid-Paderanga, President of Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) says Museo Maritimo showcases maritime artifacts and personal collections donated by icons of Filipino seafaring like Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos C. Salinas, Capts. Dominador Villena, Rodolfo Estampador, Victor Aldanese, Benjamin P. Mata and the late Capt. Gregorio Oca. The first maritime museum exhibits the unique Filipino way of seamanship, our ancient roots as seafaring pioneers, our maritime heritage, and the country’s seafaring culture. The museum is a project of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) in partnership with the Hiniraya Cultural Foundation to educate Filipinos and attract tourists as well. The museum is located at the 6th floor

of AIMS MC Building in Pasay City, Metro Manila. “We have here the more than 100 year-old replica of ships used in Batanes and Butuan which were inherited by the families of mariners,” she reveals. “The binoculars on display are also 100 years old,” she adds. “Filipinos have consistently demonstrated exceptional skills as seafarers for centuries, thus, it comes befitting that the Filipino seafarers and traders be the crowning jewel of this museum,” she beams. Ms. Paderanga expects that through the museum, “Filipinos can take a look of our vast history to boast that our forefathers are great seafarers and seafaring runs in our blood that nobody can take it away from us.” She says the museum is in the initial stage and, “Until people see that there’s something real going on, that’s when we can invite them to participate.”

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“I’m hoping that the Araneta collections that include paintings will be donated here. But, we can’t bring them here because we don’t have money for the insurance. This museum is not fire proof yet, ” she laments. The priceless items need to be secured and cost P1.5 million to insure. Thus, an option is to have them copied or photographed. “If Mr. Araneta finds the Museo a nice place for their collections, I’m hoping he will put them (the rate items) here,” she hopes. “We also need curators and restorers. Meantime, we are working with Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) to maintain the museum,” she adds. Should funds be available, Ms. Paderanga wants to engage in search diving and excavation. They will also push for bilateral agreements with foreign governments (like Saudi Arabia) for research and acquisition of maritime cultural items.-

Capt. Benjamin Mataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Memoir of a Master Mariner.

Museo Maritimo Proponent Arlene Abuid-Paderanga

Food for thought

FROM THE WIDOW OF A SEAFARER By Dr. Alice Lamigo

Suffering is a reality we cannot escape; whether from an illlness, financial problem, or death of a loved one. I was hospitalized for gastro-intestinal infection for 40 days, spending Christmas and New Year at Manila Doctor’s hospital. I suffered gastric pain, high fever and thirst; I lived on strict liquid diet. Then I had internal bleeding that needed blood transfusion. Conscious yet empty, like losing sense of belonging, of loveless existence. My husband was still at the Indian Ocean and needs a week to a port of call to be relieved as Chief Engineer enabling him to fly to Manila. Upon my husband’s coming, I prayed intensely for strength. I fused all my physical discomfort, pains and all concerns to the Divine Will. Two days more, how could I welcome him? I could hardly open my eyes nor move my fingers. It was Sunday afternoon,I struggled for my loved one. It was a miracle, I survived. Suffering and holiness can go together with God whom we trust all things work together for good (Rom. 8, 28). Another suffering I would like to share is on financial management. At the beginning of our married life, we encountered financial difficulties. Foremost was building a home. Buying a lot and constructing a house need masculine ability. The seafarer had to leave to earn. Hence, I had to supervise and budget my allotment, more so when delayed. And I proved to I could handle the situation. Yes, seafarer’s salaries are higher than land workers. But family needs are increasing and prices have soared. Problems cropped up like school enrollment, examinations, and graduations cannot be postponed. These were reasons why we organized the Seamen’s Wives Association of the Philippines, which is now a Foundation.

We registered our Constitution and By-Laws at the Securities and Exchange Commission with the blessing of the late C. Siddayao of the defunct National Seamen Board. We wanted to know why allotment was delayed. We filed complaints and looked for options. Since our complaints were not taken care of at once and our members were already going to loan sharks, we organized the Seamen’s Wives Association of the Philippines Credit Cooperative (SWAPCO). We offered short loans to distressed members. Our complaints were complimented by the administration by creating a new body called Seamen Welfare Fund (SWF) which we thought could give us immediate solution and long-range benefits. Administrator Bigay was holding office at Intramuros, Manila. Seafarer on board also complained of late salary which led to delayed allotment to their respective families. A few complaints were successfully served but majority of the complaints were dissatisfied. Atty. Cruz succeeded Adm. Bigay. He used to attend SWAPI monthly meetings at Pope Pius XII Catholic Center were we used to hold office regularly. He explained to us the benefits from the Seamen Welfare Fund. In fact, he approved a resolution that incumbent President of SWAPI would be one of the SWF directors during her term of office. It was frustrating to us organizers of the SWAPI when the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) was organized and the Seamen Welfare Fund was abolished. The SWF benefits that seamen and their families anticipated were fused with the land workers. Both land-based and sea-based Filipino overseas workers received equal treatment regardless of risks and responsibilities. In my travels, I met domestic helpers in Paris, Rome and Barcelona, Spain. Sad to say that majority of them were misled by their agencies in Manila. They were teachers and fresh collage MARINO WORLD

graduates. Homesickness was not a big problem for them all. Some worked with good families. The rest had rented a place to stay after working hours. I met seafarers at ports and learned their problems on board and with families at home. Some suffered loneliness during long sailing and fear of bad weather at sea. At anchorage or ports they enjoyed fishing, if not shopping, dining in nearby restaurant or sight-seeing. These are the overseas Filipino workers who are deprived of family life by choice. For them the sea is everything to provide them with stable future. The most painful experience I would like to share with the wives of Filipino seaman was his last departure. It was barely five o’clock in the morning of Friday when Leonides was rushed to Medical Center Paranaque emergency room. His blood pressure had risen to a dangerous level. After immediate intravenous treatment, x-ray and ultrasound examinations, he was brought to the intensive care unit. After three hours, he was in a coma, until he passed away at about four thirty in the morning of the following Sunday. He struggled to live for barely forty-eight hours, but God had a choice for him. Yes, it was an intense human suffering for all of us left behind. No other way to go but to accept the Divine Will. I prayed intensely to look beyond this natural cause. However, there were moments of “make-believe” that my husband was still on board the ship and would be coming home after the end of his employment contract. But as the years rolled by I overcome daydreaming. I found comfort from friendly neighbors and members of the SWAPI Foundation. Indeed, the Seamen’s Wives Foundation of the Philippines played an important role in overcoming my depression and my return to normal life. It pays much to join organizations, which vision, mission and goal are relevant to our personal life style.

HUMAN ANCHOR HONORS SEAFARERS Almost 400 merchant marine cadets formed a human anchor to honor the Seafarers Day as declared by the International Maritime Organization (IMO, a United Nations agency. IMO has declared June 25 as the “Day of the Seafarer” all around the world. In support, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has embarked on a campaign to pull together the country’s maritime industry to commemorate this day. Cadets from the Malayan Colleges-Laguna and MAPUA PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (CMET) assembled for the tribute to global maritime professionals of all nations. The Day provides an opportunity to recognize the world’s 1.5

million seafarers, including the 450,000 sea-based OFWs who contribute to the Philippine economy with remittances of about US$4 Billion each year.

The Day of the Seafarer also hopes to educate the public about issues facing the modernday seafarer, foremost of which is piracy on the high seas.

Through activities such as the human ANGKLA (meaning “anchor” and may refer to a party-list organization), the maritime industry intends to raise awareness on the vital role seafarers play in the world economy.

The formation of the human ANGKLA kicks off a week-long celebrations which include the nationwide dressing and blowing of ships’ horn, free dental mission at the grandstand of the Rizal Park, and free entrance at Museo Maritimo at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies.

These revolve in many respects like sustainable development, enabling ships to carry more than 90% of world trade safely, efficiently and with minimal impact on the environment since the implementation of MARPOL or the international convention against marine pollution.

There is also the First Navigator’s Golf Cup and the 2012 Filipino Seafarers Convention, a twoday conference of industry stakeholders aimed at enlightening Filipino seafarers on important issues affecting the practice of their profession.

POEA EXEMPTS SEAFARERS Seafarers are now exempt from the mandatory validation prior to departure at Philippine airports. The exemption is contained in a memorandum circular signed by Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to take effect 15 May 2012. According to Cacdac, the new measure should reduce the lining up of departing workers at the POEA labor assistance center (LAC) at the three terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Administrator Cacdac

Instead, manning agencies shall use a drop box at the POEA MARINO WORLD

Seabased Center to submit clear copies of the e-Receipts or overseas employment certificates of deployed seafarers not later than 10:00 a.m. immediately following departure date. Cacdac urged manning agencies to strictly comply with the requirement for the convenience of their seafarers. The process allowsadditional quality time to bond with their families, instead of queuing for the validation of travel documents. The POEA has suspended the validation of exit clearance of OFWs at the airports on March 28, 2008 until March 2011.

President Jones Tulod

LIFT ANCHOR, CAPTAIN! Last March, the annual conference of the Thome Group coincided with its 24th Anniversary celebrations with a mardi gras at classy Shangrila hotel in the heart of the financial city Makati, Metro Manila. Gracing the occasion are major personalities: Congressman Jesus Crispin Remulla of Cavite, Royal Norwegian Ambassador Knut Solem, Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac of POEA. But amid the pomp and pampering is a blunt message from the international Chairman, Olav Eek Thorstensen: “ We are facing one of the biggest downturn the shipping industry has ever seen.” But this cannot be an excuse for hibernating since Mr. Thorstensen roadshows a new initiative: Human Element – Driving Performance Excellence.

an active pool of 7,000 officers and ratings, 4370 aboard over 270 vessels (with Jo Tankers and Solvang Phil). A huge challenge, a defining moment. Indeed.

• S & P Marine Consultants • Thome Offshore Management For crewing assist to Singapore, three units were established in 1988 in Palanan, Makati City:

Enter the Dragon.

• TSM Shipping Phil

But the bench is deep, and the man to dare is ready: Capt Jones, Tulod, MNI.

• MST Marine Services Phil

The task over-arches the horizon to Kingenberggaten, Oslo, at Thome Ship Management Norway, corporate heart of this multi-national operations. And for the Asian business flair, three groups are based at Raffles Quay, Singapore: • Thome Ship Management

• TSM Marine Center (a joint venture with Jo Tankers and Torm Shipping) TSM Shipping and MST Marine are both ISO 9001 2000 certified. The group has also umpteen awards, foremost from POEA for top performance.

The Credentials. Can the new president meet the

Thus, in spite of industry struggles, the Thome mantra is people, people, people – to improve quality and safety concepts behind to illustrate the link between competitive service and staff initiative. On top of this tall order, the incoming leader is also replacing an industry icon, Capt Alonso Del Castillo, retiring as president of the Thome Group in the Philippines. A large vacuum must be filled to lead the 281 Manila staff overseeing

Capt. Tulod with his peers

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challenge? Can Capt. Tulod offer serendipity over fears of Chairman Thorstensen on pessimistic industry trends?

The

Clearly he can, basing on his solid credentials. Surely he could, gauging from his annealed character. For starter, this Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija pride carries a BSMY degree from PMMA, the country’s oldest and most respected maritime institution. In 1993, he completed Business Administration (BA) from ICS, Pennsylvania, USA. He is also winding up for a Masters in Business Administration from AteneoRockwell campus, Makati City. He has been a Master since 1996, mostly of Norwegian principals. On top of deck command, his core expertise includes ex/internal audits (ISM and ISPS) and closing out on inspections (PSC, Rightship, audits). Capt Tulod has completed numerous statutory, industry and companyrequired training. All said, he is also a lecturer, trainor, assessor and auditor of mean calibration. Take note of his wide competencies to lecture on, viz: •

Shipboard management

•

Norwegian maritime administration (NIS Masters)

•

CSO, SSO

•

ISM, SMS, QSM

•

Auditing (with Risk Assessment/ iInvestigation)

•

Safety & Simulator

•

Assessor, NTC-M clients

His personal depth custom-fits Thome’s priority on education with over 900 cadets here, in China, Indonesia, India, Croatia and Norway. In-house cadets in the Philippines are culled from top ten colleges. getting 75 cadets from over 800 tested. After graduation, they undergo a rigid three-month training on board on ISF Training record book with direct responsibility of the Captain and the Chief Engineer.

His Family

Character. Is it all brain and vision for Capt. Tulod? Easily, one could be awed and nod. Unless one sees the scars in his heart, years back. And one will realize Jones is a kind person, forgiving and pragmatic. He holds no debilitating rancor; instead, picks the pieces to mould a new reality from the shards. To understand: January 22, 2005 and a day after while at sea. (As carried on the very first issue of Marino World, September 2005, we recall) His wife Teresita gave him three sons (Jomil, Kevin Jones, Byron Jon) and an only daughter, Therese Kassini Angeles. The bubbly girl was even selected Little Miss Norwegian Training Center, December 6, 2004. Six days after, the doting father has to fly out to board ship on a new contract. PTCI/NCM manning agency hired Capt. Tulod as Master of the MV Thames Highway, a 23,498 tonnage PCTC-RoRo type vessel of Bahamas registry. Sailing smoothly until that time from Antwerp plying towards Brazil. He was told and shocked with the news: his only daughter met a fatal accident. This was while innocently crossing the intersection of a busy road undergoing construction of a diversion from Soledad Road in Santa Rosa, his home town in Nueva Ecija. He was tossing and turning in his cabin, practically sleepless three days as they steam towards Canary Island MARINO WORLD

where a Norwegian captain will relieve him to be able to fly home … for Therese, dearest daughter Therese… snuffed of life, at her dawn of youth. Words came to sooth, but tears continue to pour. The wake was excruciating, as was the interment. But as a ship master in the eye of the storm, Capt Tulod kept his bearings and laid to rest the tragedy. When the gnawing healed, he came up with a surprising reaction. Capt.Tulod established the TKAT Foundation to honor his daughter, instead of nursing a grudge. He opted to celebrate life, rather than rage on death. Therese Kassini Angeles Tulod Foundation, to focus on traffic and driving seminars to avoid repeating the mortal error on Therese. And to underwrite educational and livelihood assistance, charity works and social programs. But on the top burner, building traffic lights and safety signage on accident-prone areas. Here, we discern character overriding traditional justice of an eye-for-an-eye. This is when the Thome Group benefits from a man accomplished, a leader weathered on human frailties. This is where we have a president with a mind that soars. Yet, with feet firmly planted on the ground. This is now the watch of Capt. Jones Tulod, MNI.

SHIPPING

SHIPOWNERS AGAINST PANAMA CANAL TOLL INCREASE The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has sent a strongly worded letter to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) on the latter’s plan to increase tolls by up to 15%, reportedly. It is ‘simply unacceptable’ and “… rushed, excessive and likely to cause further problems for shipping companies given the fragile state of economic recovery,” declares the shipowners. ICS calls for the plans to be withdrawn and for future increases to be given with at least six months’ notice to enable shipping companies to plan properly and fully assess the impact of the

proposed changes. ICS is the principal international trade association for shipowners, with member national associations from 36 countries representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world merchant fleet. The ACP published plans to increase its tolls last month, despite assuring industry clients in January there would only be one small adjustment to tolls before completion of the expansion project in 2014. Toll increases could come into effect as early as 1 July if agreed at a public hearing at the end of this month. ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe, says there was ‘no pressing need’ for the increases given that ‘canal revenues are currently very healthy’.

JAPANESE HEADS SHIPOWNERS

Mr Morooka succeeds Spyros M Polemis of Greece who has decided to stand down after six years in office. Being at the helm of the industry’s most influential international trade association, Mr Morooka will serve as a leading representative of the global shipping industry, overseeing its liaison with international regulators such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Speaking after his unanimous election,

“While the ACP proposal analyses the impact of the toll rises on the competitiveness of commodity trades, no account is taken of the impact on shipping companies themselves…..many of whom are still forced to run ships at a loss in order to remain in the market,” he adds. “We therefore request that the ACP rescind the current plans for increases in the next two years and concentrate on developing a toll structure that can be to the benefit of all parties to be introduced in late 2014.”

the challenge of reducing CO2 emissions, and our response to proposals that must be expected from governments following the ‘Costa Concordia’ cruise ship tragedy, ” he continues.

Mr. Masamichi Morooka of Japan was elected Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) at its Annual General Meeting in Port Douglas, Queensland, last 25 May. ICS is the principal international trade association for shipowners, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 36 countries representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world merchant fleet.

Mr Hinchliffe points out that while the Panama Canal is an important national asset to Panama, it also remains an essential part of international public infrastructure crucial to the smooth operation of the global supply chain and should ‘take this important public role into account when setting tolls’.

Mr. Morooka adds, “More generally, ICS will continue to fight for the maintenance of global rules for our global industry, and continuous improvement with respect to our safety record and environmental performance, bearing in mind always our ultimate goal of zero accidents and zero negative impact on the environment.” Chairman Masamichi Morooka

Mr Morooka remarks, “I am very honoured to have been elected by the ICS member national shipowners’ associations. Being Chairman is a big responsibility and my primary task will be to ensure that ICS continues to represent the considered views of the entire industry. This means reflecting and reconciling the opinions of different ship types and trades, different national viewpoints, and the interests of shipping companies big and small.” “Within ICS there are perhaps three big challenges on which we will need to focus this year: the elimination of piracy; MARINO WORLD

At a concluding dinner of the annual event, Mr Morooka highlighted the dedication of the immediate past chairman, “Spyros has steered ICS throughout his time … with conviction and professionalism, leaving ICS in a strong and highly respected position. I will endeavour to do the same…” Mr Morooka will be supported by four Vice Chairmen: Captain Dirk Fry (Cyprus), Mr Frank Leonhardt (Germany), Mr Trygve Seglem (Norway) and Mr Gerardo Borromeo (Philippines). Mr Polemis will continue to assist in his capacity as Immediate Past Chairman.

CRUISE

Wallem Optimistic Cruise Fuels Growth By Michiko Lardizabal

Ship agency growth may be expected with cruise liners including the Philippines in their leisure route. This insight comes from Wallem Philippines Shipping (WPS), the country’s leading ship agent. WPS Asst. GM Antonio Calingo, Jr. confirms they handled about 300 ships last year, exceeding target and posting a seven percent increase from 2010. Wallem handles all types of vessels such as pure car carrier, roll on roll off (RoRo), conventional ships, military ships, barges, cruise lines and tankers. While WPS is huge on tankers, Calingo says, “We have the most number of ships handled. Of the 300 ships we handled last year, 5 to 6 were passenger ships. ”In terms of revenues, we have sufficient, sustainable and realistic growth. All I can say is Yes, we are making money,” leveraging on Wallem’s

proven expertise and efficiency to its ship owners and charterer clients. Calingo advances, in October and November, the Legend of the Seas cruise ship under the Royal Caribbean Cruises will visit Manila and Boracay.” “We also encourage Azamara Club cruises to include Palawan, Subic and Bohol in their itinerary,” he adds. Last year, Calingo attended a conference in Singapore where cruise ships are eyeing Asia. They are considering destinations such as Boracay, Romblon, Pagudpud and Subic because of their eco-adventure attractions. Cruise ships which already made calls in the Philippines are Orion expedition cruise, Royal and Costa Cruise with twoday average stays. He says cruise liners consider the tourist attractions in making itineraries. They also want to ensure the safety of passenger and crew, facilities and cost

AGM Calingo

must be constant. “The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) are boosting a lot of projects. Our passenger terminal can always have rooms for improvement to accommodate foreign ships,” he said adding facilities in Singapore and Hongkong are really admirable. Wallem, as a ship agent, looks after the interest of the ship. It provides the necessary entrance and exit permits and attends to the needs of the guests.

2GO TRAVEL UPGRADES LOCAL CRUISE Local tourism notches higher with 2GO Travel decision to compete head-on with inter-island ferries and low-cost carriers doubling for the local cruise market. Stephen Rey Tagud says the country’s cruise tourism potential is big. “Our country is an archipelago thus sea travel should be innate within us island dwellers,” explains the Chief Commercial Officer for Passage of the firm. With the introduction of the new Batangas-Caticlan route, 2GO Travel is now a domestic cruise line that sells a “fun and memorable experience” onboard ship. 2GO Travel competes with airlines and other domestic inter-island ferries principally on price war. All budget airlines, like AirPhil Express, Zestair and Cebu Pacific, severely cut prices to regain market share from the shipping lines.

Price wars escalate in such routes as Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Dipolog, Ozamis, Cotabato, Davao, General Santos, Surigao, Zamboanga and Butuan. To attract passengers to travel by sea, 2GO Travel offers a substantial discount than airline fares, plus larger baggage allowance. “Given the right price for the majority of the market, Filipinos in general, always look for new, fun and exciting destinations and ways of travel experience, taking into consideration pricing and value for money,” Tagud adds. Shipping lines compete well based on important factors like: Reliable service, Safety and security, On-time departures and arrivals, Convenient ticket offices, Frequency of schedules, Improved

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facilities and On-board entertainment. The vessels have undergone renovation of amenities and suites, offering six types of accommodations like the stateroom, cabin, tourist, mega value, super value and airline seat. It is now available as an option to foreign travel websites, through myboracayguide.com, myboholguide. com and mycebuguide.com. Now, 2GO TraveLink services customers who opt to purchase bus or boat transfers with their ferry tickets issued in one e-ticket for hassle-free, seamless travel. The firm operates nine roll-on roll-off passenger vessels, three medium-sized vessels (the Cebu Ferries in the Visayas and Mindanao) and eight fast craft passenger vessels. These are on top of five purely cargo vessels in its freight.

Vice Admiral Tan Leads Promotions; Cabalde replaces Mendoza at PCG VAdm Edmund Tan

he Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard was promoted from rear admiral to Vice Admiral in ceremonies at Malacanang before the chief executive himself, President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III.

Joining Vice Admiral Edmund Tan were three other Coast Guard senior officers who took the Rear Admiral flags, namely Cecil R Chen, Lino H Dabi and Luis M Tuason Jr. A fourth PCG officer was also promoted to Rear Admiral, Rodolfo D Isorena, but was unable to attend the Palace formalities owing to Command engagement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, England. Meantime at a recent national convention in Dumaguete City, leadership changed in the Coast Guard Auxiliary service when PCGA Rear Admiral Danilo G Cabalde was elected National Director of the volunteer organization. Rear Admiral Cecil R Chen is the District Commander-National Capital Region-Central Luzon (CGDNCR-CL) and a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Sandigan Class of 1982. He holds a Masters degree in Maritime Affairs Specializing in Maritime Education and Training Nautical Stream from the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden. He was also former District Commander of Central Eastern Visayas, of Southern Tagalog and of Northern Mindanao.

By Michiko Lardizabal mistah of Chen being a PMAer, too, of the Sandigan Class. His masteral is Safety and Marine Environmental Protection from the famed WMU of Sweden. He served as District Commander of South Western Mindanao, of Southern Tagalog and Chief of PCG Staff. Rear Admiral Luis M Tuason Jr, is Vice Commandant for Operation and PMA Class Matikas (1983). His masters from WMU is on Maritime Safety Administration. He served as District Commander of the National Capital Region-Central Luzon, of Bicol, of Western Visayas and the MIMAROPA (the provinces of Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and of Northern Luzon that covers NCR and Central Luzon. A batch of 94 Junior Officers were also promoted to the next higher rank, varying from Ensign to Lieutenant Junior Grade (LJG) and from LJG to Lieutenant Senior Grade. Following their oaths, Commandant Vice Admiral Tan together with the new Rear Admirals were accorded testimonial honors at the PCG headquarters in Manila. The three-day 28th PCG Auxiliary National Convention was held late this May with the theme, “PCGA

Ngayon: Kasama at Kabalikat ng Tanod Baybayin ng Pilipinas” (PCGA Today: A Partner of the Coast Guard of the Philippines). Speaking at the convention, PCG Commandant Admiral Tan stresses, “the PCGA National Convention aims to enhance deeper acquaintances and camaraderie between PCG and PCGA.” About 700 delegates attended, coming from the ten Coast Guard Auxiliary and PCG districts nationwide, far exceeding the 400 projected participants. Negros Oriental Governor Roel Ragay Degamo was the Guest of Honor and Main Speaker at the opening ceremonies at the Negros Oriental Convention Center. Elections for National Auxiliary Director followed at the Bethel Guest House with PCGA Rear Admiral Danilo G Cabalde replacing PCGA Vice Admiral Higinio Mendoza as head of the auxilliary organization. In the Convention, further amendments were discussed on the revised PCGA Regulations Manual 2012 to enhance the role of the PCGA in assisting PCG in its mandated functions.

Rear Admiral Lino H Dabi is the Vice Commandant for Administration and holds a Masters degree in Maritime Safety Administration from WMU also. Rear Admiral Dabi was the former District Commander of South Eastern Mindanao and Palawan, of Education and Training and of Marine Environmental Protection and Chief of the Coast Guard Staff. Rear Admiral Rodolfo D Isorena is Commander of Coast Guard Fleet and

RAdm Luis Tuason Jr., RAdm Lino Dabi and RAdm Cecil Chen MARINO WORLD

PCG, MARINA GET TRAINING GRANTS

he Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has granted nonconventional vessel training (NCVT) to the country’s maritime personnel, to ensure safety and security of ships not covered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) convention. Andre Byrne, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission from the Australian Embassy says the AMSA in cooperation with the Australian Office of Transport Security of the Department of Infrastructure is giving training to Philippine Coastguard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) personnel. The NCVT course, funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID) under the public sector linkages is aimed at responding to IMO advocacy to promote maritime safety, security and protection of the marine environment. The Office of the Maritime Safety Services in cooperation with International Affairs Education and Training made the representation to the Australian Embassy Chancellor for Transport for the realization of this 5-day

As Filipino Officers Face Jail

HALF OF RENA CONTAINERS RECOVERED About sixty percent of the containers carried by CV Rena have so far been recovered from the vessel, the ocean and the beaches around Mount Mauganui’s Astrolabe Reef. Over 800 containers were recovered from a load of over 1,300 containers. The container ship ran aground there October of last year, a highly vulnerable area for wildlife and pristine waters. It was New Zealand’s worst water pollution as a thousand tonne of bunker fuel crept in the vicinity and kilometers beyond.

training. Byrne says “Australia, like the Philippines, is a country surrounded by sea. Australia is a maritime nation. Philippines has 7,107 islands while Australia has only one (island) but it is a big one.” PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Edmund Tan says both countries are challenged with responsibilities for maintaining the safety of the waterways, of vessels plying therein and of the people. “The training would add information on what PCG is currently working on and could supply a viable perspective that comes from a world class regulatory experience of Australia,” Tan continues. He says the NCVs are not necessarily confined to domestic operations, as the sea lanes connecting the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia are frequented by NCVs. “We see NCVs, as playing an important role not only in domestic trade but internationally as well. Therefore we need to continue working to improve the regulatory practices covering NCVs with

the end view of making it responsive to unique conditions of the country while raising it to levels where collaboration with counterparts abroad would be possible on that matter,” Tan adds. On the other hand, MARINA says the Philippines has 6,617 NCVs plying the country’s waters. The 5-day training is participated in by five each from PCG and MARINA for insights on safety, security and marine pollution from ships not governed by the international conventions. PCG has conducted public consultations with stakeholders for the past few months for specific steps it would take to address the safety issues of domestic NCVs. “We are in the final stages of these consultations and we are hoping to come up with Memorandum Circulars (MCs) that would be acceptable for everyone concerned,” Tan explains. The Philippines has a high dependence on the sea for commerce, transport, tourism, fishing and recreation activities.

Government and concerned volunteers battled to contain the pollution. A thousand dead birds immediately succumbed as seals were rounded up to safety.

Meanwhile, the Braemar / Unimar team is continuing sonar operations with identified seabed targets being investigated to ascertain whether they are containers.

On the container recovery operations, the good weather and calm sea had enabled good progress including collection of shoreline debris.

Meantime, breaking news seems to confirm that the ship master and his navigating mate were both sentenced to a seven-month prison terms for culpable negligence resulting into the accident.

Two tonnes of debris, comprising small pieces of timber, were removed from Matakana Island. With most of the bigger debris collected from Coromandel and Bay of Plenty shorelines the cleanup operations were now focused mainly on bead recovery. Braemar Howells has teams stationed on Matakana Island in the Bay of Plenty and at Matapaua Bay, north of Tairua, in the Coromandel working on bead recovery.

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The interim report of New Zealand’s transport accident inquiry commission (TAIC) has established that CV Rena was going 17 knots into the reef, rushing for time to avoid the closing of pilotage window, among others. Both merchant marine officers are Filipino and it cannot be ascertained whether an appeal will be filed by them or their home Government in a diplomatic level.

ports

MNHPI awards P1 billion North port contracts By Michiko Lardizabal

The Manila North Harbour Port (MNHPI) has awarded at least P1.055 billion worth of contracts for the modernization of the North Harbor, the country’s busiest domestic port.

Specialist.

Chief operating officer Richard Barclay says the port development projects will help improve vessel’s turn around time as well as productivity and will lead to an increase in volume of cargoes handled at the port.

Other projects include the development of a container yard, setting up of power supplies and operation system.

The P490 million RoPax terminal project at Pier 4 was awarded to FF Cruz. The Marine Slipway (MSW) and Pier 16 retrofitting projects costing P314 million was given to Seaborne Construction

The P251 million Power Center project composed of two sub-stations was awarded to Home Construction.

The Pier 4 rehabilitation is designed to have a depth of -10 meter at mean lower low water (mllw) to be able to service the Ropax and LoLo (load-on load-off) vessels. Target completion is October of this year. “We will have the RoPax terminal at Pier 4, which has its own entry area. It

will have an operation center, where fast documentations can be done. It’s because the vessels must have to turnaround very very quickly. They come on time and so must leave on time,” Barclay explains. The Operation Center is designed to centralize all MNHPI operations and documentation requirements through the one-stop shop concept for the processing of inbound and outbound transactions. It starts on the documentation by January, 2013. The MSW/Pier 16 Retrofitting and Crane Rails Retrofitting project by Seaborne Construction is expected to be completed on January 15, 2013.

Hanjin Philippines to Build 8 Carriers Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation– Philippines (HHIC-Philippines) won contracts to build eight more bulk carriers, increasing its total to 19 vessels for this year. Last May 10, HHIC-Philippines announced it signed a contract to construct eight bulk carriers (205,000 DWT) with a European shipping company for a total of US $500 million. The shipbuilder secured eight contracts last Apriland immediately followed with eight more this month. With such performance, it emerges as a new leader in the world shipbuilding industry. On the construction of very large bulk

carriers (VLBC), Hanjin won the bids for two VLBClast January, one in February, eight in April and so far totals 19 carriers to build this year. HHIC-Philippines Subic Shipyard is now capable of building offshore plants as well as very large carriers which are too large for the conventional Yeongdo Dockyard (in Korea) to handle. The state-of-the-art VLOC (Very Large Ore Carriers) has 205,000 DWT (Deadweight tonnage) , 300 meter in length, 50m in width, 25m in height, and speed of 15 knots deliverable at the second half of 2012 and completed by 2013. A high level of technology is required MARINO WORLD

to build the very large carriers. With Hanjin’sstrong performance, the world starts to recognize Subic Shipyard’s advanced technology and production capabilities. “We are going to develop the highlyefficient Subic Shipyard into the world’s leading shipbuilding site and Yeongdo Dockyard into a strategic shipbuilding base for high-technology carriers and offshore supply vessels through facility modernization,” says an HHIC official. Hanjin has full of confidence in maintaining a dominant position in the world market.

ABSENTEE VOTER REGISTRATION IN MAKATI CITY A tripartite agreement was signed to launch a satellite Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) Pre-Deployment Registration Center located at First Maritime Place in Makati City.

•

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)

•

Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)

The memorandum was between Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to support government campaign to encourage Filipino overseas workers to exercise the right to vote.

•

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)

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Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union (AMOSUP)

•

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“We are honored to be part of the government’s efforts to ensure that every Filipino overseas who wishes to participate in the electoral process can now register through the COMELECDFA’s OAV registration centers,” says PTC Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gerardo A. Borromeo. “We hope that our seafarers will take advantage of this opportunity to let their voices be heard even if they are away from home and thus, contribute to the task of nation building through the electoral process,” Borromeo adds. This OAV Registration Center is the seventh in the Philippines and the first in Makati. The other six centers are at: •

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 & 2,

These centers are in accordance with Republic Act9189 (The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003), which ensures equal opportunity to all qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad to participate in the elections of President, Vice-President, Senators and Party-List Representatives. In 2010, the Commission on Elections registered nearly 590,000 Filipino absentee voters which included 21,097 seafarers. For the 2013 elections, the COMELEC is targeting one million registrants. Under Section 2 of RA7166 and RA 10153, COMELEC has calendared May 13, 2013 as national and local elections together with the ARMM posts in an en banc resolution dated 07 February 2012. It is also preparing for the automated elections and has earlier declared

(From Left) Undersecretary Jose Brillantes, Chairman of the Department of Foreign Affairs-Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat, PTC Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gerardo Borromeo and Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, Chairman of the Commission on Elections-Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting at the opening of the PTC OAV PreDeployment Registration Center.

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continuing voters registration from 31 October 2011 to October 30, 2012 per Resolution 9269 of 03 August 2011. One may apply for reactivation (when deleted after failing to vote in the barangay and national elections), transfer residence, change of name and corrections of entries (i.e. spelling, gender, etc). Voters whose biometric information have not been digitally captured may also apply for validation. Photograph, fingerprint and signature will be stored on the Voter Registration Machine (VRM) for the issuance of a COMELEC identification card with these biometric data. The PTC OAV center is open on Mondays thru Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until October 31, 2012. Present your passport and/or seaman’s book to apply as OAV. Registration activities are also ongoing in all Philippine Foreign Service Posts including its embassies, consulates and official extensions. Applicants may view approved OAV by visiting the COMELEC OAV website at http://www.comelec.gov.ph/oav/index. html.

BACK TO BI-MONTHLY Once every two months, starting this June-July issue. Yes, we tried to serve you more by being monthly. We were enjoying the challenge, getting sharper in the pursue of the interesting and the meaningful. But our marketing could not sustain the zeal of our editorial. Market realities forced us to shift back to an issue every two months (loosely, “bi-monthly”). Financial considerations demand this retrenchment for the longer haul than the quick fix. Of course, we shall continue to monitor our viability for more issues. There are ups-and-downs but we are proud to guarantee uninterrupted issues --- as we have proven in the past six years since our birth in 2005. Business As Usual --- we shall cover the maritime scene as intensely as we do. Not paste up nor patch up, not recycles nor retrievals. But articulated and pulsating coverage with deeper facts and better analyzes. Our readers are now demanding, discriminating. And Marino World is pledged to execute its best, always and ever --- even on trying times as these. Thank you, salamat po. For your continuing demand for excellence.

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