THE OFFICIAL E-BULLETIN OF
Volume 17 | Issue 2 | 2021
A LETTER FROM THE
I
EDITORIAL TEAM
n this is issue of Waves, we highlight our efforts to advance the role of women in maritime and in protecting the planet. It keeps to our corporate ethos as our commitment to actively promote people, planet, and prosperity. Women have always played a key role at Philippine Transmarine Carriers. When Mrs. Isabelita T. Salinas cofounded the company in partnership with her husband, Ambassador Carlos Salinas, 42 years ago, it positioned PTC’s story as one of the few companies of the generation that was focused on creating equal opportunity and inclusiveness. This edition recognizes the PTC women who move the world. We take inspiration from the wisdom of our co-founder and spotlight the competence and grit of women in the ranks of the PTC Group, while giving insight into gender equality and diversity.
2
|
PTC WAV ES
Likewise, as we celebrate Earth Day, we highlight PTC’s long-standing environmental advocacy through our “Plastic Free Starts with Me” initiative that helps lessen the pollution of our oceans through the re-purposing of single-use plastic. These efforts continue through various programmes that the PTC Group and partner communities have implemented at the workplace and at their respective homes. We also bring to focus the need to address mental health concerns of our global maritime professionals with WeTeam, a new collaborative endeavor with the Synergy Marine Group, to make a 24/7 call service available to our seafarers as they endure life at sea amidst the ongoing global pandemic. Looking ahead, PTC is poised and driven towards a better normal. We are guided by our sustainability agenda as we support the UNSDGs across all facets of our operations. The company puts the highest of value on the health and welfare of our global maritime professionals with the implementation of an organized COVID-19 vaccination program. We likewise usher in the advancement of maritime training and career development; strengthen strategic partnerships and industry engagement; and cultivate the future of the shipping industry.
- Y O U R WAV E S E D I T O R I A L T E A M PTC WAV ES
|
3
1
42 Years of Gender Equality Opening a World of Equal Opportunity
S
Putting the Spotlight on Women Who Move the World
T E
N
T
2
N
3
C
O
4
Female PTC GMPS Give Voice to the Women of Seafaring in ICS International Women’s Day Video PTC and WIMAPHIL: Empowering Women in the Maritime Industry
Protecting Life Below Water
Living a Plastic-Free Lifestyle in the New Normal
Advocating Seafarer Wellness Synergy Marine Group and Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. Partner to Bring Seafarers WeTeam Emotional and Well-Being Support
O
Delivering quality customer care Nurturing the Family Ecosystem
E
F
5
Promoting Women in Maritime
Health Metrics Posts Impressive Score on Nationwide Infection and Prevention Control Assessment
B L
6
Berge Bulk Partners with PHILCAMSAT to Develop Its Next Generation of Leaders
T A 4
|
Advancing Maritime Training and Career Development
PTC WAV ES
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Global Maritime Professionals
7
PTC CEO Gerardo Borromeo Defines the Future Seafarer with Maritime Thought Leaders at ICS Webinar PTC-CSJ Foundation Strengthens Partnerships for Education and Environment Programs Strategic Partnerships and Industry Engagement
8
Ambassador Salinas Commends IMO’s Exceptional Bravery at Sea Awardees Project RISE Strengthens its Capacity for Community Resilience Building through the Help of the Handclasp Foundation Homeruns in Operational Excellence
9
Jebsen PTC Starts a Strong Year in Crew Management Health Metrics: A Commitment to the Health and Safety of Filipino Travelers Meet Our PTC Leaders Who Move the World
10
PTC’s Karen Avelino is Selected as Sole Philippine Representative for the Cruise Lines International Association Driving the Continuous Growth of Filipino Maritime Professionals
PTC WAV ES
|
5
42 YEARS OF GENDER EQUALITY
6
|
PTC WAV ES
R
Opening a World of Equal Opportunity epresenting PTC, women occupy leadership positions in industry associations like the Women in Maritime Philippines and the Philippine Association of Maritime Training Centers.
Currently, PTC deploys over 1,200 female global maritime professionals on cargo and passenger vessels. The Mapua-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (CMET) meanwhile has 21 female students currently enrolled in its programs with 11 of its 23 female graduates having pursued their careers with PTC. To honor the important role PTC women play in the organization, in their families and in society, the company celebrated International Women’s Day with a talk delivered by PTC co-founder Mrs. Isabelita T. Salinas. Mrs. Salinas reminded employees of their immense value to the company and how each one serves an important purpose in helping PTC move the world in more ways than one. Her poignant storytelling tugged at the heart of the PTC community, as she shared how she continues to pray for each and every one of its members and congratulated everyone for fulfilling their respective roles with devotion, dedication and fidelity to the mission of the PTC Group. PTC WAV ES
|
7
PUTTING
SPOTLIGHT ON W O M E N W H O M O V E THE W O R L D
8
|
PTC WAV ES
THE
F
rom working on board to ensure the successful transport of essential goods across the seas, to serving on-shore - training aspiring seafarers, looking after the deployment, careers and well-being of our global maritime professionals; or being reliable and nurturing wives and mothers, the women of the PTC Group are proving that there are no limits to what they can achieve. We dedicate these next pages to pay tribute to an extraordinary group of women who are making a difference as they move the world in more ways than one.
PTC WAV ES
|
9
“Seafaring can be very demanding, but it will allow you to realize your strengths as a person.” 3/E Micah De Guzman
3
Grindrod Shipping
/E Micah De Guzman made history as the first female from the Mapua-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (CMET) to pass the MARINA Theoretical Exam for Engine Management Level Chief Engineer. She currently sails with Grindrod Shipping.
10
|
PTC WAV ES
Micah believes that she was destined to be at sea and to excel in the seafaring profession. “I will not romanticize this profession; the reality is that this job is very demanding and has its own set of challenges,” she shares.
“However, it was through the unpredictability of the sea that I discovered my physical and mental strength. I realized that I could remain calm and focused even when faced with challenges, and this is something that aspiring female seafarers can also learn to develop.” PTC WAV ES
|
11
2/O Jean Pontila
Exmar Shipmanagement
“ Being a woman onboard
is not necessarily difficult, nor will I say that it’s easy ...it’s just different.”
12
|
PTC WAV ES
A
home-grown PTC talent, 2/O Jean Pontila is the first female graduate of the Mapua-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (CMET) to pass the MARINA Theoretical Exam for Deck Management - Chief Mate in 2018. Currently sailing with Exmar Shipmanagement, Jean shares that she initially had difficulties trying to adjust to life at sea as a cadet onboard her first vessel: a 3500 GT LPG tanker vessel.
“I actually cried on my first day of sailing, realizing our immense responsibilities onboard and imagining the next few months away from my family. But I told myself that I can do it and with the help and support of my officers and crew, I quickly adapted to the working environment and worked really hard to achieve my dream of becoming an officer.” She advices aspiring female global maritime professionals to never be afraid to step out of their comfort zones and to continuously challenge themselves to achieve excellence. “Don’t let anyone block your dreams. There may be hindrances but believe that you can overcome them.” PTC WAV ES
|
13
3/O Jennifer Buloron Exmar Shipmanagement
“ Female seafarers should always have a voice in any given situation. If you are doing your job right, be confident and continue to do your job well.”
F
or 3/O Jennifer Buloron, getting to where she is at right now was never smooth sailing as she experienced gender-related challenges along the way. A scholar of the MapuaPTC College of Maritime Education and Training (CMET), Jennifer realized early that being a female in a male-dominated industry will never be easy. 14
|
PTC WAV ES
“It is difficult to be a female onboard a ship. You can sometimes be misunderstood when giving orders. But I try to be patient and understanding with my crew because they come from various cultures and backgrounds.” Jennifer is hopeful that more companies will be open to diversity and inclusion because this is the only way forward to a sustainable future. “I love being a seafarer, despite the hurdles I face, I know every contract and crew will be different. What is important is to be flexible and learn to adjust to any situation so you can always have good working relationships with your crew. Remember, they will be your family as you sail for months at sea.”
PTC WAV ES
|
15
Olga Nova
Culinary Instructor, PHILCAMSAT
“ Teaching is not about the money. Being able to impart something valuable to your students is what makes this profession fulfilling.”
16
|
PTC WAV ES
C
urrently an instructor for the Culinary Department of the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training, Inc. (PHILCAMSAT), Olga started her career working in the hotel and restaurant industry.
“I eventually became an instructor and assessor at TESDA which was instrumental in what I am currently teaching here at PHILCAMSAT which is the Mess Hall service.” Teaching has always been her passion and being in maritime allows her to feel ever more fulfilled especially when she gets feedback from her former students who have landed jobs onboard vessels or found fulfilling careers all over the world.
PTC WAV ES
|
17
3/O Angela Manaog IVS Grindrod
“ Women have so much to offer this industry and have such great potential to move the world.”
B
ack when she was a cadet on her first vessel, 3/O Angela Manaog was already determined to challenge herself and exceed expectations. “There were times that my officers would not give me the same difficulty of work as my male counterparts onboard,” she shares. “Probably because they did not yet have confidence in my abilities as a young, female seafarer.” 18
|
PTC WAV ES
“That is why I worked doubly hard to show them that they could count on me and that I was committed to pull my weight onboard.” Her career would, however, face an unprecedented challenge as her second contract took effect during the pandemic. It was her first stint as an officer onboard. But despite this, Angela still enthusiastically says that she would recommend seafaring to other women. “If this is your dream, then go for it. Do not limit yourself just because there aren’t a lot of women in this profession. The maritime trade serves a significant role in moving the world and developing the world’s economy so I am sure other women will also find that being a part of this industry is definitely a fulfilling and rewarding experience.”
PTC WAV ES
|
19
4/M Leslie Evardone Seaspan Shipmanagement
“ Seafaring has its complexities, but if you are determined to navigate the extra mile, you can achieve your goals and fulfill your aspirations in life.” 20
|
PTC WAV ES
4
/M Leslie Evardone has always had aspirations of exploring the world as a seafarer. Even though there were hardly any female seafarers in her hometown of General Santos, Leslie was determined to make her dream a reality. In 2016, Leslie received her first vessel assignment as a deck cadet onboard MV Cosco Philippines of Seaspan Shipmanagement.
“I performed actual field work, assisting our officers and crew in the daily operations and maintenance of the vessel as we sailed from Asia to Panama and North America,” she says recounting her experience. “While this may have been challenging in the beginning, it allowed me to acquire new skills and valuable onboard experience that has been instrumental in my growth both as a maritime professional and as a person. I am thankful for the help of my senior officials and crew who helped me navigate this period in my career and allowed me to gain a better appreciation of the seafaring profession.” PTC WAV ES
|
21
3/M Jenellyn Obrero Seaspan Shipmanagement
“ Never take the opportunities that this career gives you for granted.”
22
|
PTC WAV ES
“
I
grew up in the small town of Belison, in the province of Antique, Visayas,” shared 3/M Jenellyn Obrero. “Life there was simple and my world consisted of just my family and friends from school. But I knew a greater and bigger world was waiting for me beyond that small town. That is why I became a seafarer.”
“
Jenellyn was recently on board Cosco Philippines of Seaspan Shipmanagement during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was difficult being at sea at the time when cases of COVID-19 were at its highest.”
“We couldn’t help but get anxious hearing of mortality rates on the news, worrying about our family back in the Philippines and of course dealing with all the challenges that the pandemic brought to our industry,” admits Jenellyn. “But I was thankful to still have been blessed with a job and that allowed me to take care of my family. I am also proud to be part of an industry that kept the world supplied and helped deliver essential goods to people all over the world especially during that crucial time.” PTC WAV ES
|
23
Mai Sotelo Branch Office Manager, PTC Iloilo
“ Our edge is having the grace to withstand fire and the persistence to get what we want.”
24
|
PTC WAV ES
M
ai heads PTC’s Iloilo office where she helps build the careers of aspiring seafarers from the country’s Visayas Region. “I am very proud to be part of an industry that carries 90% of the world trade and I have a soft spot for GMPs,” she shares. “Seeing them find jobs, build their careers and create better lives for themselves, their families and their communities inspires me to do more and work harder.”
While she has devoted 22 years of her life connecting applicants to meaningful careers, she continues to improve and develop her skills so she can help more maritime professionals become part of PTC. “I may not be the one onboard the vessel, but I am happy to do my part in moving the world by providing PTC’s brand of service and care for our seafarers.” PTC WAV ES
|
25
Nors Magtibay Opelanio
Wife of PTC GMP Ronaldo Opelanio, Chief Cook at Exmar Shipmanagement
“ There is no limit to what women can do. We can wear different hats, play many roles and be the source of strength of our families.” 26
|
PTC WAV ES
N
ors Opelanio, married to Chief Cook Ronaldo Opelanio, is the epitome of a modern superwoman. Working full time with the city government of Tanauan, Batangas, Nors is also a hands-on mom to her three kids, a dependable partner to her husband as he works at sea, and an efficient manager of her household all at the same time. “It was never easy,” she confesses. “For the most part of our married life, my husband has been onboard ships, working hard to provide a good life for our family. Long-distance parenting may be challenging for both of us but we are proud to have made this work for over 20 years now.” “My advice to wives, especially those with seafaring husbands, is to make God the center of your relationship, manage your time wisely and take care of the hard-earned money of your husband. To this day, I am grateful to PTC and Exmar for giving us the opportunity to provide a good life for our family.”
PTC WAV ES
|
27
Hanna Claire Samiano
3rd Year Marine Transportation student Mapuá-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (CMET) Malayan Colleges Laguna
“ Every hindrance is your motivation for success. Never listen to people who tell you that you can’t do it.”
A 28
|
PTC WAV ES
s the only female scholar of the PTC CSJ-TK Foundation Scholarship Program at CMET, Hanna Samiano knows that a lot is expected of her. Pressure doesn’t faze her, but motivates her to succeed.
“I feel blessed and honored that PTC-CSJ and CMET see my potential as a future maritime professional,” she says. “Mrs. Carla S. Limcaoco, President of the PTC-CSJ Foundation, told us that they want to see more females excelling in seafaring and I don’t want to disappoint them so I am determined to work hard. My teachers at CMET are also very encouraging and they tell me that as long as I can do the work onboard, then gender should not matter.” Now on her last term for her classroom instructions, a requirement for the onboard training phase of the maritime program, Hanna is excited to go on shipboard training to qualify for graduation. After this, she is eager to take the board exam, acquire her licenses and sail onboard as an officer, setting her sights on eventually becoming a captain. “I always want to be one step ahead and remain focused on my goals. I know that if I make them my priority, I will be able to achieve all my dreams one day.”
PTC WAV ES
|
29
2/O Adelyne Aquino MCC Palawan, Jebsen PTC
“ Seafaring as a career path for women is challenging but definitely worth it.”
30
|
PTC WAV ES
A
delyne Aquino is currently a second officer onboard MCC Palawan, a container shipmanaged by Jebsen PTC. She started with the company as a deck cadet and has been in the shipping industry for 12 years now, onboard domestic or inter island vessels in the Philippines. Adelyne admits that much like any profession, seafaring has its own set of challenges and these were heightened during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “One of the most difficult things that we had to face was being unable to go ashore to visit our families.” “Some of us also experienced anxiety due to everything that was happening around the world during such uncertain times,” she explains. “But we are still thankful that compared to seafarers plying international routes, we were at least in the same country as our loved ones and can communicate with them via phone or social media. This makes the stress a bit more manageable and has definitely helped us cope with the pandemic.” PTC WAV ES
|
31
Normita Hernandez PTC Family and Crew Relations Manager
“ I speak out because I want to help the people that I serve become happy whether they are at sea or on land with their loved ones.” 32
|
PTC WAV ES
N
ormita Hernandez, fondly called Normie by her colleagues, has been tirelessly serving PTC Global Maritime Professionals through the company’s Family and Crew Relations department for the past 15 years as she spearheads a lean and mean team committed to providing purposeful lives not only to our Global Maritime Professionals (GMPs) but also to their families. She helps initiate the company’s financial management, health, and wellness programs, as well as entrepreneurship seminars across the families of PTC’s GMPs and takes pride in the success stories that they in turn share with her. “Whenever I hear success stories of our allottees or GMPs, whether this is about their family or their work, it makes me feel fulfilled knowing that all of PTC’s endeavors have made a difference in their lives.”
PTC WAV ES
|
33
Flory A. Tabio Executive Director, PTC-CSJ Foundation, Inc.
“ Moving hearts to action means inspiring others, and oneself, to be better and to do better.”
34
|
PTC WAV ES
F
lory has served as the Executive Director of PTCCSJ since 2010, the same year that the Foundation was established. With the Board’s guidance and support, and the “tres Marias” team that she is part of, together with President Mrs. Carla S. Limcaoco and Project Officer Annie Japsay, Flory leads the Foundation in “moving hearts to action” to help propel social change in the areas of education and the environment. “Change does not happen overnight. Over the years, we have seen partners and beneficiaries – individuals – who have improved and are doing better, due in part to the Foundation’s initiatives. These include undernourished students who now have normal weights and are learning better, baseball players who have become scholars in private high schools, a young boy who has learned to appreciate his father’s work as a seafarer, scholar Fred Perez now on his first ship as a Global Maritime Professional and aiming to be a Captain one day, and many others. Through them and the Board, I myself am inspired to be a better person and to do better.” PTC WAV ES
|
35
GIVE VOICE TO THE WOMEN OF SEAFARING IN ICS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY VIDEO FEMALE PTC GMPS
36
|
PTC WAV ES
F
emale officers from PTC and Jebsen PTC gave voice to the 7.5% of women making up the seafaring workforce in a video produced by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in celebration of International Women’s Day.
2/O Jean Pontila of Jebsen PTC joined nationalities as they sea and the ongoing professionals.
PTC other shared effects
and 2/O Adelyne Aquino of female officers of different their experiences working at of the pandemic on maritime
The PTC Group salutes all our women seafarers for their courage and determination in pursuing excellence at sea and making waves in the maritime industry. PTC WAV ES
|
37
PTC AND WIMAPHIL: HIGHLIGHTING PATHWAYS FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE FUTURE OF MARITIME
O
ver a decade ago, PTC responded to the call of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for enhanced participation by women in the maritime industry. The company cofounded Women in Maritime Philippines (WIMAPHIL). The organization continues to galvanize seafarers’ wives, female cadets, government and private sector personnel and other women leaders in the industry to promote gender equity and other relevant advocacies.
38
|
PTC WAV ES
After more than 10 years of advocating for expanding the role of Filipinas in the maritime sector, WIMAPHIL now leads the governing council of WIMA Asia. The participating 18 member countries of WIMA Asia aim for regional integration, support, and cooperation of women in national maritime associations. Its focus is the promotion of greater and active participation towards the adoption of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. WIMAPHIL also collaborates with IMO’s other regional networks in Latin America, Middle East, the Caribbean and the Pacific to promote women empowerment. For this year’s International Women’s Day, the organization adopted the IMO’s theme of “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World.” This important message aligns with the various activities undertaken by the IMO and WIMA over the years to make the maritime sector more gender inclusive and to enhance the contribution of women as key maritime stakeholders.
PTC WAV ES
|
39
LIVING A
PLASTIC-FREE LIFESTYLE IN THE NEW NORMAL
40
|
PTC WAV ES
T
aking our responsibility as stewards of the environment to heart, the PTC Group pursues its advocacy against single-use plastics through “Plastic Free Starts with Me.”
The initiative promotes re-purposing single-use plastic bottles into ecobricks to help lessen plastic waste pollution of our oceans. Since its 2018 launch, the initiative has kept 1.7 tons of plastic waste out of our oceans through the production of over 3,000 ecobricks that have re-purposed plastic bottles into stools, tables, and learning corners for the company’s partner elementary schools in Makati and Cavite. Employees have also adopted the BYOB practice which encourages them to bring their own bag, meals and bottle to work, to further eliminate the daily use of plastic.
PTC WAV ES
|
41
SYNERGY MARINE GROUP AND PHILIPPINE TRANSMARINE CARRIERS, INC. PARTNER TO BRING SEAFARERS WETEAM EMOTIONAL AND WELL-BEING SUPPORT
42
|
PTC WAV ES
S
eafaring is a noble profession yet life at sea can be demanding. It takes a physical and mental toll on global maritime professionals, the unsung heroes in the front lines of the maritime industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted our seafarers’ struggles, placing a particular spotlight on feelings of uncertainty and anxieties about the changing demands on seafarers. Synergy Marine Group (SMG) and Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC) have partnered to bring the seafarer community together as one under WeTeam. It is a faithneutral service that is absolutely confidential, free, 24/7, available in over 14 languages including Tagalog and open to every seafarer across the globe beyond the PTC and Synergy Group. Speaking on WeTeam’s mission, Captain Rajesh Unni, Founder and CEO of the Synergy Group shared, “Wellbeing for seafarers has been our focus from our inception itself and this pandemic has only exacerbated matters therefore calling for people to recognize the urgency and to act now.” WeTeam is a progression from iCall, a service of the Synergy Marine Group. Captain Unni went on to expound. “Having started almost three years ago with iCall in India, we at Synergy have the experience to understand the seafaring community and their challenges from up close.”
PTC WAV ES
|
43
“
W
e see the numbers growing alarmingly on high levels of stress-related concerns and the concern for their safety and wellbeing has proportionately risen too. With 25% of the seafaring community coming from the Philippines, it is impossible not to be there, and we could not ask for a better partner than PTC to embark on this journey to help the seafarers and build the next generation too.” On being able to address the needs of the 400,000 Filipino global maritime professionals on-board the world’s fleet at any one time, PTC CEO Gerardo Borromeo said, “We appreciate the opportunity to come together to develop a platform for the total wellness and care of our seafarers. Like Synergy, PTC has always felt that it is the people themselves on these vessels who do the amazing heavy lifting that moves the world.” Borromeo continued, “To all our valued seafarers, you are the heart and soul of a ship, the beating heart that enables the maritime industry to move the world. Through WeTeam, our maritime specialist counselors are here for you; they are here to listen, and help.”
44
|
PTC WAV ES
Reflecting further, Captain Unni said, “Coming together with PTC is amazing because it has a very longstanding and trusted footprint in the Philippines, which very few organizations have. More than anything, we are totally aligned in our values and in how we value our seafarers. No matter what we do, even with all the disruption, people will always be at the core of everything we do. That said, we wholeheartedly welcome all willing, but like-minded and with similar values as Partners to join in our initiative.” Borromeo added, “We thank Synergy for your leadership and your vision in bringing this together. With what Synergy has done in its impressive growth and what PTC has been able to do in its 42 years, it feels like a 2+2 = 5 situation. We are excited about the possibilities that we can bring forward together to make a positive impact for our global maritime professionals.” WeTeam is an Emotional Wellbeing and Support Helpline that comes to our noble seafarers through a partnership built on a combined 50 years of global maritime experience in prioritizing seafarer care and well-being above all.
PTC WAV ES
|
45
NURTURING THE FAMILY ECOSYSTEM
F
amily and Crew Relations (FCR) is one the most crucial touch points for the company as it delivers its culture of care to Global Maritime Professionals and their families. Exemplifying the people-centric values that drive the PTC Group, the FCR team actively implements the company’s Life Skills Program - a year-round endeavor that aims to teach self-mastery and instill positive values; promote health, wellness, and financial literacy; and raise awareness on environmental issues among the seafaring community.
46
|
PTC WAV ES
“We are very proud of our Life Skills Program and take pride in the success stories that we have had throughout the years,” shares Hernandez, FCR Manager. “We have one allottee who reported that our seminar on family communications actually saved her marriage. Our goal setting talks conducted at the start of each year have inspired our attendees to put greater focus on accomplishing both their short-term and long-term goals. And we have numerous wives who were able to establish and successfully run their own businesses after attending our livelihood seminars.” The group has also been tireless in addressing the limitations of the pandemic by establishing a PTC GMP Hotline that provides a contactless means to deliver their services to GMPs and their families. They have has also taken their Life Skills Seminars online with webinars on mental health, maintaining one’s overall wellbeing, and information on the COVID-19 vaccine streamed via FCR’s official Facebook page and other digital tools.
PTC WAV ES
|
47
HEALTH METRICS POSTS IMPRESSIVE SCORE ON NATIONWIDE INFECTION AND PREVENTION CONTROL ASSESSMENT
48
|
PTC WAV ES
H
ealth Metrics, Inc. (HMI), the preferred healthcare partner of the PTC Group, participated in the Infection and Prevention Control (IPC) Assessment conducted by the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) last March 18 at the HMI Makati clinic. The assessment is conducted to help equip health facilities with improved IPC management through the identification of gaps and needs and providing recommendations for improved controls, practices, and protocols. HMI achieved an impressive rating of 94.6% in the assessment attesting to HMI’s strict implementation of its high standards of governance, screening triage, standard precaution, transmission precaution, administration, and environment control. The initiative, spearheaded by ASSIST with Project HOPE, aims to strengthen COVID-19 IPC at health facilities to suppress healthcare-associated infections. Project HOPE is dedicated to empowering local health care workers to save lives across the globe.
PTC WAV ES
|
49
BERGE BULK PARTNERS WITH PHILCAMSAT TO DEVELOP ITS
NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
50
|
PTC WAV ES
B
erge Bulk has partnered with the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training, Inc. (PHILCAMSAT), PTC’s training arm, for their Cadet Progression Programme. This innovation is designed to help prepare cadets for successful careers with the company and become Berge Bulk’s next generation of leaders. “We have partnered with PHILCAMSAT, a leading training institution in the region to develop this program and deliver it internationally using cutting-edge telecommunication technologies,” said Mr. Vijay Jeyakumaran, Marine Training Manager of Berge Bulk Maritime Pte. Ltd. “The commitment of PHILCAMSAT in educating and transforming mariners to efficient and safety-conscious maritime professionals is one of the many reasons why we have chosen them as our partner in delivering our Cadet Progression Programme. The experience and knowledge of their trainers and their strong leadership team creates this amazing opportunity for us to collaborate in this landmark program to help bring out the best among our cadets.” “The role of a cadet is physically and mentally demanding,” shares Mr. Jeyakumaran. “With this program, we want to build their competencies on a range of topics including safety, maritime regulations, leadership, teamwork, and technical proficiency so that they become holistic Berge Bulk leaders.”
PTC WAV ES
|
51
The cadets will be also trained using PHILCAMSAT’s state-ofthe-art simulators to sharpen their practical knowledge in a safe learning environment. The simulation modules will be conducted at the Center once the current pandemic restrictions are lifted. The program is structured around a three-pillar model with on-the-job shipboard training being an integral part of the track. The cadets are eventually evaluated before being promoted as an officer of Berge Bulk.
Upon completion of the program, the cadets will continue their career development track as officers, gradually yet consistently rising through the ranks. Once they become the company’s highest-ranking officers, their years of immersion in the values and philosophies of Berge Bulk will allow them in turn to mold and harness yet another generation of future junior officers, ensuring a good rotation of competent officers for the Berge Bulk fleet. 52
|
PTC WAV ES
PTC CEO GERARDO BORROMEO DEFINES THE FUTURE SEAFARER WITH MARITIME THOUGHT LEADERS AT ICS WEBINAR
“
P
eople, process, and technology are among the transformative forces that will shape the needs and demands of the future seafaring workforce,” emphasized PTC CEO Gerardo Borromeo at the latest edition of the ICS Leadership Insights webinar series presented by the International Chamber of Shipping. PTC WAV ES
|
53
Moderated by ICS Chair Esben Poulsson, the streaming event discussed the impact that the pandemic and the crew change crisis has had on seafarers, their wellbeing and the way they view their roles. Mr. Borromeo clearly pointed out wider industry concerns that the pandemic would have a lasting impact on the number of crew willing to stay in shipping, as well as the ability to attract new talent. “From a Philippine perspective on crew supply, it looks like there will be no shortage; there is still a keen interest to go to sea. For us, it is more about how we will facilitate crew movement given COVID-19 roadblocks that have come in.”
54
|
PTC WAV ES
“As the industry realizes what we are defining as global maritime professionals of the future, there has to be a stronger industryacademic linkage. So that we work backwards into that pipeline and begin to influence the development of individuals in terms of mindset, skillset, and flexibility,” continued Mr. Borromeo. “We need to emphasize how shore-based companies put so much effort, resources and exposure to human resource development. Then we’ve got to bring that same situation onto the ship.” The webinar also featured Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, Despina Theodosiou, CEO of Tototheo Maritime and President of WISTA, and Mayte Medina, Chief of the Office of Merchant Mariner Credential, U.S. Coast Guard.
PTC WAV ES
|
55
THE
PTC-CSJ FOUNDATION
STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIPS FOR ITS
EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMS
T
he PTC-CSJ Foundation and WWF-Philippines renewed its partnership to pursue the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Project.
The ESD Project recently trained 100 teachers from PTC-CSJ’s 10 public elementary school partners in Muntinlupa City. The online sessions via Zoom discussed the challenges exposed by the pandemic by linking COVID-19 to issues related to the three pillars of sustainability. WWF’s ESD team shared materials, guides and tips on how teachers can integrate climate change and sustainable development issues in their lesson plans. 56
|
PTC WAV ES
Online sessions with Grade 5 students from the 10 schools were also organized. A total of 1,468 learners participated in the interactive sessions. The one-hour seminars were held via Zoom involving two schools per session. ESD is geared towards enabling schools and communities to identify and act in ways to achieve a more sustainable future by maintaining the balance of three pillars – the economy, society and environment. Meanwhile, as part of its initiatives to address malnutrition in the country, the PTC-CSJ Foundation partnered with the Jollibee Group Foundation to provide Jollibee chicken guisado (stir-fried) packs to 885 undernourished pupils from the Foundation’s 10 partner-schools in Muntinlupa City. In addition to the food packs, PTC-CSJ also provided Mingo packs (500 grams) to the same beneficiaries. Mingo is a nutritious instant complementary food made of rice, mongo (mung beans), and malunggay (moringa). The food donations, a highly relevant response to this time of COVID-19 crisis, are part of PTC-CSJ’s Growing Good to Great Kids or 3G Program’s nutrition enhancement and feeding component. PTC WAV ES
|
57
AMBASSADOR SALINAS COMMENDS IMO’S EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AT SEA AWARDEES
T
he International Maritime Organization (IMO) held a virtual awards ceremony on April 7 to honor the 2020 Exceptional Bravery at Sea Awardees. Among those recognized were Petty Officer Second Class Ralph Ofalla Barajan of the Philippine Coast Guard who displayed exceptional leadership while off-duty, ensuring the survival of 62 lives in the sinking of M/V Siargao Princess in 2019.
58
|
PTC WAV ES
“Our deep gratitude to the IMO for leading the way in recognizing the important role that global maritime professionals play every day across the seven seas,” said IMO Maritime Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas during the virtual event. “The Philippines stands proud to have one of its own honored for exemplary bravery in the most trying of circumstances. This is our country’s continuing commitment as we help move the world through shipping.” This annual awards ceremony was established by the Organization to provide international recognition for those who, at the risk of losing their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery, displaying outstanding courage in attempting to save life at sea or in trying to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment. Such acts of bravery also involve extraordinary skills in very difficult conditions or any other display of outstanding courage.
PTC WAV ES
|
59
PROJECT RISE ACCELERATES ITS CAPACITY FOR
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE BUILDING THROUGH THE HELP OF THE HANDCLASP FOUNDATION
60
|
PTC WAV ES
P
roject RISE has received a grant from the Project Handclasp Foundation (PHF), through Smart Development Institute (SDI), to further accelerate the project’s capacityto strengthen the resiliency of local communities by leveraging on the capabilities of seafarers in disaster preparedness and management. The grant was turned over by Rear Admiral Daniel McKinnon, PHF Chair, and Roberto Llames, SDI Managing Director, at a virtual ceremony held on April 7 via Zoom. Conceptualized by PTC, DEG, and ASSIST, Project RISE aims to enhance the capacity of domestic fleet operators and seafarer communities through the implementation of ISO 22301 standards and disaster preparedness programs. RISE stands for Resiliency Improvement for Seafarers & Seafaring Enterprises. Project Handclasp is a U.S. Navy-sponsored humanitarian aid program that has been accepting and transporting educational and goodwill materials overseas on Navy ships since it was founded in 1962. It is a public-private partnership with corporations, public service organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals throughout the United States. PTC WAV ES
|
61
JEBSEN PTC STARTS
STRONG YEAR
A IN CREW MANAGEMENT
62
|
PTC WAV ES
J
ebsen PTC Maritime, Inc. started the year strong as it took over the crew management of four bulk vessels — Bella Ann, LadyBellamelia, Nicholas Stanford, and Tsukuyomi Harmony. Bella Ann and Tsukuyomi Harmony are bulk carrier vessels built in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and are both sailing under the flag of Liberia. Lady Bellamelia is a newly built bulk carrier sailing under the flag of Singapore. The company, in partnership with 7Mountains, has also taken over 6 vessels from Godby Shipping. The six vessels under the fleet are Misana, Misada, Midas, Mimer, Mistral and Baltica. All vessels are ro-ro cargo ships sailing under the flag of Finland.
PTC WAV ES
|
63
HEALTH METRICS: A COMMITMENT TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS AND TRAVELERS
H
ealth Metrics, Inc., PTC’s preferred health partner, remains committed to helping Filipinos stay safe and healthy as they move towards a better normal by partnering with AirAsia to offer discounted RT-PCR testing rates for AirAsia travelers.
64
|
PTC WAV ES
And to help in the recovery of the country’s domestic travel industry, Health Metrics has also partnered with the Hennan Group of Resorts to ensure that the “tourism bubbles” set-up in the country’s top destinations such as Boracay and Bohol remain safe and protected. A “tourism bubble” allows local tourists to travel to neighboring provinces provided that they submit necessary documents and abide by the health protocols in place. HMI has also been reaching out to employees of the PTC Group and other companies to help in the country’s information campaign on COVID-19 vaccines. The company brought their Wellness Wednesday webinar series to Iloilo with a talk by Dr. Saren Bongalonta-Roldan, Medical Director of Health Metrics, Inc., for employees of Legato Health Technologies. The talk was held last March 24 via Teams and enlightened employees on the facts concerning COVID-19 vaccines and helped dispel myths and rumors that people may have encountered on social media or other unreliable sources. HMI likewise engaged with PTC GMPs to provide them with practical information and tips on staying healthy and fit for work amidst the pandemic through a talk delivered by Dr. Anne Margarette Paz-Carreon, Medical Operations Manager of HMI Makati, during the weekly PTCi Online Job Fair held on the same day.
PTC WAV ES
|
65
MEET OUR PTC LEADERS Karen Avelino is selected as
Sole Philippine Representative for the Cruise Lines International Association
K
aren Avelino, PTC Executive Director of Business Development for Shipping & Senior Vice President of Cruise Operations, has been selected to represent the country in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association and the leading authority of the global cruise community. Representing 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment. Through PTC’s membership in CLIA, the Philippines becomes the only country in Asia to have a representative in the organization and is given a platform to further advance the interests of Filipino maritime professionals in the cruise sector.
66
|
PTC WAV ES
WHO MOVE THE WORLD
B
Driving the Continuous Growth of Filipino Maritime Professionals
eng Cristobal has been in the business of maritime and shipping for nearly two decades. Before assuming responsibilities in Crewing, she directed IT operations as Chief Information Officer (CIO) spearheading several projects such as the Vinta system and application which is a one-stop crew management online tool. As the Senior Vice President for Cargo Operations, Beng ensures that Filipino seafarers deployed are at their best and are globally competent to take on the challenges that they will face at sea. “My passion is to help people I meet reach their full potential,” she shares. “The same is true for seafarers.”
PTC WAV ES
|
67
68
|
PTC WAV ES
Philippine National Artist Ben Cab’s tapestry art “Images of the Past”
