INC - United Filipino Seafarers United Filipino Seafarers

TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
MARCH - APRIL 2011
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http://www.ufs.com.ph
1
PHP 20.00
3/28/2011 11:31:31 AM
2 TINIG NG MARINO
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MARCH - APRIL 2011
3/28/2011 11:32:46 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
T
he Marine Engineer Officers
Association of the Philippines
(MEOAP) is now on death row
and is just awaiting the exact date of its
execution.
A little over two months since Tinig ng
Marino run its banner story in its January
– February 2011 issue asking MEOAP and
its current roster of officers ‘Where’s the
Money?’, the association is now on the
brink of collapse and is expected to crumble
like a deck of cards that was somehow
mishandled by a casino card dealer.
No less than the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC) would pull the plug to
officially turn the lights off on the accredited
professional organization (APO) of Filipino
marine engineer officers.
The PRC would apparently take drastic
action against MEOAP in response to an
official petition to the commission duly
signed by over one thousand Filipino
marine engineer officers seeking the
cancellation of the accreditation of MEOAP
as an APO because it was never an
integrated association contrary to the
specific provision of Republic Act 8544
or the Philippine Merchant Marine Act of
1998.
They also sought the cancellation of
a resolution by the PRC Board of Marine
Engineer Officers (BMEO) requiring
mandatory membership to MEOAP for all
licensed Filipino marine engineer officers.
The petition is also questioning why
MEOAP has not been presenting to them,
being members of the association, the
financial statements of the association,
and instead are being met by legal threats
by association personalities especially
when some of them ask where the funds
of MEOAP go.
MEAOP has likewise orchestrated some
legal threats and maneuverings against
the members of BMEO, which is widely
construed in the local maritime industry as
acts of intimidation.
MEOAP did not even spare Chairperson
Teresita Manzala from its continued
perpetration of lies and controversial
accusations although she was barely two
months in her post. Apparently, it was
making last-ditch attempts to save its
existence or more likely to protect its regular
collection of membership dues from every
licensed Filipino marine engineer officer
as well as its substantial share of profits
during oathtaking ceremonies.
In a meeting with Chairpeson Manzala
in the afternoon of March 11, 2011, the
very same day that he led a rally against
MEOAP, United Filipino Seafarers (UFS)
President Nelson Ramirez, who is a
marine engineer himself, formally aired
the sentiments and grievances of Filipino
marine engineer officers against MEOAP
and some of the people who are running it
as if it’s their own fiefdom.
Ramirez sought with Chairperson
Manzala the recall of Resolution No.
39, issued by the BMEO on October 22,
2007, mandating licensed Filipino marine
engineer officers to subscribe membership
to MEOAP so that they can get their PRC
license and certificates.
The resolution has greatly benefitted
MEOAP’s membership drive but instead
of utilizing the membership dues of Filipino
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3
MEOAP CRUMBLES
Doomed Association Fights for Dear Life
with Legal Guns Shooting in all Directions
marine engineer officers through programs
and services, the money somehow
went elsewhere and most of it remains
unexplained.
Recalling the resolution would mean
that membership to MEOAP among
licensed Filipino marine engineer officers
would become voluntary and given the
association’s track record for annoying
Filipino marine engineer officers faster
than a local teleserye on TV primetime,
MEOAPshould
literally
be
scraping and
scrapping for
membership
dues.
W h i l e
MEOAP
did
submit
a
comparative
financial
statement for
2008 – 2009 to
the Securities
and Exchange
Commission
(SEC) on June
2010 and to
the PRC on
November
2010, it actually
showed
a
near negative
balance.
So
much so that
when Ramirez,
the UFS, the
members
of
the
BMEO,
and
several
concerned
Filipino marine
engineer
officers started
asking where
MEOAP
is
using
the
money, they
were
all
subjected to
legal threats
and actions.
When the
relationship
b e t w e e n
MEOAP and
BMEO turned
from
being
good to sour
and now to
bitter, MEOAP,
behind
the
rapid-firing
mouth of Lydia
Malbog
and
his lawyer-brother, who has been handling
all the cases of the association, began
bamboozling legal threats to the members
of the BMEO and to others as well in an
effort to extricate itself from the hot water
that it has put itself into.
MEOAP was widely perceived as very
foolish for going head to head with PRC.
One Master Mariner, who is a major
stakeholder in the local maritime industry,
said: “MEOAP is not just digging its own
grave using a spade, it is actually using a
backhoe.”
Chairperson Manzala’s likely decision
on the issue stems from a directive no less
from President Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’
Aquino stating that she takes the issue on
MEOAP by the horn. President Noynoy
Aquino got privy to the issue on MEOAP
by virtue of the UFS official letters sent
TURN TO PAGE 11
3/28/2011 11:32:55 AM
4 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
Engr. Ramirez of the UFS (second from right), elaborating on a point to the members of the House
Committee on Transportation during one of the committee hearings on the proposal for a joint
inspection and certification of domestic vessels to improve the country’s maritime safety record.
House Committee
Acts on UFS Petition
for Joint Inspection
of Domestic Vessels
A
cting on the calls of the United
Filipino Seafarers (UFS) for a joint
inspection of domestic vessels by
the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),
the House Committee on Transportation,
chaired by Rep. Roger G. Mercado of
the lone district of Southern Leyte, held
a series of public hearings on the issue
starting in February 2011.
The UFS made the petition to the
national government through a formal
letter to President Noynoy Aquino late
in November 2010 citing the woeful
state of the domestic shipping industry
as evidenced by the spate of maritime
disasters and accidents in recent past.
In the same letter, the UFS, through its
President Nelson Ramirez, recommended
that the PCG and MARINA do a joint
inspection and certification of all domestic
vessels to ensure their seaworthiness
and safety.
The formal petition to PNoy has
echoed into the legislative corridors of the
national government as the UFS also copy
furnished all the members of the Senate
and the House of Representatives.
Days after the receipt of the copy of
the letter from the UFS or on December
1, 2010, Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez of
the 2nd district of Cagayan de Oro City
filed House Resolution No. 714 urging
the PCG and the MARINA to conduct
joint inspection of domestic vessels. The
resolution also had Partylist Rep. Maximo
B. Rodriguez Jr. of Abante Mindanao as
co-author.
The full title of HR 714 goes: ‘A
resolution urging the Philippine Coast
Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority
to immediately and jointly conduct the
inspections and certifications of all types
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of sea-going vessels in the Philippines.’
Subsequently the resolution was
referred to the House Committee on
Transportation on December 7, 2010 and
read to the members on the same day.
The
House
Committee
on
Transportation, which has jurisdiction over
all matters directly and principally relating
to land, sea, and air transportation and
all public utilities and services connected
thereto, as well as the establishment,
operation, management, and regulation
of airports, seaports, and other mass
transportation systems, including light
and heavy rail systems and roll on - roll
off systems, civil aviation, air transport
agreements,
transportation
safety
standards, air transport security, maritime
security, ballast water management, ship
financing, ship mortgage, maritime liens,
and transportation related insurance,
then had its committee hearing in midFebruary.
As the proponent of the petition,
Ramirez was invited by the House
Committee on Transportation to join the
hearing, where he further elaborated on
the reason why the UFS is pushing for
the joint inspection and certification of
domestic vessels. Several officials of
MARINA and PCG were also present
during the hearing and the subsequent
hearings thereafter.
Ramirez explained in detail how
some domestic shipowners have worked
themselves into the good graces of
several top officials and directors of
MARINA that they can simply have their
way in circumventing safety requirements
and compliance to the seaworthiness
standards of their vessels.
TURN TO PAGE 39
3/28/2011 11:32:58 AM
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TINIG NG MARINO
5
3/28/2011 11:33:05 AM
6 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
Tinig ng Marino (Voice of
the Seafarer) is published by
the United Filipino Seafarers,
a duly registered Philippine
maritime union. Editorial office:
4th/F Room 402, Gedisco Terraces Bldg., 1148 Roxas Blvd.,
Ermita, Manila, Philippines; Telephone nos.: (632) 524-4888; 525-5806; Fax (632)
524-2336; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.ufs.com.
ph. Materials published in this paper may be reprinted provided proper acknowledgment to Tinig ng Marino and the author, if indicated, is made.
Nelson P. Ramirez
Executive Editor
Rey Gambe
Managing Editor
Arianne Rodriguez
Sonia Inserto
Creative Consultant
Assistant Editors
Erik España
Roland Cabrera
Minabelle Siason
Artists
Capt. Arturo Cañoza
Belgium Bureau
Fr. James Kolin
Japan Bureau
New York Bureau
Sapalo Velez Bundang
& Bulilan Law Offices
Engr. Samson Tormis
Greece Bureau
Legal Consultants
Corry Llamas-Konings
Philip Ramirez
Bob Ramirez
Dennis Rey A. Punzalan
Ahrvie Valdez
Jicky Al O. Dela Peña
Rotterdam Bureau
Production Staff
EDITORIAL
T
When Enough
is Enough
wenty five years ago, Filipinos took to the streets to overthrow
a strongman who had put the country in a state of dictatorship
for over 20 years. That paved the way for the birth of People
Power that changed the political landscape of the Philippines, whose
impact reverberated to the rest of the world up to this very day.
But before that historic People Power, dissention, disgust, and
revulsion permeated all over the country like a dormant volcano
waiting to explode. That is practically what is being felt these days
by the thousands of Filipino marine engineer officers, who are
mostly members of the Marine Engineer Officer Association of the
Philippines (MEOAP), not by choice but because it has become a
legal professional requirement.
By virtue of a Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
resolution issued sometime in 2008, licensed Filipino marine engineer
officers can only be issued their Certificates of Registration and PRC
ID if they can show proof of their membership with MEOAP. As such,
MEOAP has become the official ‘toll gate’ for Filipino marine engineer
officers toward completing their professional documentation.
But the PRC resolution was issued with a noble purpose in mind.
As the accredited professional organization for Filipino marine
engineer officers, the PRC wanted to ensure the sustainability of
MEOAP, both financially and organizationally. Bulk of the funds of
MEOAP, after all, relies heavily on membership dues. Its coffers also
get some sort of financial boost from the oath-taking rites of newlypassed Filipino marine engineer officers which takes place three
times a year.
For some reasons however, MEOAP has wandered off its
mandate in serving the needs of its members. Instead of providing
programs and services for Filipino marine engineer officers that are
meant to address their and their families’ concern and welfare; or
even initiatives that should redound to their career advancement or
continued professional development, the association has went on
running empty. No thanks in part to the leadership of MEOAP which
has become more of a figure head or a puppet instead of really
exuding the skills and command of a true and worthy Filipino marine
engineer officer worth emulating.
Instead of literally becoming the second home of Filipino marine
engineer officers every time they’re in Manila to transact official
business or otherwise, the MEOAP office has become the last place
on earth that a Filipino marine engineer officer would want to go to
TURN TO PAGE 43
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SOUNDING LEAD
CAPT. REYNOLD ‘BURT’ M. SABAY
T
ETO: Modernized Electrician
or Modernized
Marine Engineer Officer?
he STCW 2010 Manila
Amendments is indeed
full of surprises. And the
surprise of all surprises is the
list of new training programs and
another list of training programs
to be revised. What’s our take on
this?
First, we need to hear who
is in charge? This column
strongly believes that the listed
mandatory competences for the
electro-technical officers are
nothing new to existing marine
engineer officers. Under Table AIII/6 – Specification of minimum
standards of competence for
electro-technical officers (ETO)
under the Function: Electrical,
electronic and control engineering
at the operational level are as
follows: Monitor operation of
electrical, electronic and control
systems; Monitor the operation
of automatic control systems
of propulsion and auxiliary
machinery; Operate generators;
Operate and maintain power
systems in excess of 1,000
volts; Operate computers and
computer networks on ships;
Use hand tools, electrical and
electronic measurement for fault
finding, maintenance and repair
operations; and Use English in
written and oral form.
From
the
above-listed
functions, it is no longer a matter
of interpretation that the ETO is
definitely at the operational level
and under the marine engineering
department. This will of course
indicate that our interpretation
of operational level officers as
Officers-In-Charge (OIC) may
offer some areas of academic
discussions. Our sounding now
is slowly indicating that OIC may
not necessarily mean officers at
operational level, or vice versa.
There are Masters that are
definitely in-charge of navigational
watches anyway.
The Philippines therefore
will need a logical approach to
comply with this new requirement.
At least we are clear enough
that ETOs are in the operational
level and the marine engineering
department. We can take off from
here as smooth as silk.
The Maritime Training Council
(MTC), through its panel of
experts or through the initiatives
of the Philippine Association of
Maritime Training Centers, Inc.
(PAMTCI), may begin developing
upgrading programs to address
the gap from the current BSMarE
curriculum and STCW 2010
Manila Amendments.
This can be done quickly as
the required competences and
tasks are already listed in the
amendments.
This upgrading program will
serve as the transitory compliance
for existing marine engineer
officers from 2012 to 2017,
during which initiatives must be
undertaken to incorporate such
upgrading programs into the
current BSMarE curriculum to
allow smooth transition for new
entrants. The CHED then takes
over.
We have seen this happening
before with Basic Safety Courses
now incorporated in the BS
curriculum, it is happening with the
MARPOL Modules, GMDSS, and
other areas of competencies.
The fearless forecast here will
be: by 2017, the competencies for
ETOs shall pe part and parcel of
the PRC Board Examinations, and
licensed marine engineer officers
maybe assigned ETO duties and
responsibilities onboard as part of
the limitations indicated on their
COCs.
It is also crystal clear that
shipboard electricians, due to
the importance of electricity and
electronics onboard, are facing
the same fate as shipboard
sparky’s amid all sorts of radios
onboard, including GMDSS.
For reactions, comments,
suggestions, wise or otherwise,
please email: soundinglead@
newsimulator.com.
3/28/2011 11:33:10 AM
MARCH - APRIL 2011
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TINIG NG MARINO
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3/28/2011 11:33:15 AM
8 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
The UFS president and his
wife Marilyn Ruth Ramirez are
joined by Ms. Nancy B. Ebron
(left), Vice President, Financial
Officer, and QMR of Bright Maritime Corporation , singer Lou
Bonevie, and Ms. Desiree P.
Sillar (right), President of Bright
Maritime Corporation during the
Wild Wild West - themed party
of Bright Maritime Corporation.
Engr. Ramirez is shown being flanked by (from left) Jack Richards, Atty. Erwin Pobre, Xander Schanssema, and Erwin Broeders during the party of Confidence Shipping Company.
Engr. Ramirez took part in the Philippine-Japan Working-level Meeting
and Tabletop Exercise on Anti-Piracy at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila held on March 2, 2011. He is shown with
(from left) Chief Engr. Fred Haboc, Capt. Severo
Cuison Jr., Governor Ben Chiongbian of West
Bay College and piracy survivor Capt. Abelardo
Pacheco.
The UFS president giving his piece of mind during the rally of
the People’s Movement for Justice.
In the company of the leaders of other migrant workers
groups during the monthly
meeting of the Migrant NGO
forum recently.
Engr. Ramirez raises a point during the public consultation on the crafting of the Implementing
Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9993 or the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009.
The UFS president also took part in the anniversary celebration of
John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University in Iloilo late in January 2011. He is shown with (seated from left), Mr. Erik Raeng; Capt.
Evangelos Gratzounis, DPA of Eastern Mediterranean in Athens,
Greece; Capt. Edgar Flores; and Capt. Alex Aquino.
Engr. Ramirez providing inputs to DIWA Partylist Rep. EmeThe UFS president is shown speaking before members of theTech- line Aglipay and her advisers and members of her working
nical Working Group on Admiralty Law at the Ramon Mitra Hall of team with regards to the maritime affairs of the country.
the Batasang Pambansa.
The UFS and Kabayan Hotel recently forged a collaborative agreement providing discounted rates and
add-on services to UFS
members staying in the hotel. Engr. Ramirez is shown
signing the MOA with an official of Kabayan Hotel with
Ms. June Isabayan (right),
Sales and Marketing Manager of Kabayah Hotel as
principal witness.
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Seated beside Philippine Coast Guard
Commandant
Wilfredo Tamayo, Engr.
Ramirez shares his
thoughts on a particular issue during
the
Congressional
deliberation on maritime code.
3/28/2011 11:33:20 AM
MARCH - APRIL 2011
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TINIG NG MARINO
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3/28/2011 11:33:43 AM
10 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
BARISTA UNO
www.marine-cafe.com
10 Tips for Maritime Expats in Manila
N
o matter its reputation in the
international press, Metro Manila is
still one of the best places in Asia for
foreigners to work and live in. The folks are
friendly. The women are beautiful. And food
and entertainment are cheap. On the other
hand, Philippine society – or, more specifically,
Manila society – has a lot of idiosyncracies.
Expats are well-advised to be aware of them
and follow some guidelines to make their stay
as pleasant and memorable as possible.
1. Realise what makes the Filipino
tick – Filipinos are arguably the least Asian
amongst the Asians. The local culture is so
Americanised that Americans will probably
feel the most at home. In addition, the Filipino
character has been shaped by Spanish and
Malay-Polynesian influences. The former,
the result of more than 400 years of Spanish
rule, explains the Filipinos’ outward religiosity,
love for merrymaking and braggadocio. The
Malay-Polynesian element is an offshoot of
both history and the tropical environment. It
explains the common tendency to take things
in stride and to be laid-back, if not lazy.
2. Call people by their nicknames - It’s a
casual and personalistic society where people
are addressed by their nicknames. Some
tnm 87.indd 10
expats may find this a bit awkward, especially
those not used to such display of familiarity.
But on closer scrutiny, the practice makes
for smoother interpersonal relationships in
the workplace. Moreover, Filipino employees
know well enough to respect office authority.
They will always address their superiors,
Filipino or foreigner, as “Sir” or “Sir John.”
3. Show up at the funeral wake – Filipinos
are a sentimental people, and there’s no
better way to be closer to their hearts than to
show up at the funeral wake when a Filipino
business associate or employee has lost a
loved one. Don’t just send a wreath of flowers.
Show your face, stay a while and condole
with the family. Aside from flowers, which are
almost de rigueur, a cash donation (the locals
call it “abuloy”) to the bereaved family will be
greatly appreciated.
4. Brace yourself for tardiness – Few
Filipinos are sticklers for punctuality. Many
often come late for appointments, meetings
and social gatherings. Expats should
correspondingly adjust their level of tolerance
for such disregard of Time. In the workplace,
though, it is best to lay down a clear, strict
time policy particularly in regard to reporting
for work and observing deadlines.
5. Impose high standards at work –
Filipinos can be excellent workers. However,
they need to be encouraged, told what
is expected of them and reminded of the
company’s standards. Expats would do well to
be firm when it comes to work ethics without
being despots or slave-drivers. A reward
system for exemplary work performance
wouldn’t be a bad idea.
6. Don’t be arrogant or too aloof Filipinos are a hospital lot and will often go
out of their way to please foreign guests. On
the other hand, they dislike arrogance from
foreigners. They won’t confront the individual
but they will talk about it and pass the word
around. Expats should tone down the
arrogance especially in the manning sector,.
where there’s plenty of jealousy and rivalry.
As for being aloof, this could be a natural trait
amongst some foreigners. It shouldn’t be an
issue if the expat would smile a little more
often when interacting with the locals.
7. Bear with government agencies - As
in many developing countries, dealing with
the bureaucracy can be a pain in the arse.
Maritime regulatory agencies in the Philippines
are famously inefficient and corruption is rife.
How to deal with the latter, whether to dance
with the music or not, is a question of corporate
policy. If an expat has to deal directly with a
certain government office, it is best to talk to
the big boss and to write or call the latter if his
underlings are too slow to move.
8. Demand honesty from employees
– It’s a materialistic society that is also poor.
So honesty, sad to say, isn’t a commonplace
thing. Expats can do nothing to change the
culture but they certainly can propagate
honesty in the workplace by imposing a strict
prohibition against all acts of dishonesty
and malfeasance. That would include, in the
crewing sector, the exaction of money and
gratuities from seafarers.
9. Watch your after-office activities
– Manila’s maritime community is small and
word gets around fast on who’s doing what
and where. Nothing wrong with going out for
an evening of relaxation but expats should
choose the places they go to. They should
also keep in mind that, whilst womanising
in the maritime sector is common, being
seen with female company at night can send
mouths prattling..
10. Don’t drive in Metro Manila - What’s
known as defensive driving doesn’t exist.
The city roads are a mirror of the society –
motorists changing lanes at whim, buses and
jeepneys offloading passengers where they
please and pedestrians darting across the
street like mice. Expats who want to preserve
their sanity should leave the driving to a
chauffeur. ~Barista Uno
3/28/2011 11:33:48 AM
MARCH - APRIL 2011
MEOAP CRUMBLES
FROM PAGE 3
in January 2011 to the country’s
Chief Executive, the PRC, the
Bureau of Internal Revenue, and
to the Securities and Exchange
Commission,
requesting
an
investigation into the financial
status of MEOAP for and on behalf
of its Filipino marine engineer
officer – members.
TINIG NG MARINO
11
let the courts decide on the issues being
raised. They also disclosed that they would
be filing an administrative case against
C/E Mike Marasigan, Acting Chairman
of the BMEO, and the other members of
the BMEO in the Office of the
Ombudsman for violating anti-graft
and corrupt practices laws.
Again, it no longer came out as
a surprise that it was the Malbog
couple who made the statement
to Seaway Magazine even though
Deligero was there.
E-mail and Text Battle
MEOAP has been caught flatfooted by the series of assaults led
Taking the Issue to the Street
by Ramirez that it has sporadically
The UFS spearheaded a rally
came out in the open through eagainst MEOAP at the latter’s
mail with a ‘MEOAP Unfolds the
office in Sampaloc, Manila in the
Truth’ message denouncing why it
morning of March 11, 2011 that also
has become the favourite subject
draw the support and participation
of Tinig ng Marino and the PMMA
of several Filipino marine engineer
yahoogroups allegedly because of
officers as well as a number of
the personal interests of Ramirez
seafarer families. While MEOAP
and C/E Ferdinand Pascua, a
dismissed the rally as another
member of the BMEO.
vindictive stunt of Ramirez for
Despite its lengthy rhetorics in
losing his erstwhile case against C/E Allan Danghil, one of the earliest UFS volunteer cadets, also giving a piece of his mind during the rally versus
MEOAP.
e-mail, MEOAP still did not answer
the association, many major
The UFS President was actually hot on
stakeholders in the local maritime industry
While the rally was ongoing, several where it was using the money it is collecting
have actually expressed their full support the tails of Ernesto and Lydia Malbog, the elements of the media arrived to cover the from Filipino marine engineer officers but
to the UFS and Ramirez for taking the fight couple who seemed to have a stranglehold event. The UFS had a prepared statement instead fired salvos against Ramirez and
of the two presidents of MEOAP – immediate for the media explaining in detail why it each of the members of the BMEO.
against MEOAP a notch level.
Ramirez thwarted the statements of
A number of Filipino marine engineer past president C/E Leoncio Sempio and was spearheading the rally. When several
officers have also thrown moral and current president C/E Gilberto Deligero, of the media attempted to get the side of MEOAP and turned it into mincemeat by
financial support to the UFS for the move, and who has dug themselves deep into the MEOAP on the issues being raised, they responding to it point for point through his
believing that MEOAP has already outlived corridors of power of the association for were refused by Deligero and the Malbog rejoinder entitled ‘Read the Ultimate Truth
its usefulness and it is time for it to go or nearly 10 years even though they are not couple and instead sent out one of their Punto for Punto’ that has quieted MEOAP
marine engineer officers.
die a natural death of sorts.
lady staff to talk to the inquiring media at and Lydia Malbog who was obviously
Ramirez and the rallyists called on the the building lobby.
behind the e-mail from MEOAP. Ramirez
Ramirez and the UFS also had their
verbal guns ablazing from the onset of MEOAP leaders to come out and face them
Tinig ng Marino even overheard the even challenged Deligero, Sempio, the
the peaceful rally in front of the building but with the exception of old man Sempio statements of the MEOAP lady staff to two Malbog couple and also Bang Mamaril
where MEOAP holds office until its end who even clumsily and comically taunted inquiring radio reporters saying: “Hindi ako to a public debate in Luneta or the PRC
almost two hours later. He was alternating Ramirez to come to his face in the midst of ang opisyal na tagapagsalita ng MEOAP auditorium so that people in the industry
with Chief Engineer Allan Danghil on the the rally, the Malbog couple and Deligero pero sa aking pagkakaalam, may kaso kasi would know who is telling the truth and who
microphone during the rally, who obviously preferred to take the safe mode by tucking yan si Ramirez na natalo kaya siya nagra- is lying, but not one from MEOAP budged
had his fair share of shabby treatment from themselves in their office.
rally ngayon dito. Pero hindi yan ang opisyal to take on the challenge.
They even sent out their official na statement mula sa MEOAP ha. Ewan
After the rally, MEOAP again issued an
MEOAP, particularly Lydia Malbog, the selfproclaimed spokesperson of MEOAP. They photographer Jess Lopez to conduct a sort ko kung ano ang posisyon nila sa itaas. e-mail statement denouncing that the UFS
also got an additional speaking support of informal interview to a couple of rally Pero hindi kasi kayo puwedeng pumasok rally was a sham and even made lies that
from a relative of seafarer who criticized participants before the start of the rally dun.” (“I am not the official spokesperson they conducted investigations as to the
MEOAP and its officers for misusing the and then started taking photos when the of MEOAP but as far as I know, Ramirez identities of each of the rallyists. Ramirez
funds that Filipino marine engineer officers rally began, apparently not to document is now orchestrating a rally because he responded to the e-mail this time on a per
the whole thing but to identify most of the lost his case against MEOAP, but that is sentence basis, pounding and quashing
have worked hard for onboard.
participants.
not the official statement of MEOAP. I don’t every statement hard especially the lies.
Piqued by the fact that Bang Mamaril
really know their official position in
the office. But you are not allowed was the one forwarding the MEOAP email messages to industry stakeholders,
to go in there.”)
MEOAP also conspicuously Ramirez lashed at the former Presidential
and intentionally left several flyers Assistant for Maritime Affairs, directly
in front of the building denouncing accusing him of being inutile before and
the motives of Ramirez for the rally still today for allowing himself to be foolishly
meant for the passersby and the used by the Malbog couple. He even
arriving media. Instead of drawing challenged Mamaril and another PMMAer
the ire of Ramirez upon getting a Liria, who still supports MEOAP, to a
copy of the flyer, he even smiled public debate about MEOAP on the PMMA
because he was dressed in suit and campus grounds so that the academy
even looked good in the flyer printed alumni would know who has more sense
between them.
in color obviously by MEOAP.
Ramirez and Lydia Malbog has also
Only Eloi Calimoso, Managing
Editor of Seaway Magazine, was taken on their battle through text messaging
able to get through to the office of as Lydia has been trying to get to the goat
MEOAP during the rally and he was of Ramirez by sending him text messages
able to talk to the Malbog couple calling him names and taunting him.
Instead of being piqued, Ramirez was
who said that they will not make
While MEOAP was downplaying the number of people who took part on the UFS rally versus MEOAP, the any statement but simply advised
able to turn the tables outright when he
actual number of participants and the noise that they created during the mass action say otherwise.
that they will take legal actions and
TURN TO PAGE 24
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MARCH - APRIL 2011
3/28/2011 11:34:04 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
ENGR. NELSON P. RAMIREZ
Most Outstanding Marine Engineer Officer, PRC, 1996
Most Outstanding Student, ZNSAT, 1970
Outstanding Achiever of the Year, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, 2006
T
hose who do not read and learn from
history, the saying goes, are doomed
to repeat it.
Lydia Malbog and her husband Ernesto
are about to repeat history. As everyone
knows by now, they have been calling
the shots at the Marine Engineer Officers
Association of the Philippines (MEOAP).
The duo can best be described as a
conjugal dictatorship, although neither one
is an elected officer of the association or
even a member of the merchant marine
profession. Lydia, in particular, holds the
MEOAP president and his board of trustees
by the balls. Did these guys have any in
the first place? Even former Presidential
Assistant for Maritime Affairs Generoso
‘Bang’ Mamaril bows to the whims and
caprices of the woman.
The Malbogs do not seem to be the type
who would bother about history. Firstly,
reading history books requires a command
of the English language which this Lydia
doesn’t have. Secondly, both husband and
wife are too busy raking in money to care
about intellectual pursuits. But if they have
been watching the TV newscasts, at least
those in Filipino, the tandem should at least
know that two long-time heads of state
recently fell from power.
Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, president
of Tunisia since 1987, was ousted from
power in January and forced to flee the
country following weeks of anti-government
demonstrations. In February, similar mass
protests in Cairo and other cities in Egypt
led to the resignation of President Hosni
Mobarak, who had ruled the country with
an iron fist for three decades. History is
littered with deposed dictators. Here’s a list
of some of them and how they ended:
13
MEAN INDICATED
PRESSURE
Lessons from History for MEOAP’s
(in)Famous Couple
his life in prison and died a pauper. Most of
the Imperial family was also jailed and his
grandson, together with his former officials,
was executed without trial.
Idi Amin Dada - President of Uganda
from 1971 to 1979 whose brutal rule ended
following the Uganda-Tanzania War which
was sparked by Amin’s attempt in 1978
to annex Tanzania’s Kagera province. He
fled to exile in Libya and then Saudi Arabia,
where he died in 2003 at the age of 78.
Saloth Sar (better known as Pol Pot)
- Leader of the Khmer Rouge communist
movement and Prime Minister of Democratic
Kampuchea from 1976 to 1979, during
which as many as 2.5 million Cambodians
were killed as the Khmer Rouge ‘cleansed’
the country. He fled into the jungles in 1979
after Vietnam invaded Cambodia. He died
at age 72 while under house arrest by a
faction of the Khmer Rouge.
Ferdinand Marcos - First and only
president of the Philippines to declare
Martial Law (1972-1981). He was ousted in
1986 following the EDSA People Power
TURN TO PAGE 22
Adolf Hitler - Chancellor of Germany
from 1933 to 1945 and architect of the
Holocaust which led to the extermination
of an estimated six million Jews and the
systematic murder of millions more German
and other European civilians. Committed
suicide together with his mistress Eva
Braun to avoid capture by Soviet forces
during the Battle of Berlin in 1945.
Benito Mussolini - Italian fascist dictator
who led Italy into World War II on the side
of Germany. Captured in 1945 as he tried
to escape to Switzerland and summarily
executed by Italian partisans, his body was
later publicly displayed in Milan, hanged
upside down.
Haile Selassie I – Ethiopia’s Regent
(1916-1930)
Emperor
(1930-1974).
Claimed to be Jesus Christ incarnate and
assumed the title “King of Kings, Lord of
Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah
and Root of David”. He was deposed by the
army in 1974 and spent the last months of
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MARCH - APRIL 2011
3/28/2011 11:34:16 AM
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MARCH - APRIL 2011
15
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Piracy and Hijackings Still Rising
P
iracy has continued at high levels
despite the massive naval response in
the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean,
the International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB)
most recent quarterly report showed. It said
that Somali pirates intensified attacks away
from their own coast and were responsible for
44 percent of the 289 piracy incidents on the
world’s seas in the first nine months of 2010.
They carried out 35 of the 39 ship hijackings
worldwide from January to September last
year, using ocean-going fishing vessels to
reach as far as the southern Red Sea, where
they hijacked a chemical tanker last July,
the first such hijacking recorded in the area.
The pirates are heavily armed with automatic
weapons and rocket-propelled grenades.
The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre’s
worldwide figures showed that pirates
boarded 128 ships and fired at 52, but 70
vessels reported thwarting attacks. Guns
were used in 137 incidents and knives in 66,
resulting in one death, injuries to 27 seafarers
and 773 being taken hostage.
Globally, the number of vessels hijacked
was higher than the 34 recorded in the same
period in 2009, despite a slight fall in the
number of piracy incidents.
The IMB said navies from around the world
helped prevent numerous attacks off the Horn
of Africa, where their presence was vital in
protecting merchant shipping against piracy.
But despite a fall in the number of attacks
in this piracy hotspot, the level of hijackings
remained similar to that
of last year.
IMB director Captain
Pottengal
Mukundan
once again commended
the actions of the navies
in the Gulf of Aden and the
Somali basin. “Increased
intelligence
gathering
coupled with strategic
placement
of
naval
assets has resulted in the
targeting of suspected
pirate
action
groups
before they become
Somali pirates intensified attacks away from their own coast.
operational.
However,
this is a vast area and the navies cannot reported in the same period in 2009. “The
realistically cover it. The naval presence does pirates in this area used almost identical
however remain vital to the control of piracy in methods of attack, suggesting that a small
this area,” he said.
number of group is responsible. The fact
He added that more vessels had vulnerable vessels are boarded by pirates
strengthened their anti-piracy measures; whilst steaming is a matter of concern,”
thanks to awareness raised by the industry’s Captain Mukundan said.
Best Management Practices. However, the
Other parts of the world which have
IMB stressed to The Sea that many ships seen a rise in piracy include Chittagong in
were still not taking all the precautions they Bangladesh were the IMB warned the ships’
should.
masters to be “particularly vigilant.”
While the focus remains on Somali-based
An increasing number of thieves
piracy, the South China Sea has become board vessels at anchor or when they are
significantly more dangerous. The IMB approaching the anchorage to the Bangladeshi
reported 30 piracy attempts in the first nine port. The IMB also said that piracy was on
months of 2010, resulting in 21 successful the increase in Indonesian waters, where 26
boardings.
incidents were recorded, up from seven in
This was triple the number of incidents 2009. The Sea
New Technology Makes Less Noisy Ships Possible
It is possible to make ships less noisy.
Passenger vessels, where customers are
paying for a good night’s sleep, show that it
can be done.
If you have spent any time around an
airport, you probably don’t think of ships as
particularly noisy.
But the noise of auxiliary engines, and the
crashing and banging of cargo handling seem
to be an endless source of complaints from the
people who live on the other side of the wall
from ports or terminals.
People, who sometimes seem to forget that
they depend upon ships, object to the noise of
their machinery as they enter and leave port
and to the noise of sirens as they signal to tugs,
or to each other in fog. Would they rather bump
into each other? Indeed, such was the volume
of complaints in one Californian port, where
they get quiet a lot of fog, that the authorities
had to stop the lighthouses sounding fog
signals.
Instead, they came up with a clever system
whereby if a mariner was a bit doubtful of his
position when the fog came down, he could
send a simple signal on his VHF and the fog
signal would wake up from its enforced silence
and give a reassuring blast (as the locals
doubtlessly gritted their teeth).
Sound is rather subjective and a seafarer’s
ears are an important part of his anatomy.
I would always to marvel at the way the
engineers used to suddenly look at each other
in the bar as their ears detected some strange
noise emitted by the exhausts, and then they
would vanish just a minute or so before the
engine suddenly coughed to a stop.
I can also remember leaping out of bed
tnm 87.indd 15
Ship’s enginerooms are noisy places that gets to the ire not only of human but also dolphins.
when home on leave to clamp the gyro
compass because of my confused state on
waking without hearing the comforting burble
of the diesels, so it wasn’t just the engineers.
Being able to tolerate noise and vibration
isn’t the same as enjoying it, and it is notable
that the International Labour Organisation’s
Maritime Labour Convention and the
International Maritime Organisation both
provide recommendations and limits for their
prevention.
It is also suggested by suffering seafarers
that a good deal could be done in this
direction because there is a lack of attention
to habitability in crew accommodation that is
not seen where the accommodation of paying
guests is concerned in passenger ships. Even
oil rigs are said to offer a far better standard
of noise and vibration prevention for their
crews than the average ship, so it is clear that
improvement are possible.
It does not help that naval architects like
to position accommodation in a tower block
perched abaft the stern frame, with an exhaust
trunk running the middle of it, or alongside,
or right forward to protect the cargo spaces,
where there will be the noise of slamming and
water crashing aboard in rough weather.
At both extremities of the ship there will
be violent accelerations to cope with. It was
interesting to read that in the old Pride of
Bilbao, which used to run across Biscay, the
master and senior watch keepers would shift to
an empty passenger cabin amidships to get a
decent night’s sleep in heavy head seas, rather
than suffer in their normal accommodation right
forward.
Always supposing that the designers
actually permit the crew to live somewhere
sensible in a ship, there is a whole lot that can
be done to make them quieter, for example,
by incorporation modern sound-absorbing
materials in bulkheads, deckheads, and
decks. Given the will and some appropriate
expenditure, good insulation will make any
accommodation and recreational spaces
perfectly tolerable and pleasant to live in.
Machinery itself can be made far quieter
though the whole range of strategies, from
better exhaust muffling to the use of flexible
mountings. It really just needs the will to build
these features into a vessel’s specification.
IMO to Launch
Action Plan vs.
Piracy
Diplomatic
efforts
to
improve
the
effectiveness of the international response
to Somali piracy have continued. Following
up on the “End Piracy Now” petition of almost
a million signatures, International Maritime
Organization (IMO) secretary general
Efthimios Mitropoulos announced that this
year’s World Maritime Day theme would be
“Piracy: orchestrating the response.”
Mitropoulos said the aim was to
encourage all involved “to redouble our
efforts to mount, on a worldwide basis,
a decisive and effective response to this
modern-day menace.”
The UN secretary-general will be visiting
IMO in early 2011 to launch an action plan
that covers the entire year in an effort to
maintain and intensify focus on piracycombating endeavors of all kinds – political,
maritime, naval, and legal.
Mitropoulos said IMO had been
addressing the piracy problem energetically
and he pointed to several initiatives,
including “working closely with naval forces
in a cooperative effort without precedent in
naval history.”
Nevertheless, he accepted that the
successes did not alter the fact that piracy
and armed robbery against ships remained
a real and ever-present danger to shipping
– in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia
and in the western Indian Ocean, and also
in other parts of the world, such as the Gulf
of Guinea and South China Sea.
He said more are needed to be done and
called for further action by governments.
The Sea
Examples from vessels built for passenger
service, where the customers are paying for a
good nights sleep, and research ships which
are built to offer a low acoustic signature, show
that it can be done. You do not have to go to
sea to be deafened.
The people are not just the ones complaining
about the noise that ships make. Around the US
coast, there is a whole new body of regulations
designed to protect whales and dolphins from
the aggravation of passing ships.
Seafarers might suggest that the behavior
of dolphins and porpoises indicates that they
are delighted with ships they encounter, as they
leap about in the bow waves and wake. But the
whales have powerful lobbies in environmental
and government circles and there are already
speed restrictions in certain areas along the
migratory paths they follow. Ships have already
been in trouble with authorities and seafarers
who were fined due to breach of speed limits
off the US coast.
It is probably a consequence of AIS rather
than whales being equipped with speed
cameras! There have also been hits that
underwater noise confuses these great marine
mammals and that something needs to be
done about these pesky ships.
The US Navy and US Coast Guard have
been exhorted to turn off their sonar’s and
echo sounders in the very waters where these
navigational aids are most useful. Noise, as we
have already suggested. Can we all like a bit of
peace and quiet?
By Michael Grey, The Sea
3/28/2011 11:34:22 AM
16 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
VAST HORIZON
C/ENGR. RODOLFO B. VIRTUDAZO
Outstanding Seafarer of the Year, NSD, 1998
Most Outstanding Marine Engineer Officer, PRC, 1999
Technical Superintendent, Southfield Agencies, Inc.
An Open Letter to my Daughter Jo Ann
Dearest Maan,
I have learned from your mom that you
will be attending a three-day retreat and that
parents are requested to write a letter which
will be given to you as one of its highlights.
Well, well, I may not be there but it doesn’t
mean that I will not be able to send you
one. What are e-mails for? But more than
that, I would like to make it special since it
will be your last retreat at Colegio de San
Lorenzo as you are graduating this March.
Thus, I have written a letter especially for
you through this column.
I’m happy that your school offers such
retreats for graduating students. It will
surely refresh and revitalize you since
the Senior Year is really challenging and
demanding. You are about to enter another
stage in your life as a student. I guess your
school made sure that they included this
activity to help you prepare spiritually in
your next journey as a college student.
Even Jesus undertook his solitary
respite to pray to His Father, our Lord God.
tnm 87.indd 16
He also told the apostles to “Come away
by yourselves to a deserted place and rest
a while,” because they still needed to be
alone by themselves to recharge before
carrying on with their ministry.
And so I hope that it will be one memorable
and blessed encounters, carrying in your
heart the things you have experienced and
learned with your classmates, teachers,
and retreat facilitators at the Capuchin
Retreat Center in Batangas – something
to look back when you are about to make
an important decision and whenever your
patience, determination, and efficiency are
being challenged.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to
thank God for the blessing of your presence
in our family. God gave you to us to make
Mommy and me happy. In fact, we always
talk – and laugh, too – about the joy of
reminiscing your cuteness, goodness, and
everything beautiful about you as you grow
towards your adolescent years.
We have always perceived you as being
tough even as a tot when, after tripping
over, falling from a chair, getting a bruise or
two, etc., you would immediately stand up,
smile, and declare “Okay lang ako, okay
lang!” (“I’m okay, I’m okay!”) Hahaha!
One of our favorite photos in the
living room is your photo showing your
disarming, bedimpled smile as you pose
for the camera in the car, unmindful of the
strap of your shorfall which has fallen down
your shoulder. As your Mom and I look at it,
we’d laughingly tell you, “Kung maibabalik
ko lang…” (“How I wish you were a baby
once more …”) as we wax nostalgic about
your cute “babyhood” and childhood.
Of course, we know that you cannot
always be a baby, our darling baby. We
should teach you to spread your wings
and allow you to fly. There may be ups
and downs in your flight, but like an eagle
father/mother to its baby eagle, I will always
be there to swoop you up and take you on
my wings before you reach the ground until
you learn to fly or until, whether I like it or
not, you are ready to leave the nest.
But that will take a long time yet,
my dear. Meanwhile, let me enjoy the
privilege of savoring your delicious adobo,
baked macaroni, sunny-side-up fried
egg, Graham’s mango float and every
concoction of a recipe that you shall cook
up when, as I have promised you, the new
oven arrives!
I will always be your favorite subject as
you click the camera, your avid listener to
your joys and jolts of life, your fervent fan
in your triumphs and in your trial still. I will
be the wind beneath your wings.
Continue to aim high and study hard
because that will be the greatest treasure
yet that I can bequeath to you. Continue to
value the virtues that your Mom has taught
you. As she says, “Being conservative is
hip and always in fashion.” Do not bow to
the temptations of this world. You are the
temple of the Holy Spirit. Take care of the
sacred God that dwells in you.
May I say that I admire you because
you chose to stay graciously silent even
when some people whom you thought
were real friends betrayed you. It is not a
sign of cowardice but strength of character,
my dear. I have heard you’ve got crushes
(Who says I’m not updated? Don’t blame
your Mom!) but you decided to be NBSB
TURN TO PAGE 41
3/28/2011 11:34:24 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
17
SAILORS’ CORNER
ATTY. AUGUSTO R. BUNDANG
Head, Litigation and Seafarers Department
Sapalo Velez Bundang & Bulilan Law Offices
Improper Release
C
an the receipt by a seafarer of an
amount less than the sickness
wages and reimbursement of
medical expenses he is entitled to, be valid?
The Honorable Supreme Court categorically
answered this question in the negative in
the case of Varorient Shipping Co.,Inc.
and Aria Maritime Co., Ltd. versus Gil A.
Flores (G.R. No. 161934 dated October 6,
2010).
In the cited case, the seafarer was hired
by his employers in April 1997 as Chief
Officer to work onboard a foreign vessel.
Just two months from the time he boarded
his ship, he experienced a shooting pain on
his right foot. After being declared “not fit
to work” by the doctor who attended to him
abroad, he was repatriated to the Philippines
in June 1997.
His employers’ company-designated
physician found him to be suffering from
“large disc herniation with nerve root
compression and edema,” and thus, was
recommended for confinement for two weeks
for physical therapy and medications.
If unresolved, surgical decompression
was
suggested.
Unfortunately,
his
employers refused to grant him continued
medical assistance. He then sued,
demanding medical treatment and seeking
reimbursement of his medical and hospital
expenses as well as payment of sickness
wages, disability compensation, and
damages.
The Labor Arbiter dismissed his
complaint, noting, among others, that he
was declared “fit to work” not only by the
Philippine General Hospital which he chose,
but also by the Employees Compensation
Commission to which his condition was
endorsed by the Arbiter.
The Receipt and Quitclaim he executed
in favor of his employers wherein he
considered the sum of US$1,010.00 as full
payment of his salaries and benefits was
also held to be valid by the Arbiter.
The NLRC reversed the decision of the
Arbiter, except for the issue of disability
compensation, and found the seafarer to be
entitled to sickness wages equivalent to 120
days (US$ 4,800.00 less the US$ 1,010.00
he already received) and free medical and
hospital treatment in accordance with the
Standard Employment Contract.
The Court of Appeals affirmed the NLRC
decision with minor modification.
The Supreme Court likewise affirmed
the Court of Appeals’ decision and ruled
that the employers were remiss in giving
continuous treatment for the seafarer. The
High Court clarified that the seafarer should
be reimbursed the cost of the prescribed
medicines he purchased and the surgical
expenses he incurred.
As for the Receipt and Quitclaim signed
by the seafarer, the High Court explained
that the elements of voluntariness and
free will are lacking and do not absolve the
employers from the liability of paying him the
sickness wages and other monetary claims.
Citing More Maritime Agencies, Inc. v.
NLRC (366Phil646 (1999)), the Court said
that the law does not consider as valid any
agreement to receive less compensation
than what a worker is entitled to recover
nor prevent him from demanding benefits to
which he is entitled.
It is never enough to assert that the
parties have voluntarily entered into such a
quitclaim. The following must likewise exist:
(a) there was no fraud or deceit on the part
of any of the parties, (b) the consideration of
the quitclaim is credible and reasonable; and
(c) that the contract is not contrary to law,
public order, public policy, morals or good
customs, or prejudicial to a third person with
a right recognized by law.
The Court recognized that the Receipt
and Quitclaim show that the seafarer would
be releasing his employers from all claims in
an all-encompassing manner, including the
fact that he had not contracted or suffered
any illness or injury in the course of his
employment and that he was discharged in
good health, which stipulations placed the
seafarer in a disadvantageous position visà-vis his employers.
[Atty. Augusto “Tito” Bundang is
a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila
University, a Board Member of the
Maritime Law Association of the
Philippines (MARLAW), and a Lecturer at
the De La Salle University. He is a Partner
at the Sapalo Velez Bundang & Bulilan
(SVBB) Law Offices and currently heads
its Litigation and Seafarers’ Department.
SVBB is located at the 11th Floor, Security
Bank Centre, 6776 Ayala Avenue, Makati
City with telephone nos. 8911316 to 19.]
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18 TINIG NG MARINO
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3/28/2011 11:34:36 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
The Power of Dreams
D
reams are a big part of our lives. It is
in dreams that we envision ourselves
of who we want to become, what we
want to achieve, and where we want to go.
When we were young, most of us saw
ourselves by who we would want to become
later on — some saw themselves as
doctors, nurses, teachers, policemen, pilots,
seafarers, and more. We wished to be like
them because their professions made them
look so successful, happy, and prosperous.
However, as we grew and experienced
life’s different facets, our dreams started to
change little by little. These are enough to
live from day to day, enjoying small joys while
overcoming hardships, such as being sick,
lonely, tired, depressed, and anxious. When
reality bites, we forget to dream. We allow
ourselves to be pushed into the unknown and
be swayed where the wind blows.
With these experiences, dreaming
becomes expensive and far-fetched. People
become frustrated and impatient, and they
refuse to dream anymore. Everyone wants
everything quick – from fast-food chains to
drive-thrus to cup noodles. Some even resort
to quick-rich schemes and usually end up
being victimized.
People tend to forget that not everything
can be achieved quickly. Mothers wait for nine
months to give birth. We have to pass each
of the school year and graduate to different
levels of education. We have to take preemployment exams and interviews before we
get hired.
A person who wants to reduce weight
needs to discipline himself to diet and
exercise before he achieves his target weight.
Personalities like businessman Henry Sy took
years before he became a billionaire. Famous
boxer Manny Pacquiao had to endure, and
ensure that he wins fight after fight before he
reached the status he now enjoys.
When you look at these examples, they
accomplished their goals because they dreamt
with patience. They had an end-goal in mind.
No matter how long it took them. They didn’t
falter nor lose hope. A mother who wants to
give birth to a healthy baby will continue with
a healthy diet even when some foods do not
taste good. Every one who dreams big must
pass each grading period to move on to the
next level and achieve distinctions.
Job applicants need to pass the
requirements set by companies before they
get employed and contribute to the success
tnm 87.indd 19
of their respective organizations. Those who
wish to attain their target weight need to cut
down on food servings, especially the fatty
ones, and endure prescribed exercises.
People like Henry Sy and Manny Pacquiao
did not start their careers easy and lightly.
They started with almost nothing but with
high hopes and a good spirit. Rejections
and hardships were part of their daily lives
but these did not dampen their spirits. The
more they looked at their dreams, the more
they persisted and worked hard to attain their
dreams.
Dreams are the visual aspects of our
goals. They keep us motivated and inspired
in achieving what we want to become.
For example, you have a dream house.
You do not visualize a house with just four
walls. You have to enhance your visualization
— like envisioning a green lawn in front of the
house, big enough for kids to play camping;
a two-port garage; three bedrooms with toilet
and bathroom each; a maid’s room; and a
driver’s quarter. A dream house list goes on
and on. Having a specific dream in mind will
help and guide you where you want to go.
Most of us are tempted and give in to
impulse gratification. Like pulling out a
P1,000 bill for dinner, justifying that I earned
this money and I want to reward myself. For
someone who dreams of owning a house,
he must have a timetable for the number of
years he would want to achieve it.
He would need to discipline himself, and
set a budget on how much he would spend. To
meet the goal, one must make sacrifices. We
must discipline and encourage ourselves that
delayed gratification works best especially for
our medium- to long-term goal.
But people often cannot save because
they become impatient, saying that it is
always hard to reach for their long-term goals.
Positive things, though, happen to those who
wait. When you plan to save for your dream
house, you will get a good return on your
savings even if you change your mind or your
goals in the years to come.
Pru Life UK offers a unique variable
insurance that helps individuals and families
realize their dreams. To guide you more on
how will you accomplish your dreams and
explore Pru Life UK’s insurance offerings,
ask for a free consultation from Licensed
Financial Adviser AILEEN T. ELLO (mobile
+63 920 9510388; email: aileen_ello@
yahoo.com).
19
KOREAN RED GINSENG,
“THE MIRACLE HERB”
K
orean Red Ginseng is extracted from
an authentic six years old matured
man-shaped ginseng roots (Panax
Ginseng C. A. Meyer) which contains
32 ginseng saponins that perform
various pharmacological activity through
adaptogenic pattern.
It is produced through a highly
computerized state of the art process
which is governed by the Korean Authority
of “Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
that is ISO certified, and quality approval
by the USA-FDA.
This Miracle Herb have been
discovered to be functional on human
health specially to those with viral hepatitis
B and C, various liver related diseases,
prostate and kidney problems, diabetes,
heart ailments, hypertension, lungs and
respiratory diseases, cancers, cysts/
tumors and abnormal mass formation,
arthritis, infertility, and sexual problems,
etc. (Based on clinical experiments
done after the contemporary research of
multinational herbal scientist and selected
ginseng scholars).
In the Philippines, the exclusive
distributor of the original and world’s
finest Korean Red Ginseng approved by
Bureau of Food And Drugs (BFAD) is the
LIZADA Korean Red Ginseng Sales
Center headed by Ms. Digna C. Lizada.
It is located at Rm.601 Manufacturer’s
Building Inc. Plaza Sta. Cruz Manila. For
inquiry please call 736-7691/736-7732 or
09285019519 and 09158524446.
Hepatitis B is More Serious
than Deadly AIDS,
Say Health Experts
S
eventy percent of the world’s estimated
350 million Hepatitis B carriers are
found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific
Region, according to the survey by a group
of international researchers specializing in
Hepatitis B management.
Hepatitis B is a potentially fatal disease
caused by a viral infection called the HBV,
and the fifth most common cause of deaths
worldwide and 100 times more infectious
than
Acquired
Immune
Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS), health researchers
said.
The disease is transferred through
contact with HBV contaminated blood. It
is also transmitted by unsafe sex, vertical
transmission from mother to newborn, use
of unsterilized or contaminated medical
and bladed personal instrument.
A research by Dr. Masahiro Yamamoto
of Nissel Hospital in Japan, like herbs can
promote the multiplication of liver cells,
replacing cell destroyed by chronic hepatitis
and helping the liver recover from chronic
hepatitis damages and immunity functions.
Ginseng also promotes the restoration
of hepatocellular damage caused by toxic
chemicals, normalizing the level of liver
enzymes, such as glutamate-pyruvate
transaminase
(SGPT),
glutamateoxaloacetate transaminase(SGOT), and
alkaline phosphatase (ALP), all commonly
used for liver function tests in the diagnosis
of liver diseases.
Aside from hepatitis and various liver
diseases the herbs have been found
effective against diabetes, prostate
and kidney problem, heart ailments,
hypertension, lung respiratory disease,
cancer, cyst and tumors or mass formation,
arthritis, infertility, and sexual problems,
etc.
All this facts and information is the daily
routinary subject which is being discussed
by Ms. Digna C. Lizada (736-7732 or 7367691)(09158524446 or 09285019519), as it
is a standard procedure in accommodating
all concerns and inquiries.
3/28/2011 11:34:41 AM
20 TINIG NG MARINO
tnm 87.indd 20
MARCH - APRIL 2011
3/28/2011 11:34:42 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
T
he beginning of 2011 was a
good start for Bernhard Schulte
Shipmanagement (BSM), as on
21st January 2011 at 1500H the new
office building “BSM House” in Manila
was inaugurated. The newly constructed
12 storey building is located at 1965 Leon
Guinto Street, Malate, Manila, and is the
new home of BSM Crew Service Centre
Philippines, Inc.
The welcome speech was given by Atty.
Antonio R. Velicaria, Director of BSM CSC
Phils. Greeting the guests with him was
the management, Mr. Narcissus Duran,
President, Capt. Vicente Dayo and Capt.
Armando Santosidad, Fleet Operations
Managers. Gracing the occasion from
Bernhard Schulte GmbH & Co. KG, were
Dr. Heinrich Schulte, Chairman, and Mr.
Ian Beveridge, Chief Executive Officer.
From Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement
(BSM) were, Mr. Rajaish Bajpaee, Chief
Executive Officer and Mr. Andreas
Droussiotis, Non Executive Chairman of
BSM. Distinguished personalities from
different industry sectors, seafarers
and friends attended the blessing and
inauguration of the new building.
The offices of “BSM CSC” are large
airy functional well designed offices
for the 125 office staff with a fully airconditioned dormitory, with a lounge for
BSM seafarers, with rooms for officers
with their own bathrooms and a big
canteen. A family centre is in the ground
floor arcade where wives and children can
enjoy the pleasant facilities while waiting
for their seafarer visiting the office. There
is ample secured indoor parking space
on 2 storeys for office staff, seafarers and
visitors. Also in the building is the office of
the group’s company travel agency EuroAsia Travel, Inc., a company serving the
travel needs of the entire group.
The BSM House also houses the
expanded BSM Maritime Training Centre,
Phils., Inc. (BSM MTC) where BSM
New BSM House
“Ushers in more opportunities
for Filipino Seafarers”
BSM officials from
its various offices
worldwide were in
full force during the
inauguration
and
blessing of the BSM
house, which began
with a Holy Mass at
the facility’s spacious
and stylish lobby.
After the ceremony
rites, a mass was
officiated by Father
Eugenio, assisted by
Father Calix in the
open air arcade with natural plants of
the landscaping. In the homily we asked
the Lord to assist us to succeed in giving
employment, training and assistance to
our seafarers and their families to improve
their lives and social standing. The
“Throwing of Coins”, a symbol of luck and
good fortune for the future was done with
enthusiasm and resulted in a joyful and
lively scrambling to catch the coins by all
present. Thereafter the building floors were
blessed by the Fathers. During cocktails
and fingerfood in the office canteen and
the adjoining seminar area, BSM CSC
presented a heart warming video of the
past and present happenings of staff and
crew.
BSM’s CEO Mr. Rajaish Bajpaee is not
a stranger to Manila as he obtained his
Masters Degree in Management from the
Asian Institute of Management in Manila,
which paved the way for his transition from
seafaring to his career in shipmanagement.
In his brief message at the inauguration,
he underscored the significance of the
group’s expanding activities in Manila. With
the excellent facilities, BSM House will
support our in-house services in crewing
and training, encouraging the continued
development of our seafarers. It is crucial for
BSM to recruit the right people and require
them to undergo customized training to
sustain the high standards that the global
brand has been known for worldwide.
Mr. Bajpaee said BSM is determined and
committed in making long term investment
Dr. Heinrich Schulte, Chairman of the Board of Bernhard Schulte GmbH
& Co. KG, led the ribbon-cutting rites for the BSM House on January
21, 2010 and he is shown being assisted by his three daughters (from
left), Sophie, Esther and Judith.
requirements for cadets, crew, officers and
senior officers.
Mr. Andreas Droussiotis, Non Executive
Chairman of BSM, unveiled the BSM House
inauguration plaque for a building designed
and constructed with our seafarers at the
core of our minds. BSM
House stands for the
commitment of BSM to
Filipino seafarers who
are very competitive,
professional
and
versatile.
He
acknowledged
the
contribution
of
the
seafarers, office staff,
shareholders
and
management who all
Mr. Ian Beveridge, Chief
Mr. Rajaish Bajpaee, Chief
Executive Officer of Bernhard
Executive Officer of Bernhard
made it a success.
Schulte GmbH & Co. KG
Schulte Shipmanagement.
Dr. Heinrich Schulte
seafarers are undergoing upgrading thanked for the warm welcome and the
courses free of charge in 12 classrooms presence of all staff and guests on this
with simulators and space for future remarkable event for BSM. He led the
expansions. There are 12 classrooms, 4 ribbon cutting rites for the BSM House
of them can be combined into 1 very large and was assisted by his three daughters
seminar room. One classroom is fitted with Esther, Sophie and Judith. Thereafter, Dr.
engine simulator training equipment and Schulte unveiled a plaque of appreciation
one class room with is fitted with cargo to Capt. Helmut Sallaba who during his
handling simulator training equipment. retirement gave his dedication and for his
Also equipment for ECDIS training and drive completing the BSM House project.
one IT classroom for shipboard computer The new building is part of the company’s
upgrading and a library. There is a large commitment to offer Filipino seafarers
area reserved for a state of the art full employment and training. The Philippines
bridge simulator to be installed. BSM MTC and their loyal seafarers are very important
is at present offering 37 in-house training to us as a ship owner and as a global ship
courses which are in addition to STCW management organization.
tnm 87.indd 21
21
in the Philippines
because
of
its
exceptional
pool
of talent who shall
be capable of seizing opportunities
and breaking through challenges in our
shipping journey of today and tomorrow.
Capt. S.Hiratsuka of MOL (Shanghai,
Mumbai) presented a gift to BSM which
was humbly accepted by Mr. Bajpaee. Mr.
G.S.Sachdeva of Green Wage Shipping
Pte. Ltd. presented a gift for the occasion
which was received gratefully by Mr.
Beveridge.
Mr. Ian Beveridge from Hamburg, the
CEO of Bernhard Schulte GmbH & Co.
KG acknowledged the key-personnel and
the technical persons that made the BSM
House project finally a reality and thanked
Mr. Droussiotis and Capt. Sallaba for
their all-out support since the first project
planning was done. Currently, about 7,500
Filipino seafarers on the payroll which
comprise a large proportion of the BSM
crew pool and are responsible for the safe
voyages of close to 500 vessels of the
total BSM fleet of over 700 vessels trading
worldwide. The BSM House is a reflection
of our commitment in the Philippines, to
our Filipino seafarers and the staff here
in Manila and in BSM CSC’s offices in
Cebu and Iloilo. Especially mentioning
the presence of Dr Schulte’s family, he
said that Filipino seafarers could find
comfort in the fact that their company for
the last 130 years has remained a familyowned enterprise. Needless to say, it puts
a premium of family, which is important in
terms of the values of Filipino seafarers
and our values, we think we have a lot
of things in common. That no doubt this
includes a common commitment for
utmost safety onboard on BSM vessels.
“So that everybody may return home to
their families safely.”
3/28/2011 11:34:48 AM
22 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
MEAN INDICATED PRESSURE
Lessons from History
FROM PAGE 13
Revolt, after 20 years in power. He died in
1989 while in exile in Hawaii, at the age
72.
Mengistu Haile Mariam - Head of the
Communist military junta that ruled Ethiopia
from 1974 to 1987 and later President of the
People’s Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
from 1987 to 1991. Fled to Zimbabwe in
1991 at the close of the Ethiopian civil war,
where he remains. He was found guilty
in absentia of genocide by an Ethiopian
court.
Charles Taylor - President of Liberia
from 1997 until he resigned in 2003 and
went into exile in Nigeria. He was extradited
in 2006 and handed over to the United
Nations Mission in Liberia. At present, he is
under detention in The Hague and is on trial
before the Special Court for Sierra Leone
for war crimes and crimes against humanity
resulting from his role in the Sierra Leone
civil war.
Jean-Bedel Bokassa - Military ruler of
the Central African Republic and Emperor of
the Central African Empire from 1976 until
he was toppled in 1979. He was sentenced
to death in absentia in 1980 for the murder
of his political rivals. Upon his return from
exile in France in 1986, he was arrested
and subsequently tried. He was found
tnm 87.indd 22
guilty and sentenced to death on murder
charges. Death penalty was commuted
to life in prison in solitary confinement, a
sentence later reduced to 20 years. He was
released in 1993 but died three years later
of a heart attack, at the age of 75.
All these dictators thought that their
reign will never end and it will be inherited
by their siblings and passed on to the
next generation. Unfortunately, all of them
ended living miserable lives after they were
ousted from power.
There’s a lesson here for Lydia and
Ernesto Malbog: power does not last and
all good things come to an end. In their
case, the end will come sooner than it did
for the tyrants of history.
Lydia and Ernesto don’t have the same
level of intellect as the latter. I hope that
their ending would not be as worst as the
fate of those fallen dictators. I hope also
that they will not shoot themselves to death
like what the late Secretary Angelo Reyes
did after feeling the immense heat of a
Congressional inquiry that is about to come
their way.
More importantly, the disgruntled
members of MEOAP are angry as hell.
They won’t take it anymore.
It is time for the Malbog couple and the
puppet leadership of MEOAP to go. Sobra
na, tama na!
3/28/2011 11:34:55 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
23
PISOBILITIES
FRANCISCO J. COLAYCO
Chairman, Colayco Foundation for Education
Entrepreneur, Venture Developer and Financial Advisor
Microbusiness
M
ay pagkakaiba ang negosyong
“trading”
at
“manufacturing.”
Sa trading, bumibili lang ang
negosyante ng mga produktong gawa na at
handa nang ibenta o kaya’y pagagandahin
nang kaunti para madagdagan ang halaga
nito para sa mga mamimili. Mas madaling
patakbuhin ang ganitong klaseng negosyo
pero mas marami ring kumpetisyon kaya’t
mahirap umasenso kung walang magaling
na supplier na mapagkukuhanan ng mga
eksklusibong produkto.
Sa negosyong manufacturing naman,
kailangang bilhin lahat ng parte o kagamitan
sa paggawa at buuin ang mga ito para
magkaroon ng produktong pambenta.
Siyempre mas mahirap at mabusisi ito at
kailangan ng higit na pagod at tiyaga. Hindi
ito dapat pasukin kung walang sapat na
kaalamang teknikal o mapagkakatiwalaang
kasosyong eksperto dito.
Alinman sa dalawang uri ng negosyo
ang balak pasukin, kakailanganin pa rin ang
tatlong importanteng sangkap: kaalaman
tnm 87.indd 23
tungkol sa produkto, tamang merkado, at
tamang puwesto.
Kailangan ding magplano at gumawa
ng mga talaang pinansyal na kasali na
ang inaasahang daloy ng salapi, talaan ng
halagang tinutubo at nalulugi, at kwentahan
ng mga balanse ng halaga ng negosyo.
Kailangan ang tatlong ito kung binabalak
mangutang ng kapital sa microfinancing,
na talagang nagpapautang basta’t malaki
ang posibilidad na kumita ang binabalak
na negosyo. Iisa lang ang porma o anyo
ng mga talaang pinansyal maging maliit
na sari-sari store lang o bigating negosyo
ang balak itayo; ang mga detalye lang ang
nagbabago batay sa uri ng negosyo.
Ang pinakaimportanteng talaan ay
yung sa daloy ng salapi na nagsasaad ng
tunay na kabuuang halaga ng kapital na
kailangan para tuluy-tuloy na kumita ang
negosyo. Para makagawa nito, kailangang
gumawa ng mga kolum para sa bawat
takdang panahon (linggo, buwan, ikaapat
na bahagi ng taon, semestre o taon) kung
saan itatala ang inaasahan at aktwal na
daloy ng pera. Nakalista doon ang bawat
halagang kikitain at gagastusin.
Mula sa Serong Panimulang Balanse,
idaragdag ang Papasok na Daloy at
Palabas na Daloy. Ibabawas naman ang
Palabas na Daloy mula sa Papasok na
Daloy para makwenta ang Netong Daloy
ng Salapi. Kapag ibabawas ang Netong
Daloy mula sa Panimulang Balanse ay
makukuha ang Panghuling Balanse.
Ang Panghuling Balanse ng isang
takdang panahon ang siyang magiging
Panimulang Balanse ng susunod. Ang
mga negatibong halaga sa Daloy ng Salapi
ay tumutukoy sa karagdagang kapital at/
o halagang uutangin na kailangan para
patuloy na mapatakbo ang negosyo.
Ang Talaan ng Kinikita at Nalulugi naman
ay buod ng pagtutuos, at ipinapakita kung
talaga bang kikita ang negosyo. Katulad
din ng Daloy ng Salapi ang anyo nito pero
medyo mas komplikado dahil nagtatala
rin ng ibang bagay bukod sa mga halaga,
gaya ng depreciation.
Sa simpleng salita, ito ang pagkalat
ng halagang kakailanganin sa pagtatayo
ng planta at opisina, at pambili ng mga
gamit na panggawa ng produkto sa loob
ng takdang panahon, na kadalasa’y tatlo
hanggang limang taon depende sa uri ng
mga gamit at opisina, at puwedeng umabot
ng sampung taon kung meron kang sariling
gusali. Ang Talaan ng Kinikita at Nalulugi
ay karaniwang ginagawa kada buwan.
Ang Talaan ng Balanse ay nagbibigay
ng malinaw na kwenta ng Assets,
Liabilities, at Net Worth sa loob ng takdang
panahon. Napakaimportante nito dahil dito
nakikita ang aktwal na halaga ng negosyo
sa anumang mapiling panahon. Dahil
tumutukoy lang ito sa isang partikular na
petsa o panahon, mayroong mga tantiyado
lang na mga halagang nakasaad dito at
maaaring magbago agad.
Halimbawa, puwedeng maisama sa
listahan ng Receivables (mga halagang
inaasahang matanggap) ang isang halaga
sa Talaan ng Balanse pero kung hindi
naman ito makokolekta ay kailangan
itong tanggalin sa listahan ng kita, bagay
na makababawas sa netong halaga ng
negosyo.
Kadalasa’y sentido kumon lang ang
kailangan sa pagtutuos pero may mga
aspeto rin itong nakalilito, kaya nga
kailangan din ng sapat na kaalaman dito
kung balak magnegosyo. Kung talagang
wala ay kailangang humingi ng tulong sa
isang taong marunong dito. Sa pagkuha
TURN TO PAGE 51
3/28/2011 11:35:00 AM
24 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
MEOAP CRUMBLES
FROM PAGE 11
started texting Lydia of his not-so-colorful
exploits with a university in Pampanga,
the Philippine Christian University, and a
non-government agency looking into the
welfare of Aetas whom Lydia claims to be
his relatives. Every time Ramirez brings to
fore those matters, Lydia does not have a
text answer.
Overall, MEOAP was losing in all fronts
in its battle against Ramirez so much so
that it has been redirecting its remaining
legal arsenal to those who it thinks it has at
least a good chance of winning.
Ramirez is also calling on all newlypassed Filipino marine engineer officers
not to subscribe membership with MEOAP
as it is no longer mandatory. “Go direct to
PRC and you can get your licenses and
certificates. There’s no more need for you
to become members of MEOAP. If you
have doubts, talk to the members of the
PRC Board of Marine Engineer Officers
and learn it by yourself,” he stated.
Looming Headache
for MEOAP Officers
Already in boiling hot water as it is,
MEOAP and its current set of officers
appear headed for more hard times
ahead as a legislator has formally filed a
resolution in the lower house seeking the
investigation of the association and its
alleged anomalies related to disbursement
of funds.
Democratic
Independent
Workers
Association
(DIWA)
Party-list
Representative Emmeline Y. Aglipay,
who is becoming popular in the local
maritime industry these days for her intent
on sponsoring the House bill on Magna
Carta of Filipino Seafarers during the 15th
session of Congress, has recently filed
House Resolution No. 918, calling for a
probe into the alleged anomalies of fund
misuse in MEOAP.
“There is a pressing need to investigate
these alleged anomalies in MEOAP, and
the respective action/s if any, taken by
the Professional Regulation Commission
(PRC) with regards to these concerns,
in order to prevent further abuses that
may be committed against the members
of MEOAP,” cites Rep. Aglipay in her
resolution.
“Be it resolved that the Committee
on Labor and Employment and other
relevant committees of the House of
Representatives be directed to conduct an
inquiry into the alleged anomalies regarding
the disbursement of funds in MEOAP,”
House Resolution No. 918 concluded.
In addition to personal differences with
Lydia Malbog, the stubbornness of most of
the current officers of MEOAP on crucial
issues has already prompted Chief Engr.
Gerardo Marasigan, former Vice President
and Member of the Board of Directors of
MEOAP to tender his resignation from the
association.
Reports are also rife that Engr. Analita
A. Piňon, Director of MEOAP, has or will
tnm 87.indd 24
soon be tendering her resignation from
the association, with a few more said to be
following suit.
Ever since the MEOAP controversy
blew out of proportion, Lydia Malbog has
been threatening practically anybody who
crossed path with the association that it
will not hesitate to file a court case against
anybody who she claims is destroying the
credibility and tarnishing the image of the
association.
To this Ramirez responded: “She has
the guts to threaten everybody because
she knows that MEOAP will be spending
the money of its marine engineer-members
in the court case and not their own.
And that, it is her lawyer-brother who
will benefit from it because he is the one
handling the cases of the association.
In fact, in 2009 alone, MEOAP spent
P200,000 in lawyer fees. In 2008, they
spent P240,000. The cases should not
have involved MEOAP or its funds because
those are personal legal matters.”
“But in the forthcoming Congressional
investigation, I am pretty sure that their
lawyers are useless because it will be
Deligero, Sempio, and the Malbog couple,
among others, who will be grilled by the
Congressmen and not their so-called legal
arsenal,” Ramirez warned.
Lying to the Teeth
MEOAP’s
comparative
financial
statement for 2008 and 2009, which it
submitted to the PRC clearly showed that
the association was in dire straits, as far as
its financial state is concerned. As a matter
of fact, the 2009 report even indicated that
the association owes its members PhP
1,406,532 as of end 2009.
And if the latest oathtaking rites of
Filipino marine engineer officers are to
be any indication where hardly a candy or
bottled was served at all to the inductees,
then MEOAP is indeed hard-pressed for
funds.
Ironically, MEOAP issued a press
release,
apparently
under
intense
pressure, late in January 2011 stating that
it has already purchased a property where
its own house or office building would
eventually rise.
Uncharacteristically,
the
MEOAP
statement came out immediately after
Tinig ng Marino ran a banner story on its
January – February 2011 issue challenging
the association to show or explain where it
is using all the money it is collecting from
its members.
Deligero said in the official statement that
the association has placed a downpayment
of PhP 5 million to purchase a property
for MEOAP and that they will be able to
finished the amortization for the property in
three years.
“How could MEOAP purchase a property
in 2010 when its financial reports in 2008
and 2009 state that it was losing money?
Where did the money come from in a span
of two unprofitable years? Did it just drop
like manna from heaven? Did it come
from the pocket of Deligero? Or did the
SIDEBAR
“Go ahead, make my day!”
L
ydia Malbog, the female
dictator at MEOAP, who
holds its male leadership
by the balls, has dared to fight
UFS President Nelson Ramirez.
She probably thinks she is the
Joan of Arc, the savior of an
association that is now totally
discredited.
This is a delusion. Joan of Arc
was a saint. Ms. Malbog and the
MEOAP officers are exactly the
opposite. It is more accurate to
call her the Medusa of Greek
mythology – the woman-monster
who had the power to turn
anybody who gazed directly
upon her into stone.
Medusa ended up being
beheaded by the hero Perseus,
who later used her head as a
weapon until he gave it to the
goddess Athena to place on her
shield. Ms. Malbog may not be
familiar with Greek mythology,
but she only needs to recall what
the UFS under Engr. Ramirez
has done to know what she is up
against and to avoid the same
fate that befell Medusa.
The group now known as the UFS was registered as an association with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 1994. The very next day it
obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Maritime Industry Authority
over the issue of the seaman’s book. As a result, Marina officials were forced to
suspend the issuance of the document for 20 days.
Marina subsequently managed to retain the power to issue the seaman’s book, a
function that heretofore belonged to the Philippine Coast Guard. The point had been
made by the one-day-old organization: Filipino seafarers now have a strong voice.
That voice was to be heard louder and clearer over the years under the stewardship
of Ramirez. Here’s a partial list of what the UFS and Ramirez have accomplished:
•
Pushed for the five-year validity period for the Seaman's Identification and
Record Book (SIRB), a benefit that continues to be enjoyed by all Filipino
seafarers
•
Worked with other organizations in the successful campaign to exempt
seafarers and other overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from payment of
income tax and airport terminal fees
•
Joined the campaign in 1986 against the Panamanian maritime exams, a
protracted struggle that eventually led to the lifting in 1998 of the examination
requirement for Filipino crew deployed on board Panama-flag vessels
•
Waged a campaign against substandard domestic shipping line throughout
the term of Marina Administrator Paciencio Balbon, Jr. until he was forced
to resign following the Senate investigation into the MV Kimelody Kristy
disaster
•
Played in big part in getting the government to crack down on Sulpicio Lines
after the MV Princess of the Stars incident, as a result of which Sulpicio
until now cannot operate most of its passenger vessels
•
Campaigned for the two-level Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
licensure examination system and the PRC walk-in exams
•
Went after illegal recruiters in cooperation with the POEA and police
authorities, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of several notorious
individuals engaged in illegal recruitment
•
Played and continue to play a significant role in the passage of new maritime
legislation, including the Magna Carta for OFWs and the recently enacted
Philippine Coast Guard Law
•
Actively campaigned against the government policy on the Management
Level Course (MLC), which eventually resulted in a 'win-win' situation for all
parties concerned including ship officers
Lydia Malbog and her cohorts at MEOAP will do well to remember the UFS history.
This is one enemy they cannot vanquish. This is one fight they cannot win. Engr.
Ramirez has a short message for them if they insist on fighting on: ‘Go ahead, make
my day’.
3/28/2011 11:35:06 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
Malbog couple suddenly felt philanthropic
and decided to return something to the
association? There has to be a clear
explanation for this mystery and the right
people to do just that are the current roster
of MEOAP officers,” points out Ramirez,
whose accusations put MEOAP in almost
boiling hot water.
“The downpayment for the property
purchased should have been indicated in
the financial reports of the association as a
major line item. Where did it come from all
of a sudden?” queries Ramirez.
Ramirez also noted in the MEOAP
financial reports for 2008 and 2009 that
the association has spent or allocated a
budget of PhP 240,000 and PhP 200,000,
respectively. “Did Sempio and/or Malbog
use the money of Filipino marine engineer
officer-members of the association to do
their legal battle with me and my group?
The case dragged on for about six years
and basing on the average legal spending
of MEOAP on that particular issue, that’s
a whopping PhP 1.2 million! That should
not be because the court case is not an
association matter but personal for both
Sempio and Malbog. It is not MEOAP that
was being questioned in that legal tussle
but Sempio and Malbog so the association
had nothing to do with that and as such,
the fund should not have been taken from
its coffers,” he pointed out.
Some quarters also pointed out that
one of MEOAP’s lawyers is actually a
brother of Lydia Malbog, which make the
association’s topsy-turvy finances even
tnm 87.indd 25
more interesting. Furthermore, most, if
not all, of the office staff of the association
are actually relatives of the Malbog couple
making MEOAP appear like a family-owned
and run corporation.
“Filipino
marine
engineer
officermembers of MEOAP
are literally pounding
their blood, sweat
and tears away from
their home and their
families and yet here’s
their
association
wantonly
spending
part of their hardearned money that is
meant to serve them
in the first place. No
wonder the growing
number of Filipino
marine
engineer
officers who want
out of MEOAP are
increasing by the day,”
Ramirez expressed.
Ramirez is also
wondering how was
MEOAP
able
to
spend PhP 246,778
in 2008 for its
alleged
programs
and activities and
PhP 370,157 in 2009
yet the association
hardly had a program
or a service being
rendered to its members. “They do provide
NAC certificate processing but MEOAP is
not spending anything for it and in fact, it
is earning big bucks from such given its
very prohibitive NAC processing fee. If my
25
sources are accurate, MEOAP is actually
earning more than PhP 1 million from NAC
processing alone in a single year,” he
TURN TO PAGE 43
3/28/2011 11:35:13 AM
26 TINIG NG MARINO
R
isk is inevitable. It may happen
anywhere, anytime.
As an international shipping
company headquartered in Denmark known
for its quality people, ships and practices,
TORM is familiar with all the risks involved in
its core businesses so much so that it gives
high importance to the safety and welfare of
its people all the time.
This remarkable trait of the company
was put on display when one of its tankers
MT Torm Kristina had a near-capture
incident off the Indian sub-continent on the
wee hours of January 20, 2011. If not for
the presence of mind of its Filipino skipper
and its full Filipino crew complement, with
immediate support and guidance from the
head office of Torm in Denmark as the vessel
skilfully maneuvered its way out of danger,
the incident could have proved traumatic, if
not costly, for its crew members and for the
company.
But Torm was prepared for the risk and
instead of succumbing to the aftermath of
the near-miss incident, has actually turned
the experience into a psychological learning
and development process not only for the
Filipino crew of MT Torm Kristina but most
likely for the entire sea staff in Torm’s fleet.
The Near-Capture Incident
It was 2:30 a.m. (local time) of January
20, 2011. MT Torm Kristina was on its way
to Bahamas. The ship has been sailing for
about 24 hours away from its Indian port
of origin. Capt. Sergio Cua received an
urgent call from 2nd Officer Victor Roberto
F. Quirante.
2/O Quirante reported to Capt. Cua
that he had an unexpected sightings in the
ship’s radar. Less than five minutes before
confirming the target, Capt Cua was able
to seek help from the Torm headquarters
in Copenhagen. In a few more minutes, it
was established that the blips on the radar
MARCH - APRIL 2011
Torm Puts Premium on Safety
and Well-Being of its Sea Staff
were all repatriated back to the Philippines
and safely into the waiting arms of their
families, who were happy knowing that they
survived a harrowing experience, despite
being a near-miss only.
Ms. Lene Stampe Thomsen (seated, third from right), Senior Security Manager of Torm, recounting
with Capt. Cua (standing at left) the constant communication between themselves while MT Torm
Kristina was being pursued by pirates during Torm’s debriefing session for the crew members of the
vessel. Also with them are the psychologists and therapists of Seahealth, Assistant to the President
of AMOSUP, Mr. Jose Raul V. Lamug, and Capt. Alfonso Del Castillo (right), President of Torm
Philippines.
As the target got closer and closer to the
ship, Capt. Cua calmly directed another crew
member to gather all men in the safe place.
He also called Copenhagen periodically
to update them of the situation. Ms. Lene
Stampe Thomsen, the chief security
officer of Torm, coordinated very well and
calmly instructed Capt. Cua to do evasive
maneuvers.
Moreover, to prevent pirates from easily
penetrating the ship, the crew members were
immediately instructed gear up the fire hoses
him. But in both times, he managed to duck
to safety and unhurt. “Deafening blast was
just terrifying. But God shielded me.” 2/O
Quirante praised.
He said that maybe it was kind of a miracle
that the ship’s bridge only suffered a minor
dent on its side when the RPGs exploded.
Clearly, the pirates did not have the
chance to put on their ladder, to hook and to
climb up onboard MT Torm Kristina. They
failed. It was obvious they did. The attempt
to penetrate the ship did not happen. Is it
Mr. Erik Klitgaard Toft (left), Group Vice President, Marine Human Resources, Psychologist Michael Linde of Seahealth discusses to the crew members
Technical Division of Torm, summarizing the events and enumerating the of MT Torm Kristina behavioural reactions of captors and captives in a
various lessons learned from the experience.
hostage situation.
are four skiff boats of pirates, who obviously
want to hijack and capture MT Torm
Kristina.
“It was too dark in the ocean. Targets were
not visible to the human eye,” 2/O Quirante
added. However, the targets were moving
too fast, at about 27 knots. From four, we
just noted one determined skiff still in pursuit
of our vessel. The skiff was apparently
powered by two outboard engines and when
it came within the ship’s view, we noted six
gun-wielding pirates onboard
tnm 87.indd 26
into spray mode, make sure that all possible
entries are locked and well guarded and get
ready with some other defensive procedures.
That’s addition to the razor wire installed all
around the ship to deflect approaching pirate
skiff boats.
2/O Quirante further narrated, “I believe
in God. I read the bible every day. I believe
that we will be protected.” He never stops
praising God, especially when the two rocket
propelled grenades (RPGs) was launched
by the pirates and exploded nearly in front of
because of the team’s preventive measures?
Or the presence of mind of the crew? Or was
it because of God’s miracle? Regardless of
the true answer, the ship was safe and harmfree. The vessel then turned around from its
direction and docked at Mumbai in India with
no one onboard hurt.
While many of the crew members of MT
Torm Kristina had active shipboard contracts
at that time, Torm deemed it appropriate to
give them all a breather to ease their tension
and avoid any post-traumatic stress so they
Dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress
Wondering about the management
of stress and trauma after the near-miss
incident?
Torm provided a two-day debriefing
session to the 23 crew members of MT
Torm Kristina. Held at The Peninsula
Manila in Makati City on March 8-9, 2011,
Torm drew on the support and expertise of
psychologists and therapists from Seahealth
to ensure that the crew of MT Torm Kristina
will be back in harness and almost good as
new.
As a company which puts high value
on its people, Torm makes sure that all the
crew members of MT Torm Kristina are
psychologically, emotionally and physically
fit before going back to work again soon.
The team of psychologists and therapists
accommodated and give the 23 crew
members all the time they need to recover
from the so-called post-traumatic stress
even giving them one-on-one debriefing
sessions. The whole team was never left
emotionally upset.
Mr. Erik Klitgaard Toft, Group Vice
President, Marine Human Resources,
Technical Division of Torm, was also present
during the debriefing session to personally
give support and inspiration to the team
and extricate lessons learned from the
experience. He thanked the crew members
of MT Torm Kristina for being true to their
calling and staying put in time of distress
and assured them of continued company
support.
Torm really takes the extra mile to
ensure the safety and well-being of its
sea staff. Take it from Capt. Cua when he
said: “I am so glad and proud to say that
the visible presence of the key officials of
Torm here shall enable us to be back on our
feet psychologically that is, in no time. They
were there for us before the incident, during
the near miss, and now the post-event. It is
really nice knowing that we are working for a
company that ensures our safety, protection
and well-being all the time.”
So instead of leaving a negative impact
to the crew members of MT Torm Kristina,
the incident further strengthened the bond
among the crew members of the vessel.
From the session’s reflection, one of the
crew members proudly stated “Pinoy ako!”
That’s the real spirit of being a true Filipino
seafarer.
Filipinos are known to survive in all
facets of life. They know to work as a team
in times of distress. Filipinos also know
how to remain loyal to their organization,
in the same way that Torm shows genuine
concern for the safety and well-being of its
people.
3/28/2011 11:35:16 AM
MARCH - APRIL 2011
tnm 87.indd 27
TINIG NG MARINO
27
3/28/2011 11:35:27 AM
28 TINIG NG MARINO
E
MARCH - APRIL 2011
Bringing Health and Joy to Mothers
and Daughters the INC Way
vidently better-nourished, more
energetic and lively, and habitual smiles on their cute little faces
– these have become the common attributes of a total of 45 little girls from
Barangay Highway Hills in Mandaluyong City during their graduation day
last March 16, 2011 from the six-month
feeding and learning program jointly undertaken by INC Navigation Company
Philippines, Inc. and the Soroptomist
International of Mandaluyong (SIM).
The mothers of the little girls who
took part in the program were likewise
in high spirits, having gotten substantial Clockwise: 1. The INC family enjoying themselves in the company of
nutritional awareness and knowledge the healthy little girls who graduated from the feeding program. 2. The
from the project beneficial not only to members of SIM with Mr. Richard Schultze and Jollibee. 3. The combined
team of INC Manila and SIM with the kids. 4. Ms. Rose Mesina posing with
their kids but also to their families.
Having Jollibee in central Manda- the little girls who showed their dancing prowess during the program.
luyong City as the venue for the graduMr. Richard Schultze, Fleet Personnel its very supation rites of the mothers and daughters in
Manager of Interorient Marine Services, the portive Board
the feeding and learning program also added
Cyprus-based principal of INC Manila, was of Directors
to the happiness and excitement that permetasked to give an inspirational message dur- and Advisated much of the atmosphere during the ening the program. Realizing that his audience ers headed
tire three-hour program. It was the very same
however was more intent on letting the games by
Charvenue where the program was launched by
and the fun begin, he simply extended his ter President Mrs. Peregrina Z. Reyes, Past
INC Manila and SIM late in October 2010.
brief congratulations to the staff of INC Ma- President, Past District Director and Past
With the popular and well-loved Jollibee
nila, to SIM, to the Barangay officials, and Program Council Development Chair Mrs.
mascot doing his impromptu and cute little
most especially to the mothers and daughters Ruth R. Flores, Past Presidents Atty. Ma. Paz
acts during the party, to go with the prepared
who took part in the feeding and learning pro- Tagle-Chua, Mrs. Rebecca R. Sunga, and
entertainment program, games, prizes, and
gram for ensuring the success of the obvious Mrs. Susan L. Nieva.
stomach-filling food served during the event,
noble project.
As the implementing partner to the feedthe kids and their mothers truly had a blast.
Mr. Schultze actually joined the entire INC ing and learning program, the nutritionist of
From being undernourished, underweight,
Manila officers and staff in the graduation pro- Barangay Highway Hills, Menchee Cruz, also
and often lackadaisical, the little girls were
gram led by CEO Capt. Jerome Delos Angeenuine concern for the well-being
transformed by the program into sweet little
les, President Rey Ramirez, Financial Director
and constant safety of its people,
bundles of joy whose precocious smiles can
Rose Mesina and Operations Manager Capt.
be it sea-borne or shore-based,
relieve anybody from stress or practically
Nesias Rondina Jr.
ranks high among the primordial condouse cold water and ease any kind of body
Mrs. Virginia V. Peñalosa, President of
cerns of INC Navigation Company Philiptension.
SIM, also delivered a short message during
pines, Inc. With it comes the utmost dethe graduation rites where she acknowledged
sire to prevent or almost shield its people
the support of INC Manila for the feeding and
and others as well from wandering into
learning program, which is already on its ninth
the realm of the underworld or lawlessyear as one of the institutional initiatives of
SIM in the City of Mandaluyong.
ness.
A club of professional women who believe
Curtailing lawlessness requires proper
that they can contribute in building a better
awareness and the INC Manila Employworld through an organized manner, SIM is
ees Welfare Committee (EWC) deemed
now on its 17th year of extending joyful and
it necessary that a forum on human and
meaningful services meant to improve the
drug trafficking be held for its staff in orlives of marginalized women and girls in ManFour of the girls rendering a dance number.
der to give everyone a good grasp of two
daluyong City.
of high-profile crimes common in the inINC Manila’s Ms. Rose Mesina is an acternational shipping industry these days.
tive member of SIM and the collaboration with
In a collaborative undertaking with the
the club on the feeding and learning program
Soroptimist International of Mandaluyong
actually forms part of the regular socio-civic
(SIM) and the Rotary Club of Mandaluyinitiatives of the company under its Corporate
ong, INC Manila held a half-day seminar
Social Responsibility program.
on human trafficking and drug abuse and
Officers and members of SIM were also
trafficking at its offices in Ortigas Center,
in full force during the graduation rites, much
Pasig City on March 10, 2011.
the same way they were during the launching
Initially, the seminar was designed for
program six months ago. In addition to Mrs.
Mr. Ramirez delivering the closing remarks.
INC Manila officers and staff but CEO
Peñalosa, other SIM officers who helped enCapt. Jerome Delos Angeles realized its
sure the success of the program include Vice
relevance and usefulness to seafarers.
President Lucy F. Regala, Secretary Norma
So he directed the Filipino seamen who
T. Mendez, Assistant Secretary Nancy S. Uy,
Treasurer Rosie R. Lardizabal, Auditor Juaniwere at the INC offices that day to take
ta C. Chua and PRO Clara R. Lapus.
part in the forum as well.
The other members of SIM include Ma. JoMs. Virginia Penalosa, President of
sefina D. Arrastia, Victoria S. Britiller, Evelyn
SIM, and Mr. Diony Chan, President of
C. Choa, Consuelo Maria Javier, Edle Mapile,
the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong, kicked
Rose Mesina, Blanca Romero and Lourdes
off the seminar with their short messagdelos Santos.
es, both lauding INC Manila for taking
Gift giving by INC Manila and SIM officials.
SIM also draws strength and guidance from
G
tnm 87.indd 28
I
made a brief and holistic report on the project, detailing how it has transformed the lives and health state
of the 45 participating girls and their mothers. She
even disclosed that of the 45 participating kids, four
were actually diagnosed to be severely malnourished and grossly underweight. During the graduation day, every kid was in their normal weight, with a
couple of them going a tad above normal.
The combined team of INC Manila and SIM were
the ones who distributed food to the mothers and
daughters during the graduation program. The children feasted on chicken, spaghetti and sundaes to
their hearts delight.
Four of the participating girls also rendered a
moving dance number which draw wide applause
from the appreciative audience.
Subsequently, Mr. Ramirez and Ms. Mesina, raffled off several toy prizes for several of the kids before the INC President wrapped up the formal portion
of the program with his closing remarks, citing first
and foremost the successful collaboration between
INC Manila and SIM and looking forward to the next
socio-civic venture between the two organizations.
The combined team members of INC Manila and
SIM then gave each of the children a knapsack containing various toys and mementos from Jollibee
while giving a recyclable bag of other goodies to
each of the mothers.
In the end, every member of INC Manila and SIM
left the venue with a smile not just for getting another opportunity to be of help to others but more
importantly, for being able to contribute in making
a difference in the lives of several marginalized
people.
Taking the Hu
Traffickin
Officials of INC Manila, the Soroptismis International of
the plaque of appreciation to Ms. Bubot Sarmiento (left
speakers during the half-day forum on Human Trafficking
into account the importance of having its staff
and Filipino seafarers become more aware of
two constantly lurking menaces in the maritime
industry.
“Being familiar with these illegal crimes and its
pitfalls would enable people to address these in
the best manner they can, especially among seafarers, who are often being made as conduit of
foreign-based human trafficking syndicates and
by drug cartels or mafias as couriers of their illegal merchandise,” cites Mr. Chan.
Ms. Amparita S. Sta. Maria, Director of Women’s Desk at the Ateneo Human Rights Center
tackled in detail the subject of human trafficking,
which many thought was a thing of the past but
3/28/2011 11:35:31 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
29
INC Imparts Environmental
Know-How to UC-METC
A
s the first local manning company to have
been certified to ISO 14001 which is the global
standard for Environmental Management
Systems, INC Navigation Company Philippines,
Inc. made another groundbreaking initiative when
it decided to impart its technical know-how on
environmental management to University of Cebu
– Maritime Education and Training Center (UCMETC).
A new phase to the ever-expanding partnership
between INC and UC-METC, the two parties
could not have picked a better launching joint
environmental project than a pilot vermiculture and
vermicomposting initiative right inside the campus of
UC-METC in Mambaling, Cebu.
Vermicomposting is the process of turning solid
waste into usable fertilizer with the aid of vermin
or earthworms within a designated compost bed.
Vermiculture on the other hand is the process
of propagating earthworms needed in the
vermicomposting process.
On March 18, 2011, INC represented by INC
Manila CEO Capt. Jerome Delos Angeles and
University of Cebu President Atty. Augusto W. Go,
formalized the joint venture environmental project
with the ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) signing at the ampitheater of UC-METC.
Mr. Richard Schultze, Fleet Personnel Manager
of Interorient Marine Services, and Capt. Michael
Sarthou Jr., INC Cebu Branch Manager, served as
principal witnesses for INC while Engr. Marcos J.
Oyao, OIC-Maritime Superintendent of UC-METC,
acted as principal witness for UC.
The event drew the participation of the 50
The second batch of 50 INC sponsored cadets in UC-METC flanking the officials of UC and INC
including (seated, from left), Engr. Marcos Oyao, Atty. Augusto Go. Mr. Richard Schultze, Capt.
Jerome Delos Angeles, and Capt. Michael Sarthou Jr, at the conclusion of the MOA signing and
launching of the joint environmental project between INC and UC-METC.
Atty. Go of UC and Capt. Delos Angeles of INC
formally seal the agreement with a handshake
moments after signing the contract. With them
as principal witness for INC is Mr. Richard
Schultze, Fleet Personnel Manager of Interorient
Marine Services.
freshmen cadets of INC in UC-METC, as well
as a good number of faculty members and
staff of the university as the environmental
initiative obviously sparked their interests and
enthusiasm.
“This is yet again another milestone
partnership between INC and UC because
this would pave the way for the plan of this
uman and Drug Abuse and
ng Problems Seriously
a good number of them are actually not
aware that in some foreign countries,
drug trafficking is punishable by either
life imprisonment or death sentence.
Ms. Sarmiento even expounded
during her presentation on some examples of people who fell prey to the
lure of drug trafficking and whose lives
ended in the gutter.
A lively open forum ensued before
INC President Reynaldo Ramirez
wrapped up the program by giving the
closing remarks.
f Mandaluyong, and the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong handing
Capt. Delos Angeles says that INC
photo) and to Ms. Amparita Sta. Maria for being the resource Manila will continue to look for ways to
g and Drug Abuse and Trafficking at the offices of INC Manila.
increase the awareness of its people
obviously still is an ongoing illegal activity particu- on social issues such as these. “Being
aware is also being bewared,” he pointed
lar in many third world countries.
She explained and cited how many lives were out a matter-of-factly.
lost and changed for the worst because of human
trafficking. Many people who are subjects of human trafficking end up working as slaves in foreign countries and a good number of them are being subjected to various physical abuse since they
don’t have any kind of identity to speak of.
The topic on drug abuse and trafficking was
discussed lengthily by Ms. Ma. Corazon ‘Bubot’ E.
Sarmiento, Founder and Chairperson of Ayoko sa
Bawal na Droga (AKO) Partylist.
INC Ceo Capt. Delos Angeles and INC
Of course, it was obvious to the participants
President Rey Ramirez led the participants
to the forum.
why drug abuse is extremely bad for anyone. But
tnm 87.indd 29
university to be eventually certified to ISO
14001 standards. If and when that happens,
UC would become the first local university to
be given an ISO certification for Environmental
Management Systems,” states Atty. Go
during his brief remarks following the formal
MOA signing.
“I would like to thank INC for always making
itself available and sharing their environmental
expertise to UC, which is already an evolution
of our long-term cadet sponsorship program
with them. I also appreciate the profound
gesture of Jerome, Richard and Michael for
personally coming over here in Cebu to make
this project a reality,” gratefully stated Atty.
Go.
The
implementation
of
the
pilot
vermiculture and vermicomposting project
will be spearheaded by the INC sponsored
cadets at UC-METC, and they shall seek to
make it a campus-wide initiative by imbibing
to the subconscious of the other maritime
students in the institution the contribution
that the project would be making towards
conserving the environment.
During the short program for the MOA
signing and launching of the vermiculture
and vermicomposting project, Mr. Alberto C.
Felisilda Jr., QMR of UC-METC, cited the
rationale for the project by stating that it is the
goal of UC to contribute in local environmental
initiatives by directly involving its students in
the process to make them more aware and
conscious of their sensitive environment.
An extensive presentation on vermiculture
and vermicomposting was also made
during the program by Emmanuel P.
Crucio,
Environmental
Planner
and
Waste Management Adviser of German
Technological Corporation (GTZ) Phils.,
that gave everyone a better grasp of the
intricacies, proper methodologies and
techniques in successfully implementing the
dual-component project.
Mr. Crucio highly recommended the use
Cadets and faculty members listening intently
on the vermicomposting presentation.
of African night crawlers to serve as vermin
for the compost project because these types
of earthworms have been proven to be the
most effective, provided that they are feed
with compost properly. He said that the
typical compost is two to three parts, brown
waste, and one part green waste or those
that are rich in nitrogen such as animal
manure and tree leaves.
UC-METC has already started building
three compost beds in an inconspicuous
location in the campus, which is to be
maintained and ensured by the INC cadets.
Upon implementation, the project would
contribute in recycling some of the solid
waste being produced by the campus on a
daily basis.
Capt. Delos Angeles says the vermiculture
and vermicomposting project is just the start
of the partnership with UC-METC with regards
to environmental management. “Eventually,
INC, through Cebu Branch Manager Capt.
Sarthou would provide them technical
inputs, know-how, and advice on
how to put in place environmental
management system including the
development of the environmental
management manual, which is
normally required in the audit for
ISO 14001,” he said.
INC’s
concern
for
the
environment obviously knows
no boundaries. And its genuine
gesture to extend assistance
to propagate the awareness to
the academe is indeed a major
stride towards institutionalizing
conservation
The vermicompost beds for the UC-INC environmental environmental
down to the level of students.
project are already nearing completion.
3/28/2011 11:36:03 AM
30 TINIG NG MARINO
P
MARCH - APRIL 2011
PACC Shipping Phils., Inc.
on Course toward Becoming
an ‘Enterprise of Excellence’
ACC Shipping Phils., Inc. is well on
course toward its vision of becoming
an ‘Enterprise of Excellence’ in the
maritime business. This was very evident
as the low-key yet productive and prolific
manning company marked its 20th year in
the industry in an auspicious event held on
January 28, 2011 at the Ramon Magsaysay
Hall of the Ramon Magsaysay Center
along Roxas Boulevard in Malate, Manila.
Significantly marking its 20th Anniversary
on a very high note, PACC Shipping
practically left no stones unturned in
coming up with a grand celebration befitting
a company that has withstood the dynamic
challenges and test of time for two decades
coming out of it bigger, better and stronger.
A member of the PCL (Pacific Carriers
Limited) Group of Singapore, PACC
Shipping has certainly come a long way
from ushering its own and unique brand of
crew management in the Philippine manning
industry 20 years ago under the corporate
name of DMA Shipping Phils., Inc.
Mr. Lim Tau Kok, Chairman of the
PACC Shipping provides the full crew
Board of PACC Shipping Phils., Inc.,
requirements of ships of foreign principals
leading the ceremonial toast for the
who are owners of various types of vessels
continued success of the manning
including bulk carriers, tankers, container
company in the years ahead.
ships, and multi-purpose vessels. The
company’s roster of reputable foreign stockholders, officials, staff, Filipino
principals include Faversham Ships Limited seafarers, their families, and select
of United Kingdom, PSM Perkapalan Sdn guests from the local maritime
Bhd of Malaysia, Pacific Workboats Pte Ltd industry who all came to join
of Singapore, and U-Ming Marine Transport PACC Shipping’s 20th Anniversary
Corporation of Taiwan.
celebration.
Prolific yet low profile, productive yet
Giving an overview of PACC
silent, and most of all, gets the job done Shipping’s future action plans, Mr.
with hardly any fanfare, these have become Lim Tau Kok disclosed: “We will
the proud hallmarks of the company in its continue to recruit, develop, motivate, Each raising a glass for the accomplishments of PACC Shipping Phils., Inc. in the past 20 years with hopes
two decades of existence in the business reward and retain employees of of more success in the years ahead, some of the Members of the Board of Directors of the company, its key
as a bankable and reputable manning high quality. We will also create a officials, and a representative of one of its foreign principals take center stage to join Mr. Lim Tau Kok for the
agency. These distinctive attributes were culture of continuous learning and ceremonial toast. They include (from right) Mr. Hamid Kadir, Vice Chairman of the Board; Ms. Baby Bihis,
clearly shown in the brief slide presentation improvement. We shall continue Treasurer; Ms. Juvilyn Batac-Anaya, President and CEO; Ms. Philna Malagad, Corporate Secretary; Capt. Ng
Cock Soon of PPSB; and Chief Engr. John Cabrera, representing Mr. Nick Sice of Faversham Ships Ltd.
of PACC Shipping’s history during the to build on our past experiences,
anniversary program.
20th Anniversary celebration included Mr. highly esteemed principals. “The business
strengthening our bonds with our
Mr. Lim Tau Kok, Chairman of the Board sea staff and their families through regular Hamid Kadir, Vice Chairman of the Board; cooperation and support you have bestowed
of PACC Shipping, in his inspirational seminars and gatherings.”
Ms. Baby Bihis, Treasurer; Ms. Philna to PACC Manila all these years has been one
message during the 20th Anniversary
He attributed the continued success of the Malagad, Corporate Secretary; and Chief of the strong cornerstones of our existence.
celebration, acknowledged the success company to the people who’ve been quietly Engr. Generoso Mamaril.
Had it not been for the trust and confidence,
that the company has
Mr. Lim Tau Kok also acknowledged the PACC Manila would not been able to grow
but effectively running it
achieved in stating: “It
when he mentioned: “As significant contributions and the loyalty of the to what it is today We thank you very much
is very sweet to taste
it is often said, a company officers and the staff, both shore and sea, for the partnership and we look forward to a
the fruits of our efforts
is really about the people to the continued growth of PACC Shipping. long and lasting relationship in the years to
for the last 20 years.
who run it. We owe our “A company like PACC Manila would not come,” he pointed out.
The company has gone
In concluding his message, Mr. Lim Tau
achievements over these be able to effectively fulfil the requirements
through many challenges.
20 years to a number of our principals if it is not staffed with Kok rallied the people behind the company
We met each of these
of people. I would like competent and loyal people. They are our by stressing: “The success of PACC Manila
challenges in our stride
to honor first the very greatest asset. It is much easier to recruit will bring benefits to all stakeholders
and this has made us a
people who pioneered the competent people, but loyalty cannot be including our families so let us all work
much stronger company
formation of PACC Manila bought. It is deeper and profound, something together as a team toward achieving our
today.”
that is built on trust over a period of time. For goal.”
‘What a journey it has been!’ was and still painstakingly steer
“But we will not rest how Ms. Juvilyn Anaya, President the company up to this very this reason, it is but fitting to commend our
The Chairman of the Board’s buoyant
on our laurels. We shall and CEO of PACC Shipping, moment - our stockholders - loyalty awardees who chose to stay with us, inspirational message was preceded by
continue with our pursuit describes the 20-year existence of who have stayed and given despite the crisis and the tempting offers from the quite appreciative, albeit emotional,
of excellence consistent the company.
their vote of confidence to competitor companies. We salute you for the welcome remarks delivered by Ms. Juvilyn
with our corporate vision launched three the Board of Directors, to manage PACC exemplary show of loyalty and confidence to L. Batac-Anaya, President and CEO of
years ago of becoming an ‘Enterprise of Manila for the past two decades.”
PACC Shipping.
the company.”
Excellence’ in the maritime business,”
“Ours was a long journey, and as one
The Chairman of the Board likewise
Apart from himself, the other stockholders
he assured, speaking before company who were around during PACC Shipping’s expressed gratitude to the company’s line in a popular song goes ‘What a journey
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Ms. Juvilyn Anaya (middle) is shown being flanked by Mr. Lim Tau Kok (second from right),
Mr. Hamid Kadir (second from left), Ms. Philna Malagad (left), and Mr. Augusto Blanco (right),
following her receipt of the distinctive 20-year Loyalty Award as one of the known pioneers of the
company.
31
Mr. Lim Tau Kok (right), Mr. Hamid Kadir (left) and Ms. Juvilyn Anaya (second from left), are shown
flanking the recipients of the 10 to 14-year Loyalty Awards from Faversham Ships Ltd. led by Chief
Engr. John Cabrera (third from left).
PACC Shipping Phils., Inc.
on Course toward Becoming
an ‘Enterprise of Excellence’
loud applause from the audience.
it has been!’ The journey was not smooth
Shortly thereafter, plaques of appreciation
sailing so to speak. We have practically
were personally handed by Mr. Lim Tau Kok
overcome all sorts of challenges. It was
and Mr. Hamid Kadir to representatives of
a journey of triumphs and defeats, of
the company’s foreign principals.
tears and laughters, of melancholy and
Capping off the program highlight was
euphoria. I would say, with all humility, that
the ceremonial toast led by Mr. Lim Tau Kok
our greatest weapon all these years is the
and Mr. Hamid Kadir along with the company
realization that not much can be done from
within our end or none at all, had it not you,” Ms. Batac-Anaya enthused while trying principals: Faversham, PPSB and U-Ming. stockholders and officers present during the
In addition to the loyalty plaque, each celebration, as they enjoined everyone to
been for the intervention and blessing of to contain her tears.
The President and CEO even admitted in recipient also got a 14- karat gold pendant raise a glass to symbolize PACC Shipping’s
our Almighty God who has been our “Silent
success, unity, cooperation as well as
Boss” all these 20 years. We give back the her remarks that the company is indeed a low- with inscription.
The second set of loyalty awards were optimism in the years ahead.
glory to Him and we unendingly thank Him profile organization. “Many of our seafarers,
Ms. Philna Malagad drew the program to
for bringing PACC Philippines to where we especially the new ones could not believe for those who have piled up 15 to 19 years
are now,” Ms. Juvilyn Anaya elaborated that PACC Philippines is now two decades of service with the company. Most of the a close by delivering the closing remarks,
old. We are indeed a low-profile company. awardees for this category were Filipino expressing the company’s sincerest
matter-of-factly.
She likewise acknowledged and And consistent with that description, we have seafarers who have been working onboard gratitude to Mr. Lim Tau Kok for really taking
expressed the profound gratitude of the actually planned this event to be a simple the vessels of PPSB and shore-based staff time out from his hectic schedule as he flew
company to the stockholders and Members but meaningful gathering for those sea and of PACC Shipping. Mr. Lim Tau Kok, Ms. in direct from Singapore just to take an
of the Board of Directors for staying with the shore staff who have served us loyally and to Anaya, Ms. Philna Malagad, and Capt. Ng active part in the anniversary celebration of
company all throughout and for believing our principals who have entrusted us to man Cock Soon of PPSB personally bequeathed PACC Shipping.
She likewise extended her thanks to
the awards to each recipient featuring a
in the people who run the affairs of PACC their vessels for the past 20 years.”
loyalty plaque and 14-karat gold pendant Mr. Hamid Kadir, to the Members of the
Shipping.
Board of Directors, to the stockholders,
and bracelet with inscription.
Loyalty Awardees Take the Limelight
Ms. Anaya then segued to the emotional
The third and most significant of the to the company’s principals, to the loyalty
True
to
Ms.
Juvilyn
Anaya’s
portion of her remarks. “I would like to pay
homage to a very special man - our mentor, pronouncements at the onset of the program, loyalty awards given that night were for awardees, to the future loyalty awardees,
our trainer, our friend, our confidante, the night actually belonged to the sea and the company pioneers who have been with to the company suppliers, to guests from
our second father. He was the guiding shore staff of PACC Shipping who have PACC Shipping since its birth 20 years the maritime industry, and to all those who
force, the anchor, and fortress of PACC logged on 10 years of service or more with ago. The short roster of awardees includes were present for making the celebration
a few shore staff headlined no less by the truly meaningful and eventful.
Philippines during the first decade of our the manning company.
“Thank you for making this event possible
The loyalty awardees were actually company President and CEO. The awards
corporate existence. He left a legacy of
good name which, up to this very moment divided into three categories and three were handed by Mr. Lim Tau Kok, Mr. Hamid and for sharing this meaningful moment
continuously reap positive returns for PACC respective portions in the anniversary Kadir, and Ms. Philna Malagad featuring a with us. To our Creator, our Almighty Father,
we give back to
Philippines as a corporation of
you the glory
reputable and credible image
for everything
observing
to the highest
that
PACC
level, the principles of good
Philippines has
governance.”
and will have
“May I therefore request
in the years to
for a moment of silence, as
come.
Thank
we remember and pray for our
you and see
late founder, President and
you all in the
General Manager, Capt. Jose
E. Diaz. Capt. Diaz, I know Recipients of the 10 - 14 years of service Loyalty The 15 to 19-year Loyalty Awardees from The Loyalty Awardees from U-Ming Marine Transport next anniversary
Awards from PPSB.
PPSB.
who have been with the company for 10- 14 years. celebration
of
you may not be physically
present with us to celebrate this very special program, spiced up in between by special loyalty plaque and 14-karat gold bracelet PACC Philippines,” Ms. Malagad wrapped
up.
occasion, but I am sure that you are with entertainment numbers to give the audience and necklace.
It may perhaps take a low-profile
Several of the loyalty awards recipients,
us in spirit and that you are very happy for a breather as well as add to the excitement
mostly Filipino ship officers, also gave company like PACC Shipping Philippines
what the company you loved so dearly, has build up moving towards the finale.
The first set of awardees, whose personal testimonies as to how well PACC another five years to come up with an event
achieved and reached all these 20 years.
Thank you Captain, for your profound plaques were handed by Ms. Anaya and Shipping took care of them and their families in the magnitude of its 20th Anniversary
contributions and guidance! We will always representatives of foreign principals, were by ensuring them competitive remuneration celebration. More importantly however, it
remember you with fondness and grateful for those who have been working for or and welfare benefits as well as professional has already laid down the groundwork and
heart for all that you have shared and for through PACC Shipping for a period of development and career advancement. They set in motion practically all the things needed
the legacy. We salute you Captain! It was a between 10 to 14 years. Most of them were were practically one in saying that they would to be done to truly become an ‘Enterprise of
pleasure and a great honor to have shared Filipino seafarers who have been working continue working with the company until they Excellence,’ zeroing in first and foremost to
the first 10 years of our corporate life with onboard the vessels of PACC Shipping’s retire from seafaring, drawing praises and its most valuable asset – its people.
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Global Leader MISC Takes Extra
Good Care of its Senior Ship Officers
M
ISC Berhad, one of the leading
shipping conglomerates in the
world, is certainly living up to its
reputation as a global leader not only on
the international transport and logistics
front but also in terms of taking care of and
ensuring the continued career development
of its senior sea staffs.
This became quite evident once again
with the company’s successful holding
of the productive 15th Senior Officers
Management Forum (SOMF) at Sofitel
Philippine Plaza in Manila, Philippines on
March 1 to 5, 2011.
MISC is one of the world’s largest
shipping companies, and owns a modern
and well-diversified young fleet of more than
100 vessels with a combined tonnage of 11
million deadweight tons. The company’s
fleet is composed of LNGs, LPGs, oil and
chemical tankers, and containerships with
an average age of less than 10 years old.
Participated in by a total of off-duty 52
senior sea staffs who have had significant
shipboard stints on various MISC vessels,
the 15th SOMF practically charts a new
course for their continued professional
development with the company, possibly
even beyond their careers at sea.
The conference theme aptly titled:
“Flawless Reliability and Attaining Superior
Business Eligibility” sums up MISC’s
position in respect to its sea staff. MISC lays
down more opportunities and wider room
for growth within the global organization for
the participating senior staffs, if they are up
to the challenge.
As a global organization that thrives
on a multi-cultural environment, MISC’s
15th SOMF was attended by a mix of
seafarer nationalities, comprising of
Filipinos,
Malaysians,
Indonesians,
Bangladeshis, and Romanians. The event
was spearheaded by the company’s HRM
Sea Department, drawing support from
the staff of Eagle Star Crew Management
Corporation, MISC’s exclusive crewing
partner in the Philippines.
The participating senior sea staffs,
who are holding the ranks of Master,
Chief Engineer, Chief Officer and Second
Engineer, never felt homesick during the
entire duration of the conference as most
actually brought their spouses and children
with them, courtesy of MISC. Eagle Star
provided the seafarer-family members with
a separate itinerary during the duration
of the conference that focused mainly
on shopping and sightseeing at
Manila’s famous landmarks.
Participating senior ship officers, management staff flank MISC President Datuk
Nasarudin bin Md. Idris during the 15th SOMF held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
Idris, who despite his busy schedule, made
time to deliver an inspirational keynote
address to the senior sea staff, emphasizing
their important role in the company as the
face of MISC to its customers. He also urged
them to think and behave as if they were the
owners of MISC. He further added that in
doing so, each person would have a greater
sense of pride and a greater passion to see
the company succeed, and at the end of the
day, they would be able to leave a lasting
legacy.
It was apparent that the participating
senior sea staff were proud to belong to a
company like MISC because they further
realized how the management considers
them as co-equal members of one big
cohesive team – the MISC Team.
Filipino Master Christopher Del Rosario,
who has been serving onboard MISC vessels
since 2000, says that he is very happy and
contented working for the company because
it never stops providing them the needed
skills, knowledge, trainings, and technology
in ensuring their continuous productivity
onboard.
“I found my fulfilment with MISC as a
seafarer and I certainly could not ask for
more,” says Capt. Del Rosario who brought
his wife Jackie to the conference. A member
of Class ’82 of the Philippine Merchant
Marine Academy (PMMA), he disclosed that
he used to work with Parola Maritime Agency
Corporation
as
Training
Director before
getting active
again at sea
with
MISC
sometime in
2000. Parola
used to be the
crewing arm
of MISC in the
Philippines.
Malaysian
Chief
Engr.
MISC Berhad President and
Ruzkinain
Datuk Nasarudin bin Md. Idris
Bin
Osman
says the conference further strengthened
the bond and camaraderie not only among
the participating senior sea staffs but also
between them and the management team
of MISC. He also brought along his wife
to the conference but somehow regretted
not bringing any of his three children with
them especially during the Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) portion of the
conference where families of MISC senior
sea staffs interacted and mingled with the
terminally ill children of Child Haus.
C/E Ruzkinain has been with MISC for 16
years, having started with the company as
a cadet of ALAM (Akademi Laut Malaysia),
the premier maritime training institution in
Malaysia that is also owned by MISC.
CEO
Capt. Rajalingam Subramaniam, MISC
VP for Fleet Management Services
Indonesian Chief Officer Ida Sri Nur
Utami, who has only been working for two
years with MISC, is quite happy becoming
part of a global shipping organization and
looks forward to a promising and fruitful
career with the company. As the only lady
participant to the conference, she finds the
15th SOMF very interesting and important for
the continued professional development of
the participating senior sea staffs including
herself.
She says she has learned a lot from both
her colleagues and the MISC management
team. C/O Ida came to the conference alone
as her husband is also an active seafarer
(2nd Officer) for a Singaporean shipping firm
and whom she obviously outranks. Their
Premium Importance of Sea
Staff
The significance of the 15th
SOMF and the high premium
that the company puts on its
senior sea staff became more
pronounced with the participation
of MISC Berhad’s President /
CEO, Datuk Nasarudin bin Md. The MISC President and CEO having lunch with Mr. Hazrin Hassan (left), GM Fleet Maintenance, discussing behavioural safety that was followed by an interactive
some of the forum participants.
tnm 87.indd 32
breakout session.
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MARCH - APRIL 2011
only child is only three months old and was
left to the care of C/O Ida’s parents.
The general feeling of satisfaction and
contentment of being part of the MISC
Team was also very overwhelming among
the seafarer’s wives as most, if not all, have
considered it their husband’s final company
until they give up their seafaring uniform or
retire as senior citizens for good.
Even the small children of MISC senior
sea staffs knows what kind of company
their patriarch is working for and how they
enjoyed being part of the extended MISC
family.
Continuous Learning Process
As one of MISC’s institutional capacitybuilding initiative for its senior sea staffs,
the bulk of the SOMF, just like in the past,
dealt primarily on how everyone can further
improve themselves towards ensuring
‘flawless reliability’ while preparing them
towards the next step by pushing them to
attain ‘superior business eligibility.’
The conference proper actually rolled
off in the afternoon of March 1 with a subtheme of ‘Continuous Learning’ where
Ms. Khoo Siew Phaik, GM of Corporate
Planning talked about Global Economy and
its Impact to MISC.
The official opening and welcome
dinner was presided by Capt. Khalid
Mohamad, GM HRM Sea, as he delivered
the welcome address citing in particular the
synergy and importance of the SOMF to
the participating senior sea staffs and the
MISC management.
The second day of the conference had
a sub-theme of ‘Operational Excellence
and Team Synergy,’ and were facilitated
by Mdm. Fiona C. Pereira, GM Group
Corporate Affairs, who tackled the topic
Media and Brand Awareness; Mr. Senen
Mohd. Bajuri, SM QHSSE and DPA, who
elaborated on HSSE Alert; and Mr. Hazrin
Hassan, GM Fleet Maintenance, who
lengthily discussed the critical topic of
Behavioural Safety.
The BHS team subsequently facilitated a
breakout session, where the 52 participating
senior sea staffs were divided into six
groups, and each group collaboratively
answered and offered various ideas on
how sea staffs can inculcate behavioural
safety onboard MISC vessels focusing on
continuing or putting a stop on existing
process or initiating new and well-meaning
programs onboard.
A Management Team Building Session
facilitated by team building trainers was held
in the afternoon with the goal of ‘Engaging
ONE Team towards Flawless Reliability.’
With a sub-theme of ‘Business Growth
and Corporate Social Responsibility,’ the
third day conference itinerary consisted of
a talk on Management Security Onboard
33
MISC management officials, sea staff and their families join the kids of Child Haus during the CSR program ending with a donation and gift-giving.
Global Leader MISC
Takes Extra Good Care
of its Sea Staff
by Lt. Cdr. (R) Shahrim Ahmad of DCSO,
as well as a Business Perspective (Adding
Values) presentation by the Vice Presidents
of MISC’s Business Units, namely Mr.
Khalzani M. Saffian, Vice President of
Chemical Business; Mr. Baharuddin Arbak,
Vice President of Liner Business; and Mr.
Faizul Ismail, Senior General Manager
of LNG Business. This session saw the
Business Unit heads sharing the current
outlook of their respective business which
gave the senior officers an understanding
of what was required and expected of
them, from an industry and also internal
perspective. The session also provided the
VPs an opportunity to share their concerns
with regards to the quality of performance of
the sea staff in helping them to further drive
their respective business.
The Corporate Social Responsibility
programme was the main dish for the
afternoon of the conference’s third day. In
the CSR program, the MISC management
team, Eagle Star officials and staff,
participating senior sea staffs, their wives
and kids, join some of the children of
Child Haus in an afternoon of fun and
entertainment highlighted by acrobat and
comic performances, a magic show, a cake
decoration portion, and a t-shirt designing
contest. Child Haus serves as a temporary
shelter for mostly terminally sick children who
reside outside of Manila but have no place to
stay in the city while they’re undergoing rigid
medical treatment.
The program concluded on a very high
note as MISC donated several items to
Child Haus including a brand new desktop
computer, two units of two-burner gas stoves,
a donation box containing the contributions
of senior sea staffs and their families as
they whole-heartedly shared part of their
blessings to the underprivileged kids of
Child Haus, and a P50,000 cheque donation
by MISC handed out by Capt. Rajalingam
Subramaniam, VP Fleet Management
Services, and Simon Heo, Director of Eagle
Star, along with several members of the
management team of MISC present during
the event.
The kids of Child Haus, who were present
during the program and who are mostly
fighting with their respective serious or
terminal illnesses, appreciated the gesture
and delivered a heart-rending group song
number “Thanks to You,” which practically
touched the hearts of everyone present, with
some of the wives not able to contain their
tears from flowing from their eyes.
The fourth day of the conference had
a sub-theme of ‘Knowledge Sharing
and Engagement’ and resumed the
continuous learning process for the
MISC senior sea staffs. Three guest
speakers that included Atty. Maximo
Abad of the Associated Marine Officers
and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines
(AMOSUP); Mr. Robin Gratjios of
Safe Ship; and Mr. Ong Ky of Wartsila
Singapore shared information and
knowledge about their respective
organizations and the services and/or
products that they provide to seafarers
during the morning session.
The second half of the conference’s
fourth day focused on breakout and
engagement sessions as participating
senior sea staffs were divided into three
groups – one for QHSSE, one for Fleet
Operationa and CFT Heads, and one
for HRM (Sea).
Capt. Rajalingam Subramaniam
officially drew the conference proper to
a close by taking over the Sharing and
Closing Sessions focusing on the lessons
learned and expectations setting for the
participating senior sea staffs.
After a couple of day’s work, it’s time
everyone gets a breather. MISC and Eagle
Star made sure that the participating
senior sea staffs and their families would
precisely get that with an extravagant gala
dinner held at the Sunset Pavilion of Sofitel
Philippine Plaza.
Bannered by the theme ‘Fiesta-rrific
Manila,’ the gala dinner certainly concluded
the conference and the evening on an
extremely high and lively note as MISC and
Eagle Star officials and staff, participating
senior sea staffs and their families were
treated to an evening of entertainment,
food, and fun featuring interactive Philippine
folk dance presentations, (as those who
are more than willing tried the dance as
well), and an engaging entertainment
program hosted by Filipina comedienne
Kaye Brosas.
And as usual, the party had plenty of
music and dance numbers much to the
satisfaction and full enjoyment of everyone
around.
The Fiesta-rrrific Manila gala dinner was an evening of music, interactive folk dancing, and loads of fun and entertainment hosted by Filipino comedienne Kaye Brosas.
tnm 87.indd 33
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3/28/2011 11:38:14 AM
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35
Eagle Star
Provides Ship Officers
with Health Cover
I
n its almost ceaseless pursuit of providing only the best working conditions
and benefits to Filipino seafarers under
its employ, Eagle Star Crew Management
Corporation has partnered with Cocolife
to provide its Filipino ship officers with
health insurance coverage that also includes their immediate family members.
The health insurance coverage of Eagle Star’s ship officers with Cocolife, numbering almost 400, was packaged and
facilitated by A.V. Ocampo Insurance Broker, Inc, a duly-accredited and licensed
insurance broker.
As a joint venture company of MISC
Berhad, AET, and Parola Maritime Agency Corp., Eagle Star Crew Management
exclusively serves as the crewing arm of
MISC and AET in the Philippines.
On March 8, 2011, officials of Eagle
Star Crew Management, Cocolife, and
A.V. Ocampo Insurance Broker formally
signed the health insurance coverage
agreement at the office of Eagle Star in
Makati City, Metro Manila.
Mr. Simon Heo, Director of Eagle Star,
and Mr. Lourel C. Maagma, Senior Vice
tnm 87.indd 35
President and Head of Healthcare Division
of Cocolife, inked the agreement with Mr.
Poh Wee Lim, MISC/AET Owner’s Representative, and Mr. Franz Joie D. Araque,
Assistant Vice President of Cocolife, serving as principal witnesses. Also on hand
to witness the signing are the officers and
staff of A.V. Ocampo Insurance Broker led
by Mr. Raffy T. Ocampo, President and
CEO; and Dexter F. Cervantes, Key Accounts Manager.
Mr. Heo said that the health package
that they have acquired for their Filipino
ship officers will ensure the latter’s health
protection every time they are off-duty from
their shipboard stints ashore as well as that
of their immediate family members.
Aside from the Filipino ship officer, the
health insurance also includes the spouse
and a maximum of four children who are
below 21 years old at that time of the coverage.
The health insurance cover for ship officers under its employ is just one of the
many package of benefits and incentives
that Filipino seafarers would surely enjoy
being in the employ of Eagle Star Crew
Mr. Simon Heo, (second from left), Director of
Eagle Star Crew Management Corp. and Mr. Lourel
C. Maagma, Senior Vice President and Head of
Healthcare Division of Cocolife, signs the health
insurance coveraged agreement for all Filipino
ship officers under the employ of Eagle Star.
Acting as principal witnesses are Mr. Poh Wee Lim
(left), MISC/AET Owner’s Representative, and Mr.
Franz Joie D. Araque, Assistant Vice President of
Cocolife. Also on hand during the signing are officers and staff of A.V. Ocampo Insurance Broker
led by its President and CEO Mr. Raffy T. Ocampo (standing, second from right). Left photo
shows the signatories further sealing the agreement with a handshake.
Management. And that’s even on top of
a very competitive remuneration package
commensurate to rank and experience
that the company’s reputable principals are
known to give.
“We have more and better things in
store for our Filipino crew because we
certainly would like to see them and their
careers soar with Eagle Star,” Mr. Heo
stated.
3/28/2011 11:38:18 AM
36 TINIG NG MARINO
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3/28/2011 11:38:26 AM
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37
JOIN US IN OUR FIGHT
(AN APPEAL FROM THE UFS)
The Marine Engineer Officers Association of the Philippines (MEOAP) has been
resorting to false propaganda, blackmail and legal threats to intimidate its critics. This is
to be expected. The MEOAP officials are unable to face the central issue raised by the
United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) and the general MEOAP membership: WHERE’S THE
MONEY?
Unfortunately, the members of the Board of Marine Engineer Officers (BMEO) and
the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) itself have become the targets of
MEOAP’s harassment tactics. MEOAP has threatened to file a legal injunction against
the PRC and the examiners after the Association was excluded from the recent oathtaking ceremony for newly passed marine engineer officers. MEOAP President Gilberto
Deligero has even sought the suspension of all members of the BMEO.
MEOAP’s desperate moves are bound to disrupt the entire examination and
certification process. What will happen to our marine engineer officers? How will
the manning agencies cope with the rising global demand for qualified seafarers?
MEOAP’s legal manueverings have nothing to stand on but they will ultimately impact
on the national economy, which would be tantamount to ECONOMIC SABOTAGE.
In light of all this, I appeal to all Filipino seafarers and other stakeholders in the
manning and training sector to join us in our fight against MEOAP. I appeal to all the
alumni of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to stop fence-sitting and
support our campaign.
I am not asking for financial support although we do need funds to carry on the fight.
God knows that during the first five years of the UFS, I devoted all my time to the union
when I could have just attended to my career as a marine engineer officer. Early on in
the life of the UFS, I had to sell my house after I had used up my personal savings. I
continue to make great personal sacrifices as the UFS presses on with its campaign
to advance the rights of Filipino seafarers and address the wrongs in the maritime
industry.
Please join me in this present struggle. I appeal to all of you to help the members of
the (BMEO) by giving them your moral support. Call or email them and say you are with
them during these difficult times. Tell your respective associations about MEOAP and
how it has ran roughshod over our marine engineer officers. Persuade your friends
and colleagues to help the UFS and yours truly fight for justice on behalf of the PRC
examiners and all Filipino seafarers.
Mabuhay ang mga Marinong Pilipino at Mabuhay ang ating Industriya Maritima!
Engr. Nelson P. Ramirez
President
United Filipino Seafarers
tnm 87.indd 37
3/28/2011 11:38:31 AM
38 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
Seafarer Sues Lafeber-Affiliate Agency for Illegal Dismissal
A
Filipino rating has become one of the
latest victims of working for a foreign
shipowner-principal
employed
through Gyron Crew, Inc, the local manning
agency that has grown in notoriety because
of its affiliation to Ronald Lafeber, the Dutch
man-on-the-run, famous for his notorious,
albeit creative, exploits in the so-called
double contract racket on a number of
Filipino seafarers working onboard Dutchflagged vessels.
But instead of succumbing to the blows
as many before him did, this Ordinary
Seafarer decided to fight back having
consulted the United Filipino Seafarers
(UFS) and its President Engr. Nelson
Ramirez, Lafeber’s arch-enemy in the local
maritime industry, just days after having
undergone his ordeal onboard the Dutchflagged vessel of a principal of Gyron
Crew, Inc.
Jayson M. Gomez, through Sapalo
Velez Bundang & Bulilan Law Offices, has
lodged a formal complaint with the National
Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) of
illegal dismissal versus Gyron Crew, Inc.
on February 9, 2011.
Gomez was prompted to sue Gyron
Crew following his unfortunate two-week
stint with a coast-wise vessel of Uni-Barge
Hollander, a Dutch principal of Gyron,
where he and his other Filipino colleague
worked for a full 72 hours or three days
straight, defying the international rules on
safe manning levels and obviously more
than the physical body can take.
As a result of the sleep-deprived 72hour work onboard, Gomez has in fact
collapsed or passed out due to overfatigue.
His colleague, Filipino OS Bernard Dalit,
has seen how Gomez went down but was
not able to do anything just the same,
thinking that they are bounded by the strict
Dutch working laws.
Gomez and Dalit are two of the three
crew members, the third being a Polish
captain, of a barge that plies only between
The Netherlands and Belgium. But instead
of having the name of the Dutch shipowner
on the two contracts that they signed with
Gyron Crew upon employment, the name
of the principal on their document was
Gyrom Shipping Ltd.
Gyrom Shipping is obviously a spinoff
from Gyron Crew BV crafted by Ronald
Lafeber, or ‘RL’ to his subordinates including
to the staff
of Gyron
Crew in
Manila
led by its
Crewing
Manager Norma Andaya, Somehow,
Gyrom sprouted in Rotterdam like wild
mushroom because Gyron Crew has
become a ‘hot property’ with the Dutch
authorities apparently
for having way too
many complaints and
legal complications.
A
clever
but
scheming person that
he is, RL knows how
to circumvent not only
Philippine but Dutch
laws as well.
Gomez and Dalit
signed
contracts
with Gyron Crew as
OS for only US$750
per month, which is
actually way below
Dutch standards of
about Euro 550 or not
below US$1,200 per
month. In addition,
these seafarers are
not actually treated
as
sea-based
workers but landbased
employees
and their seaman’s
books are hardly as
important
because
their Dutch working
visa or ID is the most
important document
they must have in
their
possession
while working in the
country.
When
Gomez
collapsed onboard, he
was not provided with
proper
medication
so when he got back
to his feet somehow
on his own, he
called the office of
Gyrom and asked for
proper medical support so that he and his
colleague
would be
able
to
survive
the kind
of
work
set-up onboard for their full contracts of
seven months.
Initially, Gyrom and Gyron hardly
bothered to take action on their request
but when the two Filipino seafarers had
the opportunity to get in touch with a
representative of the ITF in Rotterdam,
the two Filipinos somehow got some sort
of leverage. But instead of giving them
medical attention and other necessary
support, they were instead repatriated
back to the Philippines.
Their contracts was good from November
TURN TO PAGE 51
Jayson Gomez (right) sharing his ordeal with Engr. Nelson Ramirez and
Rey Gambe, Managing Editor of Tinig ng Marino, after being illegallydismissed by Gyron Crew’s Dutch principal.
tnm 87.indd 38
3/28/2011 11:38:42 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
House Committee Acts on UFS Petition
for Joint Inspection of Domestic Vessels
FROM PAGE 4
He added that inserting the PCG into
the task of domestic vessel inspection
and certification, which is also within the
bounds of its mandate as stipulated by
Republic Act No. 9993 otherwise known
as the Philippine Coast Guard Law of
2009, will surely curtail, if not eliminate,
corruption in the process, and ensure in
the long run the seaworthiness of most
vessels plying domestic routes.
39
the House Committee on Transportation
is expected to come up with a committee
report that shall most likely recommend the
institutionalization of the joint inspection
and certification of domestic vessels by
the MARINA and the PCG.
This in turn would
redound to passenger
and cargo safety as
maritime
disasters
and incidents would
be eliminated if not
contain to a bare
minimum, the UFS
President said.
Upon
the
completion of its
inquiry into the issue,
Committee Chairman Rep. Roger Mercardo (second from left) presiding
the committee hearings looking into the petition of UFS for a joint inspection
of domestic vessels by MARINA and PCG to improve maritime safety
tnm 87.indd 39
3/28/2011 11:38:46 AM
40 TINIG NG MARINO
tnm 87.indd 40
MARCH - APRIL 2011
3/28/2011 11:38:55 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
41
MMAP CORNER
CAPT. RODOLFO A. ASPILLAGA, M.M.
President, Masters and Mates Association of the Philippines (MMAP)
A True Single Maritime
Administration
R
ecall that when the Philippines was
being assessed for the IMO “white
list” of complying countries in
1998, the country was specifically advised
to establish a single administration for
seafarers.
It was very easy for the IMO competent
persons from Norway, Japan, US, and
another one, to make such a sound advice.
After all, they have seen how two or three
agencies of government were doing one
or more functions that duplicate the other
agencies’ work.
They have seen how some of the
agencies’ functions were rendered
“immobile” if not redundant due to
overlapping of functions. They asked
then: “How can we expect security of
documents, continuity of programs and
improvement in services to seafarers if
“turf war” between agencies arises from
time to time?”
The Philippine report of compliance
had shown it all. It had identified more
than 13 agencies involved in seafarer
administration in the country. Such is not
only overlapping, cumbersome, laborious
and prone to errors or problems.
The agencies include the Department of
Labor and Employment, the Department of
Transportation and Communications, the
Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office
of the President, the Maritime Industry
Authority, the Maritime Training Council,
the Professional Regulation Commission,
the Commission on Higher Education,
the Philippine Overseas Employment
Administration, the Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration, the Philippine
Coast Guard, the National Labor Relations
Commission, the National Conciliation and
Mediation Board, the Technical Education
Skills and Development Authority, the
Lower House, the Senate, and such other
agencies yet to be known to us.
Justification for such a single agency
for seafarers or maritime administration
is simple:
It would make maritime
governance simpler and decisions can
be made outright. At the same time, the
seafarers or the maritime public would
not be confused who to approach for
their specific problem. Moreover, the
decision is made with more authority and
finality because only a single authority is
deciding.
The single administration of all seafarer
affairs are already in place in several
developed countries. We can have a
model or pattern to adopt. We can mention
specifically Norway, Greece, and several
European countries.
The latest is the People’s Republic of
China, which structured their seafarer
administration to achieve integration of
all matters concerning seafarers. After all,
China is one of the countries in the world
with thousands of domestic and overseas
seafarers because of its modern fleet of
ships plying the rivers and the high seas.
Note that China has been touted as our
number one competitor in supplying
seafarers to the world merchant marine
fleet.
Make no mistake please. We don’t want
a “one-stop shop” agency that houses the
various units of government that has to
do with seafarers under one roof. Please
erase in your mind that fast processing of
seafarer documents under one roof is our
concept of “one-stop shop administration
of seafarer affairs.
Single maritime administration is
vesting into one department or agency
all the functions of the more than 13
agencies that have to do with seafarers.
Short of that, we don’t have a fighting
chance against our competitors as we
don’t have a functioning single maritime
administration.
If we don’t re-structure or change our
maritime administration for the better
soon, we would see one day that our
advantage in seafarer supply will be
gone. That means losing the $3.2 billion
of annual remittance from some 300,000
(average of $1,000 monthly) annual
seafarer deployment.
That means losing our grip over
several other profitable businesses in
shipbuilding and ship repairs, manning,
ship management, overseas shipping, as
well as global maritime training, and ship
surveying and classification.
We in the Masters and Mates
Association of the Philippines (MMAP) are
always in search for the “most favorable
climate” if not the “most ideal situation” in
our maritime industry if only to ease the
burden in certification and licensing for
our marine officers.
We are competing with the best of the
world in seafarer supply, hence, we must
have a well-oiled maritime administrative
machine as well.
Alas, the present Aquino Administration
is not yet oriented if not yet “marinated”
for us to expect re-structuring of maritime
administration in the coming days.
How to “marinate” the Administration is
quite a big task that will take a lot of time
and effort on our part. Let us do our share
to impart to this Administration that we
only wanted further maritime development
for our sector and country.
Indeed,
the
single
maritime
administration will unleash our sector
from shackles of immobility into that of a
vibrant and productive one that will bring
economic redemption for our country in
the coming years.
VAST HORIZON
An Open Letter to
my Daughter Jo Ann
FROM PAGE 16
(No Boyfriend Since Birth) yet until you are mature and ready. You
resisted peer pressure and chose to be in good hands and now,
you have realized that you are happier and free to be you.
Many people have noticed that you are getting more beautiful
as you grow and develop into a fine, young woman. May you also
continue to be beautiful in God’s sight. Rely on His love, protection,
and care, and have the faith of a child. As the Scripture says:
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
And so, as you go out into the real world, flap your wings. Soar
high into the sky!
Spread God’s love and goodness that are inherent in you. Tap
your talent. Stir up that intelligent and responsible person in you.
Believe that your dreams will come true. And by then, your Mom
and I will be flying with you and this time, you will be the wind under
our wings. We love you!
Love,
Daddy
tnm 87.indd 41
3/28/2011 11:39:02 AM
42 TINIG NG MARINO
tnm 87.indd 42
MARCH - APRIL 2011
3/28/2011 11:39:07 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
MEOAP CRUMBLES
FROM PAGE 25
further bared.
“I can’t also understand how on earth
was the association able to spend PhP
95,876 in miscellaneous expense in 2008
and PhP 332,675 in 2009 when in fact
practically all its expenses are already
covered in all its other budget line items.
Something really smells fishy and it’s time
that the Filipino marine engineer officermembers of the association and the
maritime industry public are made aware of
this,” Ramirez stressed.
“I am also challenging Lydia Malbog to
now publicly speak up on the issue. She
has been very talkative before this issue
blew up in the local maritime industry but
now she has decided to lie low and keep her
mouth shut. What happened to her being
the self-proclaimed official spokesperson
of MEOAP? Cat got her tongue?” Ramirez
added.
Filipino marine engineer-members of the
association are also wondering why all of a
sudden, that MEOAP announced that it has
bought a property when in fact, hardly a
mention or a footnote about it was mentioned
during previous oathtaking ceremonies
or even in the MEOAP official publication.
“An association’s capital expense or outlay
should be informed to the membership and
must be reported as well to the SEC but
why is MEOAP cannot produce a record for
such?” Ramirez queries.
Ramirez also recommended that
MEOAP undergo a third party audit in order
to ensure that the results would not be in
its favour or those groups and individuals
accusing it of fund misuse.
Deligero even claimed in the MEOAP
official statement that the association
is now offering free medical and dental
check-ups for its members. Ramirez was
bewildered with this claim again and asked:
“Does Deligero know the words medical
and dental? Just
like the words
‘property’
or
‘building,’ I don’t
think
MEOAP
has
in
its
vocabulary the
words
‘dental’
and
‘medical.’
They
can
hardly provide
refreshments to
their members
and now they are
claiming that they
are
providing
them with fringe
benefits? Who
are they fooling? They got to be kidding
with these pronouncements because
Filipino marine engineer officer–members
of the association are saying otherwise,”
rebuts Ramirez.
43
Armed with a bottled water for momentary relief
and a lot of information on MEOAP, Ramirez
came out of the rally and ended it smoking, hitting
all the officers of the embattled organization on
their misgivings to the Filipino marine engineer
officer - members of the association.
EDITORIAL
When Enough
is Enough
FROM PAGE 6
these days. For how can they stay or while
away their time in an office that supposed
to represent them, when most of the time
they are being treated by MEOAP staff as
encumbrances, like a mere office task that
has to be done and done fast. Worst, some
are being treated like third-class citizens
– the very same people whose money
MEOAP is using for its sustenance. Talk
about irony.
Apart from the shabby treatment MEOAP
is giving its constituents, it has also failed
to serve them well. It has failed to deliver
results and live up to its commitment when
it was given accreditation by PRC as an
APO more than 30 years ago. It has gone
wayward not only from the law but also
from its mandate for and on behalf of the
Filipino marine engineer officers.
Until the latest and thus far the most
serious assault to its stature, there was
nothing to be heard from MEOAP. These
days, the association leadership is saying
something about paying a downpayment
to a property that would soon become the
home of MEOAP, or medical and dental
services to its members, when barely three
or four months ago it was hardly offering
anything.
Now, Filipino marine engineer officers
are not just talking. They are also beginning
to act as one. All of them are one in saying:
“Enough is enough!” If and when People
Power repeats itself in the local maritime
industry anytime soon, for sure, MEOAP
would be history.
tnm 87.indd 43
3/28/2011 11:39:12 AM
44 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
ENTERTAINMENT
I
f you want to get wet, wild and crazy,
surfing’s for you. If you love the beach and
is in for a thrill, surfing’s for you. If you have
guts of steel, surfing’s for you.
Another good reason for you to go surfing is
no other than Jamaica Gasa!
This model and beach babe extraordinaire
can give any surfer a run for their money while
looking so chica and oh so babe-licious!
TNM: You have a very interesting name, where
did your parents get it?
Jamaica: My Mom said something whispered it
to her daw (laughs)… daw ha! I’m an only girl
kasi so my parents have been really waiting for
a girl and then when she was about to give birth
na daw someone whispered “Jamaica” to her. I’d
often joke nga na baka si Bob Marley yun haha!
TNM: Wow interesting! I thought it’s because
somewhere out there you have Jamaican relatives
although there is no trace at all in your looks.
Jamaica: (laughs) Ay no, my Dad’s Spanish, my
Mom’s part Chinese.
TNM: How did you get into modeling?
Jamaica: I used to go to this store in Glorietta.
One of the people there asked me to model for
their Hong Kong catalogue.
TNM: Aside from that, where have you posed?
Jamaica: I’ve posed for FHM twice, aside from
that normal photo shoots that’s it.
TNM: You’re also into surfing.
Jamaica: I love surfing!
TNM: How did you get into it?
Jamaica: May story yan e. My long-time
boyfriend and I broke-up so I was, you know,
looking for something to divert myself with.
Then my friends invited me to go surfing.
TNM: Weren’t you scared?
Jamaica: No naman. Matapang kasi ako sa mga
ganyan plus I really love the beach and I’ve always
been very sporty.
TNM: How did your parents react?
Jamaica: My mom gets angry baka daw magkaskin cancer and stuff but ‘yung surfing okay lang
talaga. She doesn’t like lang din that I’ve become
so dark.
TNM: Does it follow ba talaga than when you’re
a surfer, you’re also into reggae?
Jamaica: In my case kasi I’ve always loved reggae
even before I started surfing but yeah I know
some people who started to like reggae after they
got into surfing.
Jamaica Gasa: A Beautiful
Reason to Go into Surfing
me minsan inaabot ako ng seven hours in water
so I can really get dehydrated.
TNM: Have you always been into sports when
you were a kid?
Jamaica: I used to play football, volleyball, track
and field.
TNM: Have you ever had surfing accident?
Jamaica: Oh yeah! A lot! When you’re surfing,
it’s normal to get hurt. You’ll really have battle
scars.
TNM: How do you prepare for surfing? Is there
like a ritual you do before hitting the water?
Jamaica: Well, it’s very important to stretch first.
Have a bottle of Gatorade. Sometimes kasi like
tnm 87.indd 44
6 am because
maganda
ang
wave nyan and
then siesta or
hang-out with
the locals and
then surf again.
TNM: Not a lot of
women get into really
dangerous sports, do
you think you intimidate
some men?
Jamaica: Well yes, there
are guys kasi who can’t
take it. There was this
one guy who’s sobrang
intimidated
at
me
because he thinks I’m
more of a man than
him. I’m more cowboy,
he was afraid I’ll make
him bara.
TNM: How are you as a
girlfriend?
Jamaica: Sobrang bigay
todo. Ibibigay ko lahat, I
mean in terms of caring
ganun. To the point
where I’m the one
who already gets
in trouble.
TNM: Does a guy
have to be a surfer
too for you to date
him?
Jamaica: Well not
really like he has to
be a surfer ganun
but I do get turned
off if the guy’s not
into the things I’m
into. I guess no
one naman would
like to go out with
someone you’re
not on sync with, di ba? I really get interested if
when we talk, we have a lot in common.
TNM: What is it that you look for in a guy?
TNM: Is there a certain type of person who can
join the surfing community?
Jamaica: Well for me, wala naman. You just
have to be into it. May ibang groups na siyempre
pa-cool, medyo namimili but personally, I don’t
mind eh. Everyone’s welcome sa akin!
By Arianne Blanche R. Rodriguez
Jamaica: Physically, I want yung mga bad boys.
Ayaw ko nung mga goody-goody like Tom
Cruise, type ko yung mga tipong Johnny Depp,
mga Daniel Day Lewis. I don’t like yung maarte
pa sa akin! Like now uso ang mga metrosexuals
di ba? Hindi ko type ang mga ganun. I like men
who are simple like naka-shirt lang ganun.
TNM: What’s a typical surfing day for you?
Jamaica: When I’m on a surfing trip, pagkagising
palang surf na agad! Surfing would depend kasi
on the spot. May morning and afternoon session
because of the tide. So bale you surf at around
saan ka puwedeng mapunta that’s why you need
to make sisid so you won’t get hit by your board
or other people’s board.
TNM: What’s your best surfing experience?
Jamaica: I think palaging best eh. Well maybe in
Siargao where I really improved. I used to surf
fun board and then when I went there, I switched
to short board which is pang-pro. So I felt really
good about it.
TNM: Where’s the top three best surfing places
here in our country?
Jamaica: For me number one would be Siargao,
followed by Baler and then La Union. Some
might not agree though.
TNM: What would you be your advice to those
who want to get into surfing?
Jamaica: First, they really have to know how to
do it safely. It’s important that you know how to
make sisid because you get wiped-out. It’s like a
washing machine and you’re in there kung saan-
TNM: What’s your scariest experience in
surfing?
Jamaica: There’s what surfers call “caught
inside” where you’re like caught inside of a wave
na nagbi-break palang. When that happens, it’s
important not to panic. You have to relax and
allow yourself to be carried by the waves. What
happened with me was my leash got putol so I
panicked; I was new pa lang that time. I didn’t
know kasi that there was a set of waves when
I jumped. Good thing there was a local there
because I was really gulping seawater na, I
couldn’t breathe anymore. The guy saved me and
brought me to shore. It happened to me twice!
TNM: What are the things to prepare if you
want to get into surfing?
Jamaica: You just need a wet suit. Some people
kasi get allergic to wax eh. You need to wax your
board para di ka madulas. You also need sun
block and of course a surfboard, although, if
you’re just starting pa lang you can rent naman
a surfboard.
TNM: What’s your message to all our readers?
Jamaica: Hey you guys! Stay safe aboard your
ship. Don’t get scared to try out surfing! It’s the
best!
3/28/2011 11:39:19 AM
MARCH - APRIL 2011
tnm 87.indd 45
TINIG NG MARINO
45
3/28/2011 11:39:23 AM
46 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
Pagtakhan Rules MGAP’s
February Tourney
A
familiar name in the winners’ circle
most of the time, Nemy Pagtakhan
once again ruled the February 2011
tournament of the Maritime Golf Association
of the Philippines (MGAP) as overall
champion held at the Ayala Greenfield Golf
and Leisure Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Boosted by a five-par game, Nemy
Pagtakhan carded a gross of 89 strokes,
which was the same as that of Rico
Brizuela’s. Nemy and Rico even have the
same handicap of 17, thus giving them an
equal net of 72 strokes as well. Rico’s fourpar game was just short of one par thus
giving the Class A championship to Nemy.
Rico settled for the runner-up honors.
Over at Class B, Myra Abella, who has
been lording it over the Ladies Division for
quite some time, brought her game to the
level of the gents and beat Carlos Jimenez
by a mere stroke to win the championship.
Carlos actually grossed 100 strokes which
is one better than Myra’s 101 but because
of a better handicap, Myra ended up with a
net of 74 compared to Carlos’ 75.
Unlike in the Classes A and B where the
battle for first place were both nip and tuck,
it was quite different in the Class C division.
Ray Brillanes practically run away with
the division championship as he handily
bested Jerry Hammond by a total of six
strokes in their comparative gross (106 to
113) and three strokes in their comparative
net scores (78 and 81).
Eduardo Trinidad meanwhile won the
Guest Division as champion by carding a
net of 72 strokes. Jun Fernandez actually
grossed seven strokes better than Eduardo
but the latter’s eight-point handicap
advantage, gave him the trophy.
Engr. Nelson Ramirez also took part in the MGAP’s February tournament at the Ayala Greenfields
Golf and Leisure Club. He is joined in his flight by (from left) Dr. Carlos Jimenez, Mr. Edwin
Amejana and Dr. Elpidio C. Nolasco.
FAME 7th
Golf Tourney,
a Big Success
The Filipino Association for Mariners
Employment (FAME) successfully held
its 7th Invitational Golf Tournament on
March 17, 2011 at the Canlubang Golf and
Country Club in Calamba, Laguna.
Participated in by a total of 76 golf
enthusiasts from the maritime industry,
the tournament formed part of the
commemorative activities of FAME marking
its 37th year as an industry association.
Yoshihura Yasuda of Maunlad Trans,
Inc. came out as the overall champion as he
ruled the Class A division followed closely
by C/E Jose Melchor Del Pilar of Amethyst
Shipping Co., Inc. and Alfredo Mendoza
of MMSPhil Maritime Services, Inc. as 1st
and 2nd runner ups respectively.
In the Class B Division, Kjell Hjartness
of C.F. Sharp Crew Management,
Inc. emerged as champion with Mikio
Kutsuwada of MMSPhil Maritime Services,
Inc. as 1st runner up and Vicente Raymundo
TURN TO PAGE 51
tnm 87.indd 46
3/28/2011 11:39:34 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
C
ommitted in its mission of “Crew
is No. 1 To MSI”, MSI Ship
Management Pte. Ltd. held its
Annual Crew Conference as organized
by its long-time and reliable manning
company, Great Southern Maritime
Services
Corporation
(GSM)
last
December 9 to 10, 2011 at the Times
Plaza Building, Manila, Philippines. This
is in line with MSI’s aim to continuously
enhance the knowledge and competency
of its seafarers on the latest trends
concerning the maritime industry and
shipping technology. This Conference
signifies the steadfast dedication of
MSI to continuously pursue an effective
human resource program for the benefit
of its seafarers and their families.
The Conference was especially
designed to offer MSI’s seafarers important
knowledge on the latest Philippine
legislation on seafarers like the Amended
Migrant Workers Act (Republic Act No.
10022), the Revised POEA Standard
Employment Contract and the latest
update on the Maritime Labor Convention
2006; trends in leadership; running a tight
ship; occupational health, safety, security
and environmental protection and on crew
training and career development.
Engr. Sammuel T. Lim, President and
General Manager of Great Southern
Maritime Services Corporation, graced the
occasion by giving his welcome speech
to all guests from MSI Ship Management
Pte. Ltd. and IMC Industrial Corp. as well
as to all MSI officer participants.
tnm 87.indd 47
47
MSI Crew Conference
Theme: “Crew is No. 1 to MSI”
The 2-day seminar and workshop was
successfully conducted and was well
participated by 60 officers. Representatives
from MSI Ship Management who lead the
seminar as resource persons include Capt.
John Anthony - General Manager for Crew
Operations, Capt. Harbans Singh, General
Manager
for
Safety
and
Quality,
Mr.
Tay Kah Hong
Assistant
Te c h n i c a l
Director, Capt.
Lee
Sang
Chiat - Training
Manager and
Mr.
James
S a m u e l ,
Director
on
Health, Safety,
Security
and
Environment of
IMC Industrial
Corp.
Capt.
A l b e r t o
Pacheco,
whose
ship
was captured
and
later
released by Somali pirates recently also
gave a moving presentation during this
conference. The outputs of the workshop
were used as essential inputs to the
feedback mechanism and continuous
improvement system of MSI’s services to
its valued shipowning clients.
With the rapid changes and challenging
trends which are taking place now in our
shipping industry, indeed, this seminar
helps serve as an indispensable tool
for MSI’s crew to face the future with
much better prospects of success and
sustainability.
3/28/2011 11:39:47 AM
48 TINIG NG MARINO
tnm 87.indd 48
MARCH - APRIL 2011
3/28/2011 11:41:00 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
49
Israel Honors Skipper and
Crew of Vessel, Manned
by Cargo Safeway
T
he Israel Administration of Shipping
and Ports under its Ministry of
Transport has awarded a Letter of
Commendation to the Korean skipper,
Capt. Kwun Hyuk Chul, and the 16 Filipino
crew members of MV YM Great after
displaying their heroism at sea near the
Israeli coast.
MV YM Great is owned by Yang Ming
Marine Transport Corporation whose
crewing requirements are being handled
by Cargo Safeway, Inc. in the Philippines.
Capt. Yigal Maor, Director General of the
Israel Administration for Shipping and Ports
cited the crew members of MV YM Great
for “their professional action and display
of the best spirit of maritime tradition” by
rendering assistance and rescuing from
the sea 11 Ukrainian crew members of MV
Adriatica, which foundered on December
12, 2010, under extreme weather conditions
some 20 miles off the Israeli coast.
“This is to commend the rapid and
professional action of the Captain, officers
and crew of the MV YM Great, rendering
invaluable assistance and saving the
lives of 11 crew members in very difficult
weather conditions, executed in the best
spirit of maritime tradition,” the Letter of
Commendation reads.
MV Adriatica sent out a distress signal
at around 5:50 am of December 12th stating
that it is already taking on water at its hold
number 1 and is already in the process
of abandoning the ship. Subsequently,
the captain of MV Adriatica ordered the
liferafts to be thrown overboard.
MV Adriatica was battling southwesterly
winds of 45 knots and waves cresting over
10 meters some 20 nautical miles off the
port of Ashdod in Israel. It radioed for help
to RCC Haifa which was coordinating
possible rescue efforts with the Israeli
Navy, the Rescue Unit of the Israeli Air
Force and other ships in the vicinity.
It so happened that MV YM Great was the
closest merchant ship to the distressed MV
Adriatica, and immediately after receiving
a call from RCC Haifa. It proceeded to the
site where the liferafts containing the crew
of the sinking MV Adriatica were adrift.
The crew members of MV YM Great
immediately performed rescue operations
and brought onboard their vessel the 11
Ukrainian crew members of MV Adriatica
safe and unharmed.
The crew of MV Adriatica were provided
initial medical treatment and provided food
by the crew members of MV YM Great.
MV YM Great then proceeded to the
Port of Ashdod where the rescued crew
members of MV Adriatica were properly
disembarked and turned over to the
proper authorities in the early afternoon of
December 12th.
The day after, officials of the Israeli
Administration of Shipping and Ports,
personally went onboard MV YM Great
tnm 87.indd 49
and had an informal awarding ceremony
for the Letter of Commendation with Capt.
Kwun Hyuk Chul and the crew members
of the ship.
The Israeli Letter of Commendation to
MV YM Great was even copy furnished
to International Maritime Organization
(IMO) Secretary General Mr. Efthimios
Mitropoulos; Mr. Israel Katz, Israeli Minister
of Transport; Mr. Yaacov Ganot, Director
General of the Israeli Ministry of Transport;
the Maritime Administrations of Taiwan,
Panama and Korea; and the Yang Ming
Marine Transport Corporation.
Capt. Kwun Hyuk Chul receiving the Letter of Commendation from officials of Israel Administration
of Shipping and Ports, on behalf of the crew members of MV YM Great.
3/28/2011 11:41:05 AM
50 TINIG NG MARINO
D
r Mary Lou Arcelo would be the last
to claim that she is indispensable,
remembering
perhaps
what
Charles de Gaulle, the French politician
and statesman, said: the graveyards are
full of indispensable men.
Yet it’s hard to imagine what Iloilo
City-based John B Lacson Foundation
Maritime University (JBLFMU or just John
B for short) would be like today were it not
for this proud, feisty daughter of the late
Captain Juan Bautista Lacson. Would the
school even have been around in 2011, its
63rd year of existence?
In 1972, Dr Arcelo took the bold step
of taking over the school her father had
founded 24 years earlier, soon after the
end of World War II. The elder Lacson
was strongly against the idea but he did
not seem to have much choice. He was
old and his health was failing. Faced with
a brewing labor problem, the school was
drifting aimlessly in the middle of an ocean
like a rudder-less ship. Something had to
be done.
Over a span of almost four decades, Dr
Arcelo went on not only to put John B back
into shape but parlayed it into the country’s
first maritime university with two campuses
in Iloilo (Molo and Arevalo districts) and a
third in Bacolod City. None of the 94 other
seafarers’ academies today appears close
to achieving the same status.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing. In the
1980s Dr Arcelo spent much of her time
in Manila as president of the Philippine
Association of Maritime Institutions,
locking horns with some of its officers over
one issue or another. She would have
continued frittering away her energies had
she not met Capt Michael Cuanzon around
this time. The latter urged her to stay in
Iloilo and attend to what really mattered:
her school.
That’s one thing about the lady. She
knows how to listen, even to unsolicited
MARCH - APRIL 2011
A Venerable Tradition Lives On
Old Values, New Directions for the Philippines’
First and Only Maritime University
that her maritime instructors did not only
have the requisite sailing experience but
also the academic credentials. Today, John
B’s faculty arguably boast more master’s
and Ph.D degree-holders than can be
found in any other maritime academy.
She established
a
Competency
Assessment Center
to validate what had
been learned by
cadets. She also
installed a schoolwide audit system
to monitor the
performance of the
various academic
units and individual
instructors. Raising
the academic bar
higher, she laid
stress on research
Dr Mary Lou Arcelo, JBLFMU Dr Ronald Lacson Sebastian, and development
Chairman
JBLFMU CEO
- one consequence
advice from friends. However, it is her of which is that John B has created its own
own remarkable traits as a person that CBT (computer-based training) programs.
have shaped John B and seen the school
But molding future ship officers isn’t just
through the best and worst of times. She a question of competency. An educator
has charisma. She works hard. And she at heart, Dr Arcelo injected into the entire
dares.
John B system the one element without
which education loses it meaning: values.
It is this, apparently, that continues to hold
Rare ingredients for success
Dr Arcelo realized early on that meeting the institution together, giving both students
the minimum standards set by the and their mentors not only a sense of
Commission on Higher Education wasn’t purpose but a sense of identity.
When she turned 70 in 2009, Dr
enough. Those standards had to be
exceeded. She made sure, for instance, Arcelo stepped down as John B’s chief
tnm 87.indd 50
JBLFMU cadets in their finest form
executive officer to give way to her only
son, Ronald Raymond Lacson Sebastian.
She is currently chairperson of the Board of
Trustees. Far from being a mere figurehead,
she continues to play a key role in policymaking and remains, in fact, the guiding
light for the institution.
Continuity and the changing times
The ship, though, now has a new skipper.
Still in his 30s, Ronald has prepared himself
well for the job. He is a Ph.D graduate of
John B (maritime education, 2009) and
holds two masteral degrees – maritime
management (John B, 2006) and business
administration (Ateneo de Manila University
Professional Schools in Makati City, 1999).
In addition, he took up a special leadership
course at Stanford University (2008) and
another on computer programming at San
Francisco State University (1995-1996).
Under his watch, John B is expected to
continue the basic policies - not least, the
adherence to quality standards - that Dr
Arcelo had set firmly in place. Ronald is
learning to be his own man. He appears to
have his own ideas and these can only be
an improvement over the past.
The young man has drawn up a sevenpoint agenda for the school: dedication to
maritime education and training; strong
graduate and research programs; sustained
technological environment; adherence
to changes in the maritime environment
regulatory requirements; quest for global
competitive edge in maritime education;
pursuit of international recognition; and
corporate responsibility.
The aim, as Ronald puts it, is to
make John B “among the top maritime
universities in the world”. This means not
only networking with maritime educational
institutions overseas but shunning
parochialism in favor of a more global
outlook. At the same time, the school will
continue to strive so that each student
will have a better life as a result of quality
education. A “sustained” technological
environment would be important to
achieving both goals, and the new CEO
knows it.
One of the first things he did when
he assumed the CEO post was to fasttrack the establishment of a data center
using mainframe computers that run on
Windows and CentOS (a spin-off of Red
Hat Enterprise Linux). If only because of
this, John B can be said to be miles ahead
of the competition. Some upgrading of
training equipment should be in order
but how soon will depend on available
funds.
Though a foundation, John B has to
watch its bottom-line and earnings need
to be plowed back into a number of areas.
Not least of them is faculty development.
Indeed, one hallmark of John B is that
it continues to invest in people and
treat them as such - students, faculty
and administrative staff. This is human
resource development in the true sense.
This is the tradition that Ronald, the third
generation of the Lacsons, is bound to
preserve.
3/28/2011 11:41:09 AM
TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
FAME 7th
Golf Tourney,
a Big Success
FROM PAGE 46
P. Brillantes of Intermodal Shipping, Inc.
Engr. Ramirez receiving his Class D
coming in as 2nd runner up.
2nd runnerup torphy
Capt. Dever Besana of Cordial
Shipping, Inc. came out as champion
in the Class C division with Toshi
Seki of Maunlad Trans, Inc. and
Regino S. Trajano of Transnational
Shipmanagement, Inc. as 1st and 2nd
runner ups respectively.
Over at Class D, Rey Eduardo U.
Quipit of Bank of the Philippine Islands
bagged the championship with the first
runner up honors going to C/E Rogelio The complete roster of winners of the FAME 7th
B. Sobremonte and second runner up Invitational Golf Tournament, with their trophies.
trophy to Engr. Nelson P. Ramirez of the
United Filipino Seafarers.
Ma. Cristina A. Basilio of the Bank of
the Philippine Islands ruled the Women’s
Division while Jesus Romero of Globe
Telecom topped the Sponsor’s Division as
champion. Capt. Reynold M. Sabay of New
Simulator Training Center of the Philippines
came in as first runner up with the second
runner up honors going to Manuel Otayza
of the All Japan Seamen’s Union.
Several special awards also went to
some of the participants including Low
Gross Score to Jon Judan of Southfield
Agencies, Inc.; Low Net Score to Capt.
Banny B. Briones of Multinational Maritime,
Inc.; Longest Drive to Yoshihiro Yasuda
of Maunlad Trans; Nearest to the Pin to
Alfredo Mendoza of MMSPhil Maritime
Services; Most Accurate Drive to Rene
Mañago of Intermodal Shipping; and Most
Promising Player to Orion L. Casareo of
Cargo Safeway, Inc.
Over at the FAME Ryder Cup intratournament contest, the Philippine Team
handily beat the Japan Team and the Rest
of the World Team.
51
Seafarer Sues Lafeber-Affiliate
Agency for Illegal Dismissal
FROM PAGE 38
29, 2010 to June 29, 2011 but Gomez
and Dalit were repatriated back to the
Philippines on December 16, 2010. Worst,
they were hardly paid anything by Gyrom
or Gyron for the services they rendered
onboard for a little over two weeks.
While Gomez narrated that the working
hours onboard the ship that they have
served was almost inhuman, he believes
that with proper medical attention and
support, they can still get the hang of it
and imbibed it in their system within the
duration of their contracts.
But Gyrom and Gyron, with RL working
behind the scenes, have somehow become
paranoid with complaints that they almost
instantaneously act on it by getting rid of the
problem, in this case Gomez and Dalit.
Upon his return to the Philippines,
Gomez reported back to the office of
Gyron Crew to ask for his salary but was
refused. But the manning agency did
return his documents when he asked for it,
as if nothing happened or no transaction
transpired between them.
That’s when Gomez decided to pay a
visit to the office of the UFS and bring the
matter to the attention of Engr. Ramirez.
He said Dalit could also account for every
detail of their sorry stint onboard the vessel
of the Dutch principal of Gyron Crew but
Dalit decided to rather keep his mouth shut
and forget all about it when Tinig ng Marino
attempted to get in touch with him.
PISOBILITIES
Microbusiness
FROM PAGE 23
ng tagatuos, napakaimportante na siya’y
talagang magaling at mapagkakatiwalaan.
Baka kasi mali-maling impormasyon
ang ibigay nito sa iyo kung hindi marunong,
at ang mas masama, baka nakawan ka pa
kung hindi pala katiwa-tiwala ang iyong
nakuha.
Kaya nga kailangan ding alamin din ng
nagnenegosyo kung ano talaga ang ibig
sabihin ng mga numero — halimbawa,
kung paano nakekwenta ang aktwal na
kita na naiiba sa mga halagang nakatala
sa papel lamang.
Kapag nasa Maynila, sumali sa aming
mga seminars. Maaari ring ipagbigayalam sa inyong asawa at mga anak upang
sila ay makadalo. Bisitahin ang www.
colaycofoundation.com para sa detalye.
Mag-download din ng libreng e-book.
tnm 87.indd 51
3/28/2011 11:41:13 AM
52 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
WALANG LAMAN
Holduper : Pili ka, wallet mo o pasabugin
utak mo?
Biktima : Ikaw na bahala. Basta pareho
po yan walang laman!
NOT A DOCTOR
In a mall, a boy swallows a coin and the
mother shouts for help. A guy comes, slaps
the back of the boy twice and the coin is
coughed out.
Mother: I don’t know how to thank you doctor, but you just saved the life of my son.
Guy: I’m not a doctor. I’m from the BIR. We
know how to make people cough money
out.
CAN’T REMEMBER
HIGH-TECH TAL
An American, a Japanese, and a Filipino
were sitting naked in the sauna.
Suddenly there was a beeping sound.
The American pressed his forearm and
the beeping stopped. The others looked
at him questioningly.
“That’s my cellphone,” he said, “I have a
microchip under the skin of my arm.”
A few minutes later a phone rang. The Japanese lifted his palm to his ear. When he
finished he explained, “That’s my mobile
phone. I have a microchip in my hand.
The Pinoy felt low-tech and inferior. He
didn’t know what to do to be as impressive as the American and the Japanese.
He decided to take a break in the toilet.
When he returned, he didn’t realize that
there was a piece of toilet paper got stuck
and hanging from his ass.
The others raised their eyebrows and
said, “Wow! What’s that?” Instead of getting embarrassed, inspiration struck his
mind. The Pinoy explained, “I’m getting a
fax.”
Old man: Doc, I have a problem. At my
age, I still chase women.
Doctor: What’s wrong with that, Butch?
Old man: Well, I chase them but I can’t remember why.
PILOSOPO
Passenger: Manong bayad.
Driver: Saan galing?
Passenger: Sa akin.
Driver: Papunta saan?
Passenger: Sa iyo.
JUST PLAIN DRUNK
Lady: Doctor, I’m very sick and I feel Dizzy.
Everything spins and my heart is burning.
Bartender: Sorry ma’am, I’m not a doctor. I am a bartender. Second, you are not
sick. You are drunk. And third, your heart
is not burning but your left boob is in the
ash tray.
SINO ANG WALANGHIYANG ‘YON
A king had a beautiful daughter whom he
wants to get married.
King: Kung sino man sa inyo ang
makakatawid sa ilog na ito na maraming
buwaya, papipiliin ko sa isang bilyon piso o
ang aking magandang anak.
The crowd was anxious but no one dared to
cross the river. After 15 minutes, one man
jumped and successfully crossed the river.
King: Now, what do you want, P1 billion or
my daughter?
Braveman: Wala. Gusto ko lang malaman
kung sino ang walanghiyang nagtulak sa
akin.
MODERNIZATION
OF GIRLS
70’s: Love me but don’t touch me.
80’s: Touch me but don’t kiss me.
90’s: Kiss me but don’t do anything more.
2000: Do everything but don’t tell anyone.
2010: Do everything; otherwise, I’ll tell everyone that you can’t do anything.
SYMPTOMS OF
A CERTIFIED TAKEN
• Walang pera.
• Mukhang ngarag at laspag.
• Kuripot.
• Blooming, kasi, kailangan para hindi
iwan.
• Walang social life kundi dyowa niya.
• Boring kausap.
tnm 87.indd 52
PERA O ASAWA?
MAHINA NA ANG TUHOD
WISE ANSWER
Math teacher: If you have 12 chocolates
and you give 5 to Kate, 3 to Tina and 4 to
Emy, what will you get?
Pupil: 3 girlfriends ma’am.
Johnny: Pare, matagal na tayong hindi
nagkita. Nagtatrabaho ka pa ba?
Efren: Hindi na pare, mahina na ang tuhod
ko.
Johnny: ano ba ang dati mong trabaho?
Efren: Akyat bahay, pare.
BERTO: Ano ang mas mahalaga, pera o
asawa?
ROMY: Siyempre, pera! Kasi ang pera,
habang tumatagal, lumalaki ang interes.
Ang asawa, habang tumatagal, mawawalan
ka ng interes, tapos, inuubos pa ang pera
mo.
3/28/2011 11:41:18 AM
MARCH - APRIL 2011
tnm 87.indd 53
TINIG NG MARINO
53
3/28/2011 11:41:22 AM
54 TINIG NG MARINO
MARCH - APRIL 2011
Ang Marinong Pilipino
Ni Asevjr
Kay lungkot ng buhay marino,
Araw-araw sa barko, mabigat ang trabaho
Alam na alam mo ang bawat patak sa relo
Isip ay aburido lalo’t walang tulog.
A Grateful Commander
Greetings to you Sir Nelson and all the staff of the United Filipino Seafarers and Tinig
ng Marino. Belated Happy New Year to all.
It is my pleasure to write to you again Sir Nelson to once again show you how grateful
I am for all the success I’ve been accomplishing in my profession because of the help you
have extended not only to me but to many underprivileged but determined and aspiring
young seafarers as well.
I remember way back in 2004 when I was a still a cadet volunteer with the UFS. I have
many experiences with our maritime labor union. I’ve been through a lot of things where
I certainly got plenty of experiences; I learned so much about being a seafarer and more
importantly, about life.
Every time those
experiences
flashed
into my mind, I just smile
and say: “Thank you,
Sir Nelson, and UFS for
the things you’ve done
in my life.”
I went to Manila with
nothing back then but
UFS found me. UFS
gave me shelter and
brought out a brand
new me, a successful
seafarer. To Sir Nelson,
I salute you!
I
am
currently
Former UFS Boy 2AE Felipe Delgado (standing, second from left) is
onboard a 109,692shown with his fellow Filipino engine crew of MT Torm Margit.
deadweight ton crude/
product carrier vessel MT Torm Margit of TORM manned by full Filipino crew flying a
Danish flag as second assistant engineer.
I recently passed the second marine engineer officer board examination last September
2010.
I give back all my success to our God Almighty because with Him, everything is
possible. Again, my heartfelt gratitude to you, Sir Nelson.
To all the present crop of volunteers at the UFS, don’t lose hope; strive hard to pursue
your dreams in life. I believe you can achieve it sooner or later. My regards to Sir Rey
Gambe, Miss Maricar, Miss Cherry Ann, and the 309 boys. Please extend my regards to
C/E Leandro J. Dapal, Capt. Daniel Fajelagutan, C/E Emmanuel N. Relato, and Engr.
Ernan Rodeo of Torm Philippines as well. Thanks also to the bearer of this letter AB
Raymund Gamilla.
Once again Sir Nelson, thank you very much! God bless and more power to you and
the UFS! - 2AE Felipe P. Delgado, MT Torm Margit, KØBENHAVN
Seeing you continuously moving up your profession brings joy to my heart because I feel
that the UFS and I have done our part well into molding you to become not only a good
seafarer but more importantly as a good person. Our hats off to you Felipe, better known
here in the UFS as Commander, for your determination and perseverance. Looking
forward to seeing you as a Chief Engineer soon. Keep up the good work. - Editor
Siyam na buwang kontrata,
Kayod marino, ika nga nila
Puhunan ay katawan, kaya dapat alagaan
Isa, dalawang ingles na alam,
Puwede na ‘yan kabayan,
Sign language, dapat ding matutunan.
Kay dami ng marino sa mundo,
Sa Pinas pa lang, ilang daang libo?
May mabait, tahimik at seryoso
Mayroon din namang balasubas,
maangas, at pilosopo
Di maikukubli dahil nakasama ko na
Pero walang magagawa,
dahil ‘yan ay ugali ng tao.
Nagsimula sa kadete, (hugas plato)
Naging ordinaryo, at timonel
Ngayon nga ay kontratang Pedro,
Pero trabaho ay pumpero,
Sa ngayon ay ‘yan pa lang ang inabot ko,
Mahirap mag-maestro o ultimo amo,
Kahit magkusinero, madaming hawak na
tao at magulo.
Tapos ng kolehiyo at ngayon nga ay
pamilyado,
Lahat ay nagtaasan sa nagdaang
administrasyon
Kaya pangarap na lang siguro,
Ang maging tersero.
Ang mga marino ay ‘di manloloko,
Madalas ngang maloko,
Kaso iba ang sinasabi ng publiko,
Seaman asawa mo? Ay naku, babaero!
Leche ka manang, asawa ko ay iyong
lubayan
Sa edad mong yan, ‘yan lang ba ang
alam?
Ika-labing tatlong apostolo ng demonyo,
Layuan mo pamilya ko,
O Diyos ko, tulungan mo ako.
Sa mga misis na ang asawa ay
nagbabarko
Ito ay para sa inyo,
Pag tumawag si mister at lasing ito,
Wag pagbagsakan ng telepono,
Gawa lang ‘yan ng sobrang paghahanap
sa ’yo
Nasa kalagitnaan na ng kontrata,
Ilang buwan na lang, uwian na,
Sisigaw na naman ako ng hallelujah!
Mama, mag-PLDT na, si Papa’y pauwi na.
At siguradong yayanig ang kabahayan,
Pati mga ibon magliliparan sa kawalan,
Mag-ingat lang, baka si junior ay biglang
masundan.
Ang propesyong marino ay ‘di
mapapantayan
Lahat ng hirap ay pasan–pasan,
Sa utak at katawan,
Walang bata o matanda,
Sa siyam na buwan, likod mo’y parang
sinagasaan,
Dapat itong malaman ng sambayanan
Araw-araw nakikipaglaban,
Para sa pamilyang iniwan,
Upang mabigyan ng magandang
kinabukasan
Uto’y at ineng, mag-aral nang mabuti,
Dahil ang pera sa barko, ’di pinupulot
Tulad ng isang ligaw na kabute.
Kaalaman at edukasyon ang tanging
maipamamana ng inyong ama’t ina,
Kaya’t sikaping magtapos at matuto,
Para sa darating na bukas, handa kayo.
Sana lang, sa mga darating pang panahon,
Sa mga susunod ‘pang henerasyon,
Ang industriyang ibinuhay sa atin,
Ng mga magulang natin,
Ay ating mahalin, dahil ito din
Ang industriyang bubuhay sa ating mga
supling.
Pagyamanin natin at mahalin,
Alagaan at palaguin,
Ang propesyong marino,
At ang reputasyong, bigay ng mundo.
Sa kapwa ko, marinong Pilipino,
Sa mundo, tayo ay numero uno!
Sa sipag, determinasyon at talento,
Walang sinumang Griyego, Polako o
Indiano,
Ang makakatibag, sa puso mong bato!
At puwedeng pumantay sa trabaho mo.
Saan mang sulok ng mundo,
Laging taas noo, pagkat ikaw ay,
Isang marinong Pilipino!
Make your day!
;
PROVOCATIVE
;
INFORMATIVE
;
RELEVANT
;
CONTROVERSIAL
;
ENTERTAINING
seafarers’ newspaper
tnm 87.indd 54
Now available in selected newsstands in Manila! Published every two months, Tinig ng Marino is also distributed in more than
400 ports and hundreds of seamen’s centers and Filipino-manned vessels around the world.
Subscribe now to Tinig ng Marino!
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(6 issues, Air mail)
Philippines
Metro Manila Rate:
Provincial Rate:
Asia:
US & Europe:
Africa:
One year rates:
Bulk copies (6 issues)
minimum of 10 copies
Php 500.00 (inclusive of delivery
Php 600.00 charges - Metro Manila only)
Php 2,400.00 10 copies - Php 1,000.00
Php 2,800.00 25 copies - Php 1,750.00
Php 2,800.00 50 copies - Php 3,500.00
3/28/2011 11:41:27 AM
MARCH - APRIL 2011
tnm 87.indd 55
TINIG NG MARINO
55
3/28/2011 11:41:44 AM
56 TINIG NG MARINO
tnm 87.indd 56
MARCH - APRIL 2011
3/28/2011 11:41:49 AM