No Excuses - United Filipino Seafarers United Filipino Seafarers

Transcription

TINIG NG MARINO
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2011
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TINIG NG MARINO
NO EXCUSES
TINIG NG MARINO
Industry Needs to Put its Acts Together
for the Manila Amendments of the STCW Convention
T
he Philippines has made it to the
IMO ‘white list’ for the third time in 11
years. While local maritime industry
stakeholders can gloat over this development
as something that has once again secured
the country’s status as the foremost supplier
of seaborne manpower for the global
merchant marine fleet, it still does not excuse
the Philippines from simply having a token
compliance to the Manila Amendments of the
STCW Convention once it enters into force
on January 1, 2012.
After the widely-talked about last-minute
compliance of the Philippine maritime
industry in August this year to the education
and training requirements imposed by the
European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)
way back in 2006, there is no room for
excuses this time as far as full compliance
with the Manila Amendments of the STCW
Convention is concerned.
More than owing it to the IMO or to the
Parties to the STCW Convention who have
consensually agreed in referring to the latest
revisions as Manila Amendments, other than
the fact that the resolutions were adopted
in the country’s capital in June 2010, the
Philippines owe it to its reputation as the No.
1 seafarer-supplying country in the world.
It is no longer a question about the capability
of the Philippines to comply with the Manila
Amendments because the local maritime
industry could most certainly do. The issue
now is how best to fully comply and ensure
transparency every step of the way so as not
to create various interpretations of the Manila
Amendments to the STCW Convention, the
same way it happened when the Convention
was first adopted in 1978, and subsequently
amended in 1995.
As it is, several key stakeholders of
the industry have already been made
familiar to the Manila Amendments as far
as requirements and its implications on the
education and training of Filipino seafarers
are concerned.
No less than the IMO supported in fact
the conduct of a week-long national seminar
on the Manila Amendments at the Maritime
Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP)
in Bataan on July 18 – 22, 2011 that drew
the attendance of key industry personalities
including Engr. Nelson Ramirez of the United
Filipino Seafarers (UFS).
Emphasizing the IMO’s desire to enable
the Philippines to prepare and fully comply
with the Manila Amendments was the
presence during the national seminar of Mr.
Ashok Mahapatra, Head of IMO’s Maritime
Training and Human Element Section.
The Philippine Association of Maritime
Training Centers, Inc. (PAMTCI) and
the Philippine Association of Maritime
Institutions (PAMI) subsequently conducted
a familiarization seminar on the Manila
Amendments almost a month later at the
AMOSUP conference hall in Intramuros.
While more key players in the industry are
getting familiar with the Manila Amendments,
the active Filipino seafarers, most of whom
spend their time quite naturally at sea, are
still in the dark as to the actual implications of
the Manila Amendments to their profession or
to their individual ranks.
In fact, during a recent impromptu dialogue
with seafarers
at the Luneta
Seafarer’s
Center
in
Kalaw Street,
Engr. Ramirez
got a handful
of
questions
from
Filipino
seafarers
regarding
the
Manila
Amendments.
“Is it true that
when the Manila
Amendments
enter into force,
all our training
certificates
would become
invalid?”; “Are
those
who
already
have
licenses need
to go back to
school
and
study?”;
“Will
the
Manila
Amendments
bring
back
the
fourlevel
written
examination
system?” If we
have
already
taken a function
or two of the
Management
Level Course,
do we have
to take the
full
course?”;
among several
others.
T h e s e
questions
obviously show
that
Filipino
seafarers, or at
least most of
them, are really
not aware of
the implications
of the Manila
Amendments
except for the
fact that they
know that it has
a bearing on
their education and training.
The Manila Amendments of the STCW
Convention actually addresses the oversight
in the maritime education and training
regime as seen by IMO and the member
states starting from its last amendment in
1995. It is never the intention of the STCW
Convention to make life difficult for seafarers.
It is premised more on making certain the
shipboard competence of every person
boarding a ship to ensure safe operation of
ships consistent with IMO’s vision of a ‘safe,
secure and efficient shipping operations on
clean oceans.’
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TINIG NG MARINO
I
All Systems Go for
1st Philippine
Seafarer Congress
t’s
all
systems
go for the
1st Philippine
Seafarer
Congress
c o m e
September
29-30, 2011
at the Epifanio
Delos Santos
Auditorium of
the National
Library of the
Philippines
in
Ermita,
Vice President Jejomar P. Binay
Manila.
Vice President Jejomar P. Binay has
confirmed his participation and will be
delivering the keynote address during the
event, considered as one of the major
highlights of this year’s celebration of the
National Maritime Week.
Organized by Tinig ng Marino
and Seaway Shipping Digest, the 1st
Philippine Seafarer Congress is officially
part of the National Maritime Week
celebration scheduled from September 25
to October 1, 2011 spearheaded by the
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) as
lead agency for this year.
With the theme: “Empowering Filipino
Seafarers through Accurate Information,”
the 1st Philippine Seafarer Congress seeks
to equip today’s mariners with precise and
relevant information through an interactive
congress where the issues to be tackled
involves everything that have something to
do with their profession – from education
and training, to continued professional
development, up to the present-day threat
of piracy, among others.
Resource persons for each of the
topics during the congress are all certified
authority in their respective subjects and
can speak broadly on the issues assigned
to them during the conference using the
language of the Filipino seafarers.
In addition to heads and officials of
government maritime agencies, top officials
of maritime groups and associations, and
key stakeholders of the local industry,
Rep. Emmeline Y. Aglipay, of the DIWA
Partylist shall also be joining the roster of
resource persons for the congress as she
will talk about the Magna Carta of Filipino
Seafarers.
Rep. Aglipay is the author of House
Bill No. 4714 entitled: “An Act Instituting
the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,”
which is currently being pushed by the
Department of Labor and Employment to
Malacanang to be certified as one of the
urgent bills of the present Administration.
The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers
is also aligned with the provisions of the
Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, which
the Labor Department will also be pushing
for ratification in the Senate in a few months
time.
Congress topics were categorized and
segregated into five sessions including
education and training, certification and
licensing, deployment, embarkation and
disembarkation, and what lies ahead,
obviously referring to the future of seafaring
in the country.
Some of the hottest issues will be
tackled during the Congress including the
Manila Amendments to the IMO STCW
Convention, the revised Management
Level Course, the relevance of accredited
professional organizations to professional
seafarers, and the need for a strong
maritime administration, among a host of
other exciting topics.
The participating Filipino seafarers
shall also have the opportunity to interact
directly with the resource persons or
authorities on their respective concerns
during the Congress through an interactive
open forum after each session. That’s in
addition to a panel of reactors, made up
of recognized stakeholders of the industry
as well, who shall initiate the questions to
the resource persons at the end of each
session.
“Filipino seafarers are considered
part of the country’s so-called modernday heroes yet most of them are often
misinformed about the profession they’re
into and the crucial role that they actually
play in the maritime industry, both local
and international. While there have been
various industry-wide maritime forums,
conferences, or seminars in the past, there
has yet to be one where the language
of the Filipino seafarers is spoken, one
where their concerns can openly be raised
and perhaps be addressed by proper
authorities. The 1st Philippine Seafarer
Congress seeks to fill that void,” states the
organizers.
TINIG NG MARINO
TINIG NG MARINO
Tinig ng Marino (Voice
of the Seafarer) is published by the United Filipino
Seafarers, a duly registered
Philippine maritime union.
Editorial office: 4th/F Room
402, Gedisco Terraces Bldg., 1148 Roxas Blvd., Ermita, Manila, Philippines; Telephone nos.: (632) 524-4888; 525-5806; Fax (632) 524-2336; E-mail: ufs_07@
yahoo.com; Website: http://www.ufs.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
Rey Gambe
Executive Editor
Managing Editor
Creative Consultant
Erik España
Roland Cabrera
Arianne Rodriguez
Sonia Inserto
Assistant Editors
Minabelle Siason
Belgium Bureau
Artists
Capt. Arturo Cañoza
New York Bureau
Engr. Samson Tormis
Sapalo Velez Bundang
& Bulilan Law Offices
Corry Llamas-Konings
Philip Ramirez
Bob Ramirez
Ahrvie Valdez
Julius Cezar N. Catabay
Angelo G. Tinaja
Fr. James Kolin
Greece Bureau
Rotterdam Bureau
Japan Bureau
Legal Consultants
Production Staff
EDITORIAL
SOUNDING LEAD
Single Interpretation is Imperative
CAPT. REYNOLD ‘BURT’ M. SABAY
T
he STCW Convention ’78, as amended in 1995, of the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) is the so—called bible of seafarers.
And just like the numerous verses of the bible, several provisions of
the STCW Convention have become the subject of different interpretations
over the years by various local industry stakeholders to suit their own
agenda and interests.
Many in the maritime training business have quoted the phrase
‘demonstration of competence’ in the STCW Convention for so many
times in the guise of imposing training requirements on seafarers. Others
insist on reciting ‘IMO standards’ just to make sure that new certification
and documentary requirements are imbibed unto the seafarer mindset.
Even the Philippine government’s position on some provisions of the
STCW Convention has not been defined clearly thus allowing some to
capitalize and make money out of it at the expense of the hard-earned
money of Filipino seafarers. It is for this reason that the STCW Convention
has been referred to by some quarters in the local maritime industry as the
‘money-making machine.’
When the Philippines first made it to the IMO ‘white list’ in 2000, joining
71 other countries in the process, it was not as if we were fully compliant
with what the IMO required of our maritime industry.
For one, back in 2000, IMO’s approved certification process for marine
officers is based on two-level examination system – one for OIC and one
for Management Level. The Philippines only began to adopt the system
in 2009. In 2000, the country was implementing a four-level examination
system. Subsequently, out of shame perhaps of being the odd-man out,
the country made it a three-level examination system.
In short, the Philippines’ compliance to IMO has been half-baked, if not
based on mere compromise by people who were entrusted the fate of the
industry but later on backpedalled on their commitments and refused to
divulge the compromise they made to the IMO.
It was quite similar to the case of the European Maritime Safety Agency
(EMSA) whose team made an audit of the country’s maritime and seafaring
processes back in 2006 and gave the Philippines all of five years or until
2011 to comply with its recommendations or risk the banning of Filipino
seafarers from entering European ports.
The problem is, the local maritime industry stakeholders whom EMSA
dealt with in 2006 and then again in 2010 did not say a word about the socalled report until late in 2010 when the Philippines was already pressed
for time in complying with EMSA’s recommendations. In fact, the EMSA
report was never made public until only in the middle of this year.
While nobody is claiming otherwise, it is now obvious that vested
interests and hidden agenda of some enterprising quarters in the industry
have come to play in the EMSA issue.
The Philippines has just recently made it to the IMO ‘white list’ for
the third time. And with the impending entry into force of the Manila
Amendments of the STCW Convention on January 1, 2012, it is time for
the key maritime stakeholders to play the part of vanguards to ensure
that it is not to become a tool yet again to be utilized by some to take
advantage of seafarers. It’s time the Philippines play the part as the No. 1
supplier of seaborne manpower in the world.
A single ‘no ifs, no buts’ interpretation of the Manila Amendments is a
must if we are to be fully compliant with the IMO.
Functional Administration
Expected Soon?
T
he different sectors of
the Philippine maritime
industry are silently waiting
for the incoming single Maritime
Administration particularly the
one that will be in charge of
responsibilities over STCW. The
Philippine experience over the
years was not that uneventful.
While major stakeholders in the
private sector are silently betting
in favor of their individual horses,
the horses are all in the same
predicament.
There were issues on the
application of the law such as
Letter of Instruction (LOI) versus
Executive Order (EO). What if
the LOI was issued and came
into force at the time when
the President exercised both
executive and legislative powers
as in the time of President
Ferdinand Marcos? Exactly the
same argument for an EO issued
during a revolutionary government
wherein then President Cory
Aquino exercised both executive
and legislative powers. The case
in point is LOI 1404 versus EO
125/125-A.
This is just one of the issues.
The original question in the
beginning in the maritime sector
is “Who is in charge?”
Who indeed? According to
our soundings it does not matter
anymore whoever is appointed
or delegated or assigned by
President Benigno Aquino III via
an EO or LOI. What matters most
this time is that the government
agency given the task to properly
administer the STCW Convention
giving it full and complete effect is
competent and responsible.
This column discussed the
best practices in different major
maritime countries and from there,
probably we can pick up some
ideas. However, our soundings
regarding the issues about
STCW Administration revealed
some intricate and not so simple
matters to consider.
First of all, the title of the
convention itself provides crystal
clear indication on what the
convention is all about. The
International Convention on the
Standards of Training, Certification
and Watchkeeping for Seafarers,
1978. Reading further the letters
of the convention will lead us into
a more intricate and complicated
convergence of different spheres
of thoughts.
Nevertheless, this column
believes that the STCW Convention
is more of competence issues
than labor issues. And talking
about labor issues, Maritime
Labor Convention of 2006 (MLC
2006) is definitely all about labor
issues where a “Competent
Authority” from a Party to the
said Convention is needed.
STCW has given so much
emphasis to the requirements
for approved maritime education
and training, and still, it did not
become a purely education and
training issue. Maritime Education
and Training are parts of the
spirit of the STCW Convention
which
covers
administration
for National Quality Systems,
Maritime
Incident/Accident
Investigation, Watchkeeping rules
for rest period, medical/physical
fitness of mariners, alternative
certifications, sea trials of ships,
national controls for maritime
safety, among others. All these
components
require
exactly
what the STCW is looking for, a
functional administration.
Our soundings have revealed
a few more information related to
the European Union (EU) threat
to ban or not recognize Filipino
seafarers’
certification
from
the Philippines if government
authorities will not do anything
to rectify the audit findings of
the European Maritime Safety
Agency (EMSA).
We even heard about the
deadline of 31 August 2011
stands. A few years ago, the
EU threatened the Philippines’
aviation industry and when the
Philippines failed to address the
safety standards issues of the
EU, it made good on its threat.
As of today, no Philippine carrier
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TINIG NG MARINO
TINIG NG MARINO
UFS was also wellrepresented
during
the DOLE tripartite
consultation
that
focused
on
the
result of the video
conference with EMSA
regarding
the
full
implementation of the
Revised Management
Level Course and
the Onboard Training
Program for Engine
Cadet/Apprentice Mate
held at the AMOSUP
conference hall in
Intramuros.
The
UFS
president
animatedly
raising
a
point
during
the
consultation meeting with
the stakeholders of the
maritime industry on the
implementing guidelines for
the Revised Management
Level Course for Deck
and
Marine
Engineer
Officers at the AMOSUP
Convention Hall.
Engr.
Nelson
Ramirez
with
wife Marilyn and
granddaughter
Kesney
Tatiana
joined the outreach program of
LAMBAT for Ermita
street people at
Pope Pius. They
are shown with
LAMBAT officials
including
Chief
Mate
Albert
Soriano (left).
The UFS president
and other migrant
labor
leader
recently took part
in the meeting of
the
Consultative
Council for OFW
at the Patricia Sto.
Tomas Hall that
also had POEA
Administrator
Carlos
Cao,
and
NLRC
Commissioner Tess
Lora in attendance.
Engr.
Ramirez
is shown being
flanked by former
Governor
Ben
Chiongbian,
President of the
PAMI, and Capt
Reynold
“Burt”
Sabay as panelists
during the recent
national forum on
on Piracy at Sea:
Orchestrating
P h i l i p p i n e
Response.
The
UFS
president
was
also an active
participant during
a recent meeting
of the Executive
Committee
of
the
Philippine
M i g r a t i o n
R e s e a r c h
Network held at
Quezon City.
Engr. Ramirez with
wife Marilyn and
granddaughter
Kesney
Tatiana
join the VIP table
during the AET
Triumph Night on
July 8, 2011 at
Heritage Hotel with
Mr. Abdul Rahim
Abdul
Rahman,
Group
Vice
President of AET
Shipmanagement,
Capt. Fared Khan,
Head of AET HR
Sea, and Capt.
Amado Castro Jr.
and his family.
The UFS president
is shown with
the able lawyers
of Sapalo Velez
Bundang
and
Bulilan
(SVBB)
Law
Offices
during the firm’s
celebration of its
35th Anniversary
of the law firm.
SVBB
is
the
legal counsel of
Filipino seafarers
who seek legal
assistance
from
the UFS.
Judge Teresa Patrimonio Soriaso (middle) receives the award as The Most Outstanding Judge
for 2011 from the Volunteer Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) for consistently upholding the
cause of justice including her outstanding work in the highly sensational case of the Kidnapping
and Murder of Barangay Captain Eleuterio A. Salabas, 2nd Mate Ticardo Suganob, and Maximo
Lomoljo in Bacolod City. The accused, former police officer Clarence Dongail and two other police
officers, were convicted and sentenced to three life terms or a total of 120 years on April 13, 2011.
Engr. Nelson Patrimonio Ramirez had been awarded as Outstanding Individual by VACC in the
year 2008. Chairman Dante Jimenez and the other VACC officials are shown with Judge Soriaso.
TINIG NG MARINO
10 TINIG NG MARINO
WORKERS’ VANGUARD
hon. Emmeline Y. Aglipay
Representative, DIWA Partylist
Congress of the Philippines
[email protected]
O
verseas Filipino seafarers constitute
30% of the world merchant marine
fleet, contributing a little bit more
than US$3B of foreign exchange earnings
through dollar remittances for their families.
According to the latest available statistics
from the Philippine Overseas Employment
Administration (POEA), our country has an
estimated pool of about 700,000 seafarers,
less than 400,000 of whom are deployed
on ships of Philippine registry, and around
330,424 deployed on ships of foreign
registry.
In order to ensure that the rights of our
Filipino seafarers are protected by the
government and respected by all concerned,
House Bill No. 4714, otherwise known as
the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers,
was filed by DIWA Party-list in the House
of Representatives on May 23, 2011. HB
4714 is compliant with and consistent with
the rights and benefits provided in the
Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
The pressing need to enact a law that
puts in place mechanisms that would further
strengthen existing laws and policies that
Safeguarding Seafarers’ Rights
would benefit seafarers and their families
prompted the drafting of the Magna Carta.
The bill seeks to do this and more,
through the provision of compulsory
benefits for seafarers, the regulation of
their conditions of employment, recruitment
and placement.
In addition, this Bill also seeks to
strengthen provisions for legal assistance,
dispute resolution and voluntary arbitration
for seafarers and their families. It expounds
the definition of illegal recruitment and other
prohibited acts already defined in other
laws, making them specifically applicable
to seafarers.
Of particular importance is the provision
in the Magna Carta, which mandates the
State to protect the Filipino seafarers’
rights to humane conditions of work, a
safe and secure workplace that complies
with safety standards; decent working and
living conditions onboard a ship, medical
care, welfare measures and other forms of
health and social protection.
It also mandates the State to protect
Filipino seafarers’ rights to fair terms and
conditions of employment including salary
commensurate to their rank, hours of work,
minimum number of working hours, rest
periods consistent with Philippine laws
and/or international maritime conventions.
The proposed Magna Carta also seeks
to further provide protection for Filipino
seafarers as it mandates the POEA in
directing the deployment of seafarers by
ensuring that deployment shall only be
to ships of flag states which implement
the standards imposed by international
maritime conventions protecting the rights
of seafarers.
This protects our seafarers’ safety at all
times, especially since they are constantly
exposed to the perils of the sea. In certain
cases and if national or public interest
requires, the POEA, after consultation with
the Department of Foreign Affairs may, at
any time, terminate or impose a ban on
the deployment of seafarers to ships of
particular flag states or trading in particular
areas.
The proposed Magna Carta also
recognizes the very important part that
manning agencies play in the lives and
careers of our seafarers.
Certain obligations will already be
mandated by law, such as: maintaining an
up-to-date list of ships for which recruitment
and placement services are provided and
to which seafarers are deployed, ensuring
that there is a means by which to contact
the ship at any time; ensuring that all
contracts of employment of seafarers
recruited by them are in accordance with
applicable laws; giving proper information
prior to engagement or during the process
of engagement, of their rights and duties
under their contracts of employment, any
particular conditions applicable to the job
for which they will be engaged, and any
specific policies of the ship owner relating
to their employment.
Manning agencies must also provide for
adequate procedures to address requests
for information or advice from seafarers’
families while the seafarer is at sea and
that these requests are dealt with promptly,
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TINIG NG MARINO
iPS Taps C.S.C. Manila
N
11
to Deliver ‘Powerful People’
etherlands-based
human
resource and crewing solutions
provider iPS has tapped the crew
management expertise of C.S.C. Manila,
Inc. to provide them with ‘powerful
people’ that the former usually provide to
powerful industries including dredging,
maritime, offshore, tunnelling, and oil
and gas.
Apart from providing competent
Filipino seafarers to the bulk and
container vessels of its foreignassociated partners, C.S.C. Manila also
provides the crewing requirements for
various types of offshore vessels for a
European-based principal.
C.S.C. Manila takes pride in
consistently delivering complete marine
services. In spite of the tough competition
in the industry, the organization
immediately broke new ground with its
fresh innovative concept of specialization
that has consistently kept the company
in the forefront of the Philippine manning
industry by maintaining high standards of
quality and professionalism.
The company has been providing the
ship requirement of several ship owners
and principals and overall, provides a
comprehensive range of professional
services to the international shipping
community.
This bankable reputation of C.S.C.
Manila has convinced iPS to initiate
a partnership with the local crewing
company to sustain its global reputation
as a provider of ‘powerful people,’
particularly in the areas of marine,
offshore and dredging.
‘Powerful people’ in iPS mean
competent ones who do not only know
but actually excel in their professional
craft.
“Powerful people are our tools and
our trade. People that get your job done.
Wherever and whenever you needed
them,” says iPS in its marketing pitch.
Mr.
Stephan
Lubberhuizen,
Commercial Source Specialist of iPS,
was recently in Manila to formalize the
agreement with C.S.C Manila. He talked
about the professional and personal
growth potentials of competent Filipino
seafarers that are capable and qualified
in joining their roster of ‘powerful people’
for specialized industries.
“Selecting people is a skill that lies at
the heart of our organization. Our staff is
always on the lookout for a special kind of
people: those who can make a difference
and have the hands and brains to do
so because in the specialized industry
we serve, there is little room for error,
and quality is the key issue,” says Mr.
Lubberhuizen.
On hand to welcome Mr. Lubberhuizen
to the Philippines is Mr.Jack Richards of
Orient Shipping Rotterdam and the rest
of the officers and staff of C.S.C. Manila.
Consistent with its thrust, iPS tapped
C.S.C. Manila, whose head office is also
in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, because
the local crewing company has become
known to provide competent and quality
people to its foreign principals.
Stephan Lubberhuizen (left) of iPS, Engr. Nelson
Ramirez of the UFS, and Jack Richards of Orient
Shipping Rotterdam at the C.S.C Manila office.
iPS delivers ‘powerful people’ in powerful industries.
UFS Calls for Drastic Action Against
Seamen Certificate Peddlers
W
ith the continued and rampant is that these peddlers are selling rating initiative in further finetuning the process
peddling of seafarer rating assessment and endorsement certificates that it had put in place. Because it appears
assessment and endorsement between PhP1,600 to PhP2,000. The worst that there are still entities who are taking
certificates at the Luneta Seafarer’s part is that many Filipino seafarer ratings advantage of the process,” points out Engr.
Center, the United Filipino Seafarers are getting lured by it.
Nelson P. Ramirez, President of the UFS,
(UFS) is calling for drastic action or else, it
The market pitch of these peddlers to who has been the acclaimed nemesis of
will start taking the issue to the streets.
seafarer ratings is that with the price they peddlers selling certificates at the Luneta
Word has reached the UFS about will have to pay, they don’t have to spend Seafarer’s Center or its proximity.
the rather surprising annual figure in the time for the alleged long
number of seafarer ratings who have filed queue of applicants in TESDA
for new assessment with the Technical because the certificates would
Education and Skills Development be personally brought to them.
Authority (TESDA) last year compared to
TESDA is said to be
the actual number of maritime graduates investigating already the issue
also in the same year.
considering that the agency
The information that was relayed to has
already
streamlined
the union is that almost 70,000 Filipino the process of issuance of
seafarer ratings have filed for new seafarer rating assessment
assessment in all of 2010, which is really and endorsement certificates
amazing considering the fact that last and that reports of long
year, the country produced only less than queue of applicants are overly
20,000 maritime graduates.
exaggerated.
There are currently four maritime
“In order to rid the industry
assessment centers in Manila accredited of these vultures prying on
by TESDA and according to the source, hapless
Filipino
seafarer
these centers have cornered the bulk ratings, TESDA must take the
of these assessment on Filipino
seafarer ratings.
Renewal of seafarer rating
assessment costs only PhP200 while
application for new assessment is
PhP800. From the figures obtained,
it is quite surprising why more Filipino
seafarer ratings would prefer to pay
PhP800 than PhP 200.
According to another source, many
of those peddling rating assessment
and endorsement certificates at
the Luneta Seafarer’s Center are
allegedly working in connivance with
While authorities are claiming to be doing something against peddlers of seafarer certificates and other
the assessment centers by acting documents at Luneta Seafarer’s Center, their illicit trade seems to flourish by the day as can be seen by their
as their field agents. What’s worse continuously growing number.
12 TINIG NG MARINO
TINIG NG MARINO
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
N
gayon pa lang nagbabanta na
ang matandang uugod-ugod na si
Leoncio Sempio na kung mapairal
na naman daw muli ang mandatory
membership ng MEOAP, mumultahan daw
ang hindi pa mga miyembro pati na ang
mga may hawak ng expired membership
I.D. ng asosasyon at gagawing triple
ang halaga ng I.D. Ang mga huliing
nagpamiyembro sa MEOAP ay siningil nila
ng PhP 2,500.00 dahil pati ang kanilang
convention umano na hindi naman nila
dinaluhan ay pinababayaran din ng mga
ganid. Mantakin mo yan, para maging
miyembro ng MEOAP magbabayad ka ng
PhP7,500.00? Sa 65,000 na mga marine
engineers na miyembro ng MEOAP, ang
halagang ‘yan ay dumadagondong na
mahigit PhP 487 milyones. Kahit gawin
na lang doble ang halagang ipapataw nila
bilang multa, ‘yan ay malutong na PhP 325
milyones pa rin. Wow! Kaya anino pa lang
ng milyones na ‘yan ay tumutulo na ang
mga laway ng mga ganid sa MEOAP.
*******
UGONG NG MAKINA
AT IKOT NG ELISI
Arivederci MEOAP
Biruin mo ‘yan, ipinagmayabang pa
naman ni Lydia Malbog sa akin at sa mga
kakilala niya na ang anak niya ay nagaaral ng abogasya sa isang ekslusibong
mamahaling unibersidad,
nakatira sa
isang condominium unit at nakasakay pa
sa isang magarang kotse kung pumapasok
sa eskuwelahan. Dapat lang naman. Dahil
milyones naman ang perang sinimsim nila
mula sa dugo at pawis ng mga makinista
na pumupunta sa kaban ng MEOAP. Ang
problema nga lang, hindi nila maipaliwanag
kung papaano nila nilustay ang perang
‘yan dahil sa loob ng maraming taon, wala
naman sariling bank account ang MEOAP
at wala ring maipakitang updated financial
statements . Nalulugi pa nga raw ang
MEOAP ng mahigit isang milyon noong
taong 2009 batay sa kanilang financial
report. Hulaan na lang ninyo kung kaninong
bank account napupunta ang pera ng mga
marino.
*******
Kamakailan lang, ipinagmayabang pa ni
Sempio sa isang makinista na inutusan
13
ko na pumunta sa opisina ng MEOAP na
may nabili na raw na sariling building ang
MEOAP. Isa pa, ibinida niya na isa raw siya
sa mga founders ng Philippine Merchant
Marine Academy (PMMA). Mahabaging
langit Sempio! Bagamat alam ko Sempio
na matanda ka pa kaysa kalabaw at mukha
ka na ring multo na ulyanin, dapat mong
malaman na ang PMMA o ang Escuela
Nautica de Manila ay itinayo noong taong
1820. Bakit? Mahigit 200 taon ka na ba
ngayon? Sobra naman ang haba ng buhay
mo. Wala akong alam na taong nabubuhay
sa loob ng 200 taon, kaya sablay na naman
ang kayabangan mo.
*******
Minsan din, inakusahan ako ni Lydia
na nagkamal umano ako ng maraming
lupain bilang isang union leader. Pati
ba naman ang lupang minana ng aking
ama mula sa aking lolo na ipinamana
sa aming tatlong magkakapatid, gusto
mo pang angkinin, Lydia? Yan lang ang
maipagmamalaki kong lupain na talagang
nasa akin na nakapangalan dahil nasa
ibang bansa naman naninirahan ang
dalawa kong kapatid at isinalin na nila ang
kanilang bahagi sa akin. Kumpleto ang
dokumento ng lupain kong yan at kaya
kong ipangalandakan sa publiko kung
kinakailangan. Ikaw o ang MEOAP, may
hawak ba kayong dokumento kung paano
niyo winaldas ang pera ng mga makinistang
Pilipino? Matagal ko na kayong hinamon
na magpakitaan tayo ng dokumento sa
publiko, pero hanggang ngayon, ayaw
niyong kumasa dahil alam ninyong wala
kayong maipapakita na magpapatunay na
nasa tamang paraan ang paggastos niyo
sa pera ng MEOAP.
*******
Talagang nalulong na sa kasinungalingan
ang mga opisyales ng MEOAP. Biruin niyo,
wala raw akong nagawa sa pamumuno ko
sa MEOAP sa loob ng 27 taon. Papaano
naman mangyayari ‘yan? Huminto ako sa
pagbabarko noong taong 1994 at itinatag
ko ang United Filipino Seafarers noong
taong din yon. Minsan lang ako napadpad
sa opisina ng MEOAP. Minsan naiisip ko
tuloy na binubulungan ng obispo ng mga
demonyo ang mga opisyales ng MEOAP
upang magkalat ng kasamaan dito sa ating
industriya. Naisip ko tuloy na hihimukin ko
TURN TO PAGE 21
14 TINIG NG MARINO
Univan Consistently Strives
for Safe Ships and Clean Seas
TINIG NG MARINO
15
“In the line of
work of seafarers,
no
shortcuts
are
necessary.
Some may have
just
disregarded
little
procedures
yet crucial in the
he theme of the first crew
whole shipping operations. Everyone must
conference of the Hong
contribute to safety by institutionalizing
Kong-based
Univan
a pro-active solution and by abiding to
Ship Management Ltd in the
quality management systems,” Capt. Ferrer
Philippines – “Safe Ships, Clean
stressed.
Seas” - says a lot indeed how
Mr. Antonio Leosala, Det Norske Veritas
responsible and reputable the
AS Country Manager, lectured on the
shipping organization is.
importance of the ISM Port State Control. He
The company, known globally as
pointed out that the intention of ISM Code
the pioneers of ship management
is to ensure safety at sea through proper
in the digital age, obviously
management.
gives premium importance to
“ISM is not just about paperwork or
the safety of its crew onboard
simply for documentation purposes, neither
its fleet of managed vessels
for bureaucracy, another form of certificate
and the protection of the marine
or simply pushing responsibility back to the
environment. It has become part
ships. It is about resources, maintaining
of the ship management company,
and developing proficiency, communication,
which had its humble beginnings
learning, and being pro-active,” Mr. Leosala
in 1973.
added.
Top officials of Univan Ship Management Ltd. are shown being flanked by the Filipino seafarer - participants
Univan believes that in order to
Capt. Reynold ‘Burt’ Sabay, CEO of
during the company’s first crew conference in Manila with the theme: “Safe Ships,Clean Seas.”
ensure that its sea staff’s mindset
New Simulator Center of the Philippines,
are parallel with the company thrusts towards
p o s t e d Inc., also made a presentation on Bridge ship safety and marine environmental
significant Team Management Room for Improvement.
protection, emphasis must be constantly
increase in “Studies show that 80% of human errors are
given to training, thus the rationale for its
the number caused by management control. It is mainly
first crew seminar in the Philippines held on
of Filipino due to internal and external communication
July 8 – 9, 2011 at the Manila Hotel.
s e a f a r e r s errors,” he said.
The company used to hold its crew
we
have
“To become team champions, there has
conference only in India. But with the
d e p l o y e d to be no accidents. The flow of information
growing number of Filipino seafarers under
from 100 should be smooth. It is very vital and the
its employ, having the same regular activity
to 700 in ultimate goal of the Bridge Team for a safe
in the Philippines seems to be a logical
a period of navigation. The efficient management team
move.
two years. gathers all resources (human and material)
In the Philippines, Univan’s crewing
We expect available to the bridge to promote good
activities are exclusively being undertaken by
the figure communication and teamwork in order to
Mr. Richard Hext
Mr. Cristos Kottas,
Capt. Kits Opelanio
Univan Management Services Philippines,
to increase eliminate the risk that an error on the part
Inc.
was direct to the point: “In order to achieve further as more ships would be phased in to of one person could result to a dangerous
Reflective of the importance that the Hong our vision, we must be one team with one the management fold of Univan by next year. situation,” explains Capt. Sabay.
Kong-based ship management company goal.”
There would be many promising careers
Capt. Deepak Gupta, of Univan’s
gives to its Filipino seafarers, no less than
“Captain Vanderperre, the company waiting at Univan for competent and qualified Operation
Department
talked
about
Mr. Richard Hext, Deputy Chairman and founder, gave Univan three cardinal principles: Filipino seafarers.”
quantifiable indicators in his presentation
Chief Executive Officer of Univan Ship reverence for seafarers; very hard work; and
“Our trust and faith with our Filipino about Key Performance Indicator (KPI).
Management Ltd actively took part in the tight cost control. To these, we have added seafarers remains high. Let us work together He also discussed about the health and
two-day seminar by literally reaching out first class IT; a ‘no blame’ culture; and close to achieve our common goal to be the best ship safety of the crew, operations of vessels, the
and rubbing elbows with the crew.
teamwork. We believe that a ‘no blame,’ management company in the world,” Capt. quality of Univan’s service to ship owners,
He also took the task of welcoming to transparent culture is vital to our success. Opelanio rallied the seafarer-participants to human resources, crew trainings, and
the conference the participation of important We all make mistakes but we do ourselves the conference.
environmental protection.
resource persons and guest speakers and others a great favor when we recognize
Equipping Univan Seafarers
Other important topics discussed in the
that included Admiral Ramon Liwag, and admit our mistakes, especially when it is
with the Right Tools
seminar include “Health is Wealth” by Dr.
Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, most difficult to do so. Any ideas from people
Consistent with the theme of the two-day Solomon Ching; “STCW” - its amendments
Mr. J.S. Shin and Mr. Y.J. Shin of Cido; Mr. here on how we can further improve these seminar, the first topic was about International and mandatory implementation on January
Christos Kottas of Synergy; and Mr. Dave shall be gratefully accepted,” elaborated Mr.
2017 by C/E Miguel O.
Watkins of CNCo.
Marasigan, OIC - PRC Board of
In lauding the prolific
Marine Engineer Officers; “The
efforts of Univan Management
Paris MOU” by Capt. Pereira
Services
Philippines
in
Bombay; “Grievance Procedures
providing
the
crewing
- Case Law and Jurisdiction” by
requirements
of
Univan
Atty. Herbert Tria of Del Rosario
Ship Management, Mr. Hext
and Del Rosario Law Office; and
even went the extra mile of
“Safety Operating Maintenance
speaking in Filipino: Salamat
Procedure” by N.K. Jha, Fleet
sa magandang trabaho ng
Manager, Fleet A.
aking mga kapatid sa Univan
Christos Kottas, ship owner
(My deep appreciation for the
and Synergy Fleet Manager said:
splendid work of my fellows in
“We believe that we are heading
Univan.), much to the delight
towards the right direction. Let
of the audience.
us all do our job properly. Prove
Mr. Hext cited in particular A number of Filipino seafarers of took part in Univan’s first crew conference in Manila which equipped them with the right tools ourselves to be worthy in the
Capt. Kits M. Opelanio, towards harnessing their shipboard competencies as well as better awareness of the company’s thrust for them.
maritime industry. But never be
Vice President of Univan
too complacent for there are too
Management Services Philippines for ably Hext.
Safety Management which was discussed in many head hunters out there looking for
taking the helm of the crewing outfit.
For his part, Capt. Opelanio stated: “We detail by Capt. Demetrio Ferrer, ISM Internal opportunities. Better be wiser for there is
His message to the Univan seafarers are a constantly growing company. We have Auditor.
strong completion in the maritime industry.”
T
16 TINIG NG MARINO
TINIG NG MARINO
17
SAILORS’ CORNER
ATTY. AUGUSTO R. BUNDANG
Head, Litigation and Seafarers Department
Sapalo Velez Bundang & Bulilan Law Offices
Substantial Evidence
C
an a seafarer be legally dismissed
even if he was not given a
reasonable opportunity to present
his side? Yes, for a just cause shown
by substantial evidence according to
the case of Abosta Shipmanagement
Corporation vs. NLRC & Arnulfo Flores
(G.R. No. 163252, July 27, 2011).
Here, the seafarer entered into a 12month contract with his employers as
radio officer for an ocean-going vessel.
Unfortunately, after less than six months,
he was repatriated due to alleged
infractions committed while onboard the
vessel.
According to his employers, he rudely
questioned the crew’s working schedule,
caused unrest, was inefficient, and
instigated the crew to rebel against the
authority of the Master; thus, making the
crew members disrespectful, disobedient
and even violent.
The seafarer was then asked to explain
why he should not be administratively
charged but he was immediately
repatriated.
Upon his return to Manila, he filed a
complaint for illegal dismissal before the
labor arbiter who dismissed his claim.
On appeal, both the Commission and the
Court of Appeals sided with the seafarer
and found him to have been illegally
dismissed.
The Supreme Court however, found
the dismissal to be legal but awarded the
seafarer P30,000.00 as nominal damages
following the precedent case of Agabon
vs. NLRC [485Phil248 (2004)], for failure
of his employers to observe procedural
due process in dismissing him from his
employment.
The Supreme Court concluded that
he was not given a reasonable time to
explain his side in writing after the captain
conducted his inquiry.
In finding his dismissal to be legal, the
High Court relied on a letter of the captain
to the agency as well as the letters of the
chief officer and the 1st assistant engineer
to the principal, both prior to the seafarer’s
termination, narrating the infractions
committed by him.
It found the letters to not just contain a
mere accusation of wrongdoing but rather
made direct affirmative statements on
the seafarer’s transgressions which the
seafarer allegedly failed to refute. The
Court considered the letters as sufficient
evidence to support the dismissal of the
seafarer.
The resolution in Abosta brings to
the fore the issue of what constitutes
“substantial evidence” on the part of
the employers to prove the validity of a
seafarer’s dismissal from employment.
While the said letters of the captain and
the other officers were already deemed
acceptable in the subject case to establish
the charges against the seafarer, the
High Court ruled however, in the case
of Centennial Transmarine Inc., et.al.,
vs. Ruben dela Cruz (G.R. No. 180719,
August 22, 2008), that if the genuineness
of the captain’s report and entry in a ship’s
official logbook as well as statements of
the safety officer and the chief officer are
assailed by the seafarer, they must first be
duly identified and authenticated in order
to be given weight in an illegal dismissal
case.
Suffice it to say that in the case of
Abosta Shipmanagement, the seafarer
questioned the probative value of the
statements in the letters of the captain and
the other officers and contended that they
are self-serving. Needless, the High Court
still found the letters to be compelling and
admissible.
[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 of the Sapalo Velez Bundang &
Bulilan (SVBB) Law Office 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.]
18 TINIG NG MARINO
GL Academy Manila in Cooperation with Magsaysay
Learning offers “Superintendent Training Course”
On August 22nd – 26th, 2011, the GL Academy Superintendent Training Course was
offered in cooperation with Magsaysay Learning for the first time. The five day seminar
was attended by 16 participants from various local and international shipping companies.
The trainers for the course were Capt. Falk Bethke, Dr. Holger Manzke, Engr. Suficiencia,
C/E Regino Trajano and C/E Adam Leyson - all experts in their field. The aim of the
Superintendent Training Course is to provide the participants with the knowledge,
understanding and proficiency necessary to fulfil the role of Superintendent.
Due to the great success of and continuing demand for this seminar, GL Academy Manila
and Magsaysay Learning are planning a second session that will take place on 10-14
October 2011. For further information please contact us at +632 893 7720 / +632 892
1509 or email us at [email protected].
GL Academy and Magsaysay Learning sign cooperation agreement. Dr. Holger Manzke,
Germanischer Lloyd Country Manager Philippines, (left) and Mr. Marlon Roño, President of
Magsaysay Learning (right)
Dr. Holger Manzke, Germanischer Lloyd Country Manager Philippines, and the
President of Magsaysay Learning, Mr. Marlon Roño signed the co-operation agreement
on August 18, 2011.
Both institutions are striving to improve maritime safety, security, environmental
protection and quality through sustainable training development and delivery.
The GL Academy Superintendent Training Course last August 22-26, 2011 was the
first seminar jointly organized by Magsaysay and GL Academy Manila.
This is the beginning of an extensive collaboration between Magsaysay and GL
Academy to provide seminars for the maritime industry in Philippines.
Superintendent Training Course participants.
NO EXCUSES
FROM PAGE 3
In the Philippine maritime industry, the
STCW Convention has become a tool for
some enterprising stakeholders to capitalize
on over unwitting Filipino seafarers through
various interpretations in the guise of
imposing often concocted training and
certification requirements as answer to
the deficient maritime curriculum. After
all, no active Filipino seafarer would dare
comprehend and fully interpret the provisions
of the STCW Convention when he is off from
sea as he would rather spend it qualitatively
in the company of his family.
Aided largely by the EMSA threat of
banning Filipino seafarers from entering
into European ports, the deficiency in the
Philippine maritime education curriculum is
to be addressed the way it should be by the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as
appropriate starting school year 2012-2013.
This means that four years hence or on 2016,
all Filipino maritime graduates need not take
unnecessary trainings that are not provided
for in table of competencies in the Manila
Amendments of the STCW Convention.
The expanded Management Level Course,
which has become the country’s temporary
answer to fend off and meet the requirements
of EMSA, will still be imposed on seafarers
who have become OICs starting in 2001 or
about the time when the so-called and onlyin-the-Philippines Interim Courses were first
introduced to the industry.
As for the four-level written examination
rising from the dead, the Philippines would be
the world’s laughing stock among maritime
nations when that happens.
Single STCW Administration
Much of the focus of the stakeholders of
the local maritime industry these days is in
pushing for a single and functioning STCW
administration for the country to be able to
fully comply with the requirements of the
Manila Amendments.
In a resolution dated July 22, 2011, which
was an offshoot of the IMO national seminar
in Bataan, a handful of private sector leaders
in the local maritime industry including
Capt. Victor Del Prado of FILSCAPTS,
C/E Alfredo Haboc and Ms. Merle J. San
Pedro of PAMTCI, Engr. Ben Chiongbian
of PAMI, Engr. Ramirez of the UFS, along
with other manning executives, called for the
institutionalization of a single government
agency to administer the STCW Convention.
At present, the Maritime Training Council
(MTC) is the government body administering
the STCW Convention which is not the
norm in other maritime countries because
the flag administration is usually the STCW
administration. In the Philippines, the
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is the
flag administration.
MTC became the STCW administration by
virtue of Letter of Intent (LOI) 1404 issued by
then President Ferdinand Marcos, which was
in effect a legal instrument during Marcos
time, which enabled the country to submit on
January 11, 1984 its Instrument of Accession
to the IMO for the STCW ’78 Convention.
The same private sector resolution also
TINIG NG MARINO
19
While some quarters in the industry are
pushing for MARINA to become the STCW
administration, MTC is holding on to the
function unless a new law is passed that would
officially transfer its functions to MARINA.
However, an almost inconspicuous
provision under Executive Order 125-A issued
on April 13, 1987 by then President Corazon
identified
the
Aquino may actually be the
four criteria for a
best and quickest solution to
single maritime
finding a single and functioning
administration maritime administration without
the agency must
having to lobby in Congress
have
complete
and Senate to enact a law.
governance of the
An EO during the time of then
country’s maritime
President Aquino, which was a
education
and
revolutionary government, has
training; it issues
the legal trappings of a law.
the
certificate
Under
Section
13e
of
competency
called of EO 125-A, which
(COC); it issues
is entitled “Reorganizing the
the
certificate
Ministry of Transportation and
of endorsement
Communications,
Defining
(COE); and it must The participants from the tripartite sector of the local maritime industry during the national Powers and Functions, and
also be the flag seminar on Manila Amendments of the STCW Convention.
Other Purposes,” it states
‘MTC’s function of issuing
In the Philippines, there are
too many agencies involved certificate of competency to seamen under
in the implementation of LOI 1404 is hereby transferred to MARINA.’
the
STCW
Convention and
MTC, without
effective control
over
them,
eventually
resulted in a
fragmented
evere depression and vast hopelessness - those were
implementation
the things that made me suffer since I discovered that
or half-baked
I am infected with Hepatitis B in August 2010. The
c o m p l i a n c e disease caused my untimely repatriation from Qatar which
of the STCW I regretted most.
Convention.
And by the course of intense desire to recover in order to
Mr. Ashok Mahapatra of the IMO discussing a provision of the
T
h
i
s regain my opportunity, I didn’t waste my time to immediately
Manila Amendments to the participants.
o b s e r v a t i o n seek for a possible cure. I then went to one of the known
administration since the STCW Convention is was in fact part of the EMSA hospitals in Manila wherein the doctor gave me a description
basically about safety.
report.
of the designed regimen. It was costly, notwithstanding the
fact that I need to undergo monthly laboratory tests.
But within three months of taking those expensive drugs,
I felt the drastic loss of my weight, probably brought by the
lost of my appetite, frequent muscle spasm, palpitation,
transient weakness, nausea and the sudden collapse of my
platelet count including the relative component of my blood
iver disease mostly brought about by
shaped root of a certain herb
composition.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is now among
have been found to consist an
And the saddest part of it was that, there was no
the leading causes of death worldwide
“Interferon-like substance” that
significant
change to cure my Hepatitis B infection. That
according to World Health Organization (WHO).
can be able to adversely affect
made
me
worry
and then I thought that those prescriptions
The greatest impact of the disease is being
the Hepatitis B virus and prevent
experienced in Asia particularly the Asia-Pacific
the probable eventuality of are not helping me at all. I felt more eager to find a cure with
Region (which includes the Philippines) that
severe liver damage (cirrhosis my worsened condition until I read the Lizada Korean Red
contributes the majority of cases out of the 70%
into cancer). It also promotes Ginseng in the newspaper ads announcing their offer for a
global record of HBV infection. The underlying
the restoration of hepatocellular free consultation about different diseases they manage to
reason for the dramatic outbreak of the infection
damage caused by toxins and reverse, including Hepatitis B.
I didn’t hesitate and visited their office in no time. And
is due to a very common and almost unsuspected
normalizing the level of liver
there,
along with very informative and helpful information,
ways of transmission.
enzymes (SGPT and SGOT) all
Even a simple customary practiced of
commonly used in the diagnostic they render through the orientation, I witnessed a vast
number of patients they helped to recover from Hepatitis
grooming to either men or women are not safe
test of liver diseases.
from transmission of HBV virus and henceforth,
And the yields of its B infection which were all manifested in the laboratory
any bladed, pointed or body piercing instruments
pharmacological activities are results.
I suddenly felt an enormous relief and my hope was
can carry the virus and transfer it to another
documented by the series of
individual through any point of entry (even
numerous laboratory results of more than ignited and that propelled me to undergo at once
a small wound or accidental prick) so even
several patients who recovered from into their natural medications. So then, with a great faith in
medical practitioners aren’t exempted from
Hepatitis B and other liver-related God, complemented by their rightful advices and discipline.
acquiring the infections. An infected mother
diseases through the management I regain my wellness and is now fabulously rejuvenated in
can also transfer the virus to her newborn
and alternative treatment with the just a matter of two months. Probably a bold manifestation
during giving birth (vertical transmission) and
application of the herb already in of the optimal effect of Lizada Korean Red Ginseng, not
in cases of unsafe sexual activity (particularly
an extracted form. In addition, all to mention the dramatic improvement in the status of my
to homosexual intercourse where bleeding is
the comprehensive details and vital infection. Until finally in my 6th month of medication, that was
commonly inevitable).
information are being discussed March 2011, I was absolutely cured!
For several decades now, there is no known
regularly by Ms. Digna C. Lizada
I am Wilson Antonio C. and you may see my complete
cure for HBV infection as far as conventional or
(736-7691 / 736-7732 / 736-7895 diagnostic results at Lizada KRG Corporation, located at Rm.
modern medicines are concerned. But according
/ 0928-5019508 / 0915-8524446) 601 of MBI Building in Plaza Sta. Cruz, Manila with Tel Nos.
to the research performed by Dr. Masahiro
for the benefit of every queries and 736-7691 / 736-7732 / 736-7895. Cel No. 0928-5019508 /
Yamamoto of Nissel Hospital, an aged humanconcerns.
0915-8524446. Just Look for Ms. Digna C. Lizada.
Lizada Korean Red
Ginseng, A True Help
for My Hepatitis B
S
L
Herbs May Treat
Liver Disease
20 TINIG NG MARINO
TINIG NG MARINO
UGONG NG MAKINA
AT IKOT NG ELISI
Arivederci MEOAP
FROM PAGE 13
ang obispo ng mga demonyong ‘yan na
pumunta sa Luneta upang doon ko siya
puputulan ng sungay kasama na ang
kanyang mga alipores at kamag-anak.
*******
Sobra talaga ang kapal ng apog ng mga
namamahala ng MEOAP. Biruin niyo,
kinunan pa nila ng larawan ang isang
tatlong palapag na gusali sa Sampaloc,
Manila, ni-retoke sa Photoshop para lagyan
ng pagkalaki at pagkahabang pangalan ng
MEOAP ang gusali, gayong kakapiranggot
lang naman pala na tarpaulin ang nakabitin
dito sa aktwal na itsura. Inangkin pa nila na
ang building umano ay kanila na dahil binili
na raw nila ito. Ngunit sa isang personal
na pagtatanong ng isang marine engineer
kamakailan kay Ernesto Malbog sa harap
mismo ng nasabing building, sinabi nito na
“50-50 pa ang papeles ng gusali.” Ayon
pa kay Ernesto, hindi raw sa MEOAP ang
buong building kundi ang kalahati lang
nito na balak umano nilang gamitin bilang
transient house para sa mga miyembro
nilang makinista. Yun naman pala e. E bakit
kung magyabang si Sempio at si Lydia
Malbog, ang sinasabi na nila ay nakabili
na ang MEOAP ng sariling building. Kung
binili na nila ang building, bakit kalahati
lang? Sadyang garapal na ang panloloko.
Mayroon bang nagbibenta ng kalahating
building? Ang buong akala nila, sobra na
talagang bobo ng mga makinistang Pilipino
na kaya lang nilang lansihin at bilugin ang
ulo habang buhay. Delikado talaga ang
mga tao na may mga utak na kasing-liit
lang ng utak ng alamang. Akala nila sila
lang ang matatalino. Katulad ng mga pagiisip ng mga chimpanzee sa zoo na nagiisip na masuwerte sila dahil nakakulong
daw ang mga tao.
*******
Maiisaayos na sana nating mga makinista
ang problema sa MEOAP kung hindi
pumasok sa ating organisasyon ang
mga aliens na katulad ng mag-asawang
Ernesto at Lydia Malbog. Dinagdagan
pa ng dalawang presidente na ginawang
robot ng mag-asawa kasama pa ang
isang makinistang naging presidential
assistant pero inutil din. Diyan nagumpisang magkawindang-windang ang
ating organisasyon. Dapat tinutulan natin
ito sa umpisa pa lamang upang hindi sana
mawala ang milyones na ipinagkatiwala ng
mga miyembro sa kanila. Papaano ngayon,
bangkarote na ang MEOAP. Mantakin
mong milyones na rin ang ginastos nila sa
kanilang abogado na kapatid din ni Lydia.
Ang mga anak at kamag-anak ni Ernesto
at Lydia ay sumusuweldo rin sa MEOAP.
Tingnan niyo na lang ang magazine ng
MEOAP. Saan ka ba nakabasa ng isang
pahayagan na ang mga pangalan sa staff
box ay walang mga apelyido ang pangalan
ng mga staff? Papaano, nahihiya silang
ilantad na kung hindi Malbog ay Briones
ang mga apelyido nito, na pawang mga
anak at kamag-anak ni Ernesto at Lydia.
*******
Ang MEOAP ay itinatag para maging
tahanan ng mga makinistang Pilipino upang
magbigay ng proteksyon sa mga miyembro
at isulong ang patuloy na pag-unlad nila at
ng kanilang propesyon. Sa halip, ginawa
21
itong palabigasan ng mga taong hindi man
lang natin kabaro. Dahil nga nagtiwala tayo
sa asosayon, sinamantala ito ng mga ganid
simula nang mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon
na pamunuan ang MEOAP. Hindi pa huli
ang lahat. Itatag natin ang isang tunay
na organisasyon ng mga makinista na
pangangasiwaan ng mga makinista at
asahan ninyo na mamatyagan ko ito
katulad ng pagpapatakbo ko sa United
Filipino Seafarers na tagapagtanggol sa
karapatan ng mga marino. Makakaasa
kayo na habang ako ay nandito pa sa
ating industriya, hindi ko papayagan na
masalaula at mayurakan muli ang ating
propesyon.
22 TINIG NG MARINO
Preparing for Financial Emergencies
M
ore often than not, people will
only think of retirement when
they reach their 50s. While still
young, people are preoccupied with using
their hard-earned money to accumulate
properties, such as cars, appliances, and
gadgets, among others, to enjoy life.
While there’s nothing wrong with having
these assets, having an available fund
to answer for life’s emergencies, such
as medical expenses, and home repair
expenses, among others, is not bad as
well. Whatever happened to the “save for
the rainy day” principle if the only cash
people have is what they regularly receive
during the 15th and 30th of every month?
Here is an example worth sharing. A
family went one Sunday to the mall to eat
lunch. After eating, they were discussing
their next activity when the father started
to put his hand over his chest and had
difficulty breathing.
The family rushed him to the nearest
hospital. After several initial tests, the
doctor said it could be a stroke.
Dad is only 55 years old. The doctor
advised his confinement to undergo a
series of tests and observation. Results
came and the doctor saw a blockage in
his artery that must be removed through
angioplasty. The family inquired as to the
cost of the operation and was estimated to
be more than P600,000.
The family secured the services of
another doctor for a second opinion but got
the same recommendation. Meanwhile, the
father’s hospital bill is P35,000. The doctors
advised the family that the procedure must
be done soon.
If such an incident
arises, any member
of the family will raise
the needed amount to
make sure the father
will undergo the much
needed operation. If
such a thing happens,
will you be financially
ready?
Below are your
possible answers.
1. Yes, Dad is
covered with a health
insurance with hospital
benefits
purchased
years ago.
2. Yes, Dad saved
up specifically for
health emergencies.
3. No, but Dad will
use his retirement
money for it.
4. No, we will pool
all our savings to raise
the needed amount.
5. No, we hardly
have any savings to
cover the needed
amount.
We all know that
answers number three, four, and five are
unfavorable answers. Thus, are we going
to just sit back and not think about it?
Or do we ACT NOW and contact a
licensed financial adviser like AILEEN T.
ELLO via email <aileen_ello@yahoo.
com>; <[email protected]>, or
mobile (+63920 9510388) for a discussion
on how can you prepare for emergencies
like this?
TINIG NG MARINO
PISOBILITIES
FRANCISCO J. COLAYCO
Chairman, Colayco Foundation for Education
Entrepreneur, Venture Developer and Financial Advisor
Ang Kahalagahan ng Pag-iimpok
S
amu’t-saring balita ang naririnig natin
sa dyaryo, radyo, at TV tungkol sa
pinansiyal na krisis na nangyayari sa
Estados Unidos at Europa. Naririnig natin na
nanganganib na magkaroon muli ng isang
malaking pinansiyal na krisis katulad ng
nangyari ilang taon na ang nakaraan dahil sa
pagbagsak ng isang malaking pampinansiyal
na institusyon sa US.
Pero sa ngayon, maaaring mas matindi
pa ang krisis dahil ang mga gobyerno ng
malalaking bansa gaya ng US at mga bansa
sa Europa ang may problema. Napakalaking
palaisipan ang krisis na ito para sa mga
gobyerno, sa mga namumuno sa mga
gobyernong ito, at sa mga humahawak ng
napakalaking yaman.
Pero para sa mga ordinaryong Pilipino na
gaya natin, wala tayong magagawa sa bagay
na ito. Kailangang magpatuloy ang buhay.
Posibleng maging mas mahirap dahil sa mas
mataas na presyo ng pamumuhay. Posible
ring mas mahirap maghanap ng trabaho
dahil ang mga mamamayan at kumpanya ay
parehong naghihigpit sa gastos.
Ano ang puwede niyong gawin tungkol
dito? Kailangan niyo pa ring sundin ang mga
prinsipyo na itinuturo ko sa loob ng maraming
taon na. Ilan sa mga mahahalagang payo ko
ay ang mga sumusunod:
1.) Bayaran mo ang sarili mo. Sa panahon
ng hirap o ginhawa, magtabi pa rin ng at least
10% ng iyong kita. Kung pwedeng 20% ang
maitabi, mas mabuti! Iyan ang iyong “sahod”
para sa sarili. You deserve it!
2.) I-invest ang iyong itinabing “sahod” para
sa iyong sarili. Puwede ka nang magsimula
sa halagang PhP5,000 lamang. Mas abotkaya kaya kung sasali sa aming KsK Coop.
Tingnan sa www.kskcoop.com.
3.) Tandaan na magkaroon ng emergency
fund na nagkakahalaga ng anim na buwan
ng sahod. Magsisilbi itong proteksyon kung
sakaling may emergency. Puwede niyo itong
ipunin sa loob ng 3-5 taon.
4.) Kung may mga utang kayo na hindi
naman nagdudulot ng extra na kita, bayaran
na ito kaagad sa lalong madaling panahon.
Unang-una dito ang mga utang sa credit
cards. Sa simula pa lamang, dapat hindi ka
nagkaroon ng utang sa credit card. Kung
mayroon kang housing loan, siguruhin na
hindi ka papalya sa amortization. Kung may
23
sarili kang tirahan, hindi ka gagastos sa
upa Kung papayag ang bangko, subukang
pataasin ang amortization para bumababa
ang housing loan.
5.) Maging mas mahigpit sa iyong
depinisyon ng Kailangan (Needs) at
Kagustuhan (Wants). Kung tatanggapin mo
na ang ilan sa iyong mga “Kailangan” ay mga
“Kagustuhan” lang pala, baka magulat ka sa
iyong matitipid.
6.) Gumawa ng paraan upang kumita ng
extra. Maghanap ng sideline. Huwag maging
masyadong mapili sa trabaho o sideline na
kukunin mo. Matutuwa ka kapag nababayaran
mo ang mga utang mo.
Gusto kong bigyan ng pagkakataon
ang isang gustong makatulong sa aming
adbokasiya na si G. Melchor V. Cayabyab,
isang award-winning na guro sa Maynila
at Pangulo ng KAGURUAN Center for
Empowerment. Sabi niya:
Pag-iimpok: Ang Ating
Puhunan sa Kasaganaan
Gaano man kalaki ang kita natin sa ngayon
ay mauuwi din ito sa wala kung hindi tayo
magiging masinop. Marami nang patunay
dito. Mga artista na sumikat na kumita
ng milyones na nang malaos ay balik sa
paghihikahos. Mga nanalo ng jackpot sa lotto
na matapos ang ilang taon ay balik sa isang
kahig, isang tukang pamumuhay! Nasaan
ang pagkakamali? Ang pagkakamali ay wala
sa kung gaano kalaki o kaliit ang ating kinita
kundi kung paano pinamamahalaan ang ating
buhay pinansyal partikular sa pag-iimpok. Ito
ang pagtatabi ng ilang bahagi ng ating kita
para sa hinaharap.
Bakit kailangang mag-impok?
May tatlong pangunahing dahilan ayon
sa financial expert na si Francisco Colayco.
At upang matugunan ito ay kailangang
mapunuan ang tatlong sisidlan: proteksyon,
hangarin sa buhay, at pagreretiro.
Pag-iimpok para sa proteksyon sa
buhay. Walang kasiguruhan ang buhay
kaya nga kailangang paghandaan ang mga
hindi inaasahan tulad ng kalamidad, sakit,
pagkabaldado, pagkamatay o kahit ang
simpleng pagkawala ng trabaho. Kabilang na
dapat pinag-iipunan ay ang emergency fund
na katumbas ng isang buwang kita, cash
reserves na katumbas ng anim na buwang
kita at iba’t-ibang insurance depende sa
pangangailangan. Ilan sa atin ang mayroon
nito? Kung wala tayo nito, magiging
mahirap sa atin kapag may biglaang
pangyayari! Mahihirapan tayong makabawi
at makabangon.
Pag-iimpok para sa mga hangarin
sa buhay. Motibasyon ito ng marami, ang
makapag-ipon para sa mga hangarin natin sa
TURN TO PAGE 47
24 TINIG NG MARINO
Case of Filipino Seafarers Abandoned in Spain Referred to ILO
T
he Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) has brought to the
Internationa Labor Organization (ILO)
its complaint against the Greek owners of a
ship for abandonment of 12 Filipino seafarers
in Spain.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said
the agency has submitted to the ILO a report
on the incident involving the cement carrier
MV Nafto Cement XVI.
“We would like the international maritime
community to know that we will not allow this
kind of maltreatment on Filipino seafarers,”
explained Baldoz in filing a report before the
ILO.
The agency reports such cases to the ILO,
which maintains all cases of abandonment,
as part of its “reportorial requirements,” added
the labor executive.
The Greek-owned ship was apprehended
by port authorities when it docked at the Port
of Valencia in Spain in April due to unpaid
claims from various
creditors, according to
the Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration
(OWWA).
The 12 Filipino
seamen, who were said
to be employed through
Status
Maritime
Corp., also reported
to the government that
they were not paid
their onboard salaries
and overtime pay for
eight months, including
allotments to their
families.
Stranded for four
The Board of Directors of the
United Filipino Seafarers
and the Editorial Board of
Tinig ng Marino
bereave with the family, friends,
and the local maritime industry for the loss of
Capt. Jesse B. Martinez
Born: December 18, 1952
Died: August 17, 2011
“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the
body and at home with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8
months in Valencia, the Filipino seafarers
were immediately repatriated in August after
labor officials visited them at the port and saw
their conditions.
A
TINIG NG MARINO
25
Great Seas Mariners Take the High
Seas to Training Excellence
promising new kid on the block in
maritime training and assessment
is starting to get recognition from
many Filipino seafarers not only for the
quality and excellent training that it is
providing but more importantly, for its
cost-effectiveness compared to what
other training institutions have to offer.
Great Seas Mariners Training and
Assessment Center, Inc. (GSMTACI),
has proverbially took the high and mighty
seas in pursuit of training excellence by
offering very competitive training and
assessment packages to seafarers that
are somewhat hard to find these days.
GSMTACI was established on the
premise agreed upon by its incorporators
that quality seafarer training and
The modern and state-of-the-art training equipment and facilities of GSMTACI are sights to
assessment need not come with hefty
behold for seafarer-trainees.
prices. This was how Dr. Michael B.
Dumangeng, (Ph.D. in Educational our accreditation with MTC,” cites Dr. are offering but more importantly for
the quality training and assessment that
Management System at UPHR Las Dumangeng.
GSMTACI is also earnestly working the center provides to Filipino seafarers
Pinas, 2010), Chief Executive Officer
and QMR of GSMTACI, describes the hard to become an accredited training to build on their competence and help
rationale behind the establishment of the provider for the Management Level Course ensure that they continue to make the
training and assessment center, officially for Engine Department Functions 1 - 4 by grade as world-class seafarers.
the end of this year.
Further, the CEO also averred that
incorporated on January 7, 2011.
If and when it is granted accreditation for GSMTACI is dynamically capable
Since it began operations in the middle
Dr. Dumangeng is confident that
of this year at the vastly improved and offering MLC Functions 1-4 for the Engine in responding to any requirements for GSMTACI will be able to live its vision
refurbished 2nd Floor of San Jose Building Department, the training and assessment specialized or customized training programs of enhancing training and assessment
along Paquita Street in Sampaloc, center would most certainly need additional by shipping principals or potential clients in standards in the country at the international
Manila, GSMTACI has started offering classroom facilities and Dr. Dumangeng order to enhance specific competencies of level and thereby meeting the general and
three training courses, beginning with the disclosed that they are looking to expand their seafarers.
specialized requirements of international
Dr.
Dumangeng
explained
that shipping.
Engine Room Simulator (ERS) course and occupy a good portion of the ground
GSMTACI, having a pool of young but
and the Consolidated Marpol I-VI course floor of the San Jose Building.
He is also positive that with the
“We are initially looking at offering the well experienced training officers, has the continued support of its incorporators,
after the Maritime Training Council (MTC)
granted the center official accreditation MLC Engine Functions given that we have technical capability to develop and deliver and the trust of more and more Filipino
for those courses on July 6, 2011; and the appropriate equipment to offer such customized training courses as may be seafarers, GSMTACI can also fulfil its
the Ship Security Officer (SSO) course, but we are likewise open to eventually required by any client.
mission of eventually emerging as one of
He quipped that potential clients the best maritime training and assessment
which was given an accreditation by MTC providing MLC Deck Functions if and when
GSMTACI sees fit and appropriate,” points would not worry about the cost of having centers in the Philippines that shall provide
on the last week of August 2011.
customized training programs as GSMTACI a venue for the pursuit of excellence
A total of seven batches of seafarer out Dr. Dumangeng.
do not believe that the mark of in upgrading training and competency
trainees have taken
quality service is the high price.
the
ERS
course
assessment for seafarers.
He went on to say that
while five batches
The vision and mission of GSMTACI
maritime training is becoming are also backstopped by its no-nonsense
have completed the
more expensive these days and Quality Policy and Quality Management
Consolidated Marpol
that GSMTACI prides itself with System covered under ISO 9001: 2008
I-VI course, with each
the philosophy of having quality and certified no less by SGS United
batch averaging about
and economy converge in its Kingdom Ltd. through a certification
20 seafarers.
training service provisions.
C o m p a r a t i v e l y,
issued on May 16, 2011.
“Being sensible enough to
GSMTACI
price
Indeed, GSMTACI is here to stay and
become aware on the present shall continue to strive in contributing
offerings for the three
dilemma of Filipino seafarers to the training excellence of Filipino
courses
are
less
Dr. Michael Dumangeng (3rd from left) joins the officers and staff, of GSMTACI
than what most other in showing off the center’s ISO 9001:2008 certification issued by SGS United of having to undergo series of seafarers.
trainings to qualify
centers are currently Kingdom Co. Ltd.
for positions, offering
pegging.
Proof of how GSMTACI is being noticed those courses at high cost will
In addition to Dr. Dumangeng, five
chief engineers, two master mariners, slowly but surely by many Filipino seafarers only serve as a deterrent to many
and four second engineers handle the is the fact that most of its trainees are seafarers to upgrade. Hence,
training courses at GSMTACI in its very actually walk-in and not endorsed by quality training need not to be
modern-looking five classrooms complete manning agencies. Although, the training very expensive. GMSTACI is the
with state-of-the-art training equipment and assessment center has already laid answer,” he proudly stated.
down a comprehensive marketing and
Since
March
1,
2011,
and facilities.
“Two of the five classrooms are promotions plan to market its course Dr. Dumangeng has been
dedicated to the ERS course, one for offerings to manning agencies and local spearheding the new maritime
training
and
assessment
Marpol, one for SSO, and the fifth one seafarer groups too.
Dr. Dumangeng is confident of the center’s campaign for quality
is for Medical First Aid (MEFA) and
and One of the first few batches of seafarer-trainees undergoing
Medical Care (MECA) courses which bright future for GSMTACI not only for the but affordable training
training at GSMTACI.
competitive
course
packages
that
they
assessment
services.
we will soon be offering as well pending
26 TINIG NG MARINO
TINIG NG MARINO
A
Pacc Ship Imparts Culture
of Excellence to Seafarers
crewing company that knows
how to take care of its seafarers
from being young cadets up
to the time they eventually become
senior ship officers, that’s how PACC
Shipping Phils., Inc. gives premium
importance to its seaborne staff.
The company knows too well that
in order to become an “enterprise of
excellence” in the maritime industry,
it has to have competent seaborne
staff who thrives on challenges
geared towards self-development
and sustained excellence.
This became apparent during
back-to-back
capacity
building
initiatives spearheaded by the
crewing company for its young
cadets and several ratings as well as
its ship officers on July 12-13, 2011
at the conference room located at the
basement of the Ramon Magsaysay Center
building in Malate, Manila.
The first day-long training is part of
the many initiatives of PACC Shipping to
inculcate the culture of excellence to its
seafarers right at the outset or while they’re
still young and ready to take in and absorb
crucial knowledge and information vital to
the discharging of their shipboard duties.
Further adding to the cadets’ shipboard
knowledge arsenal, actual and situational
experiences of participating seafarer ratings
were also shared to them so that the cadets
become familiar with it and would know how
to react to if and when they encounter it.
The importance of the capacity building
initiative was also highlighted by the
presence of Capt. Anthony Khoo, Senior
Crew Manager of PACC Ship Managers Pte.
Ltd., who tackled a couple of important topics
during the training especially pertaining to
safety, environmental management, the
Maritime Labour Convention 2006, among
fundamentals of safety management system,
code of safe working practices onboard, and
ship security plan.
“How can we say we are good? Our safety
standard should always be good. There
has to be less accident on seas or none at
all. Safety is for everyone’s good. Safety is
linked to our livelihood and career. Safety is
common sense.” Capt Khoo pointed out.
He also discussed the essentials of
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
System before dwelling on the all-important
introduction to the Maritime Labour
Convention (MLC) 2006, and wrapping up
his sessions with crew matters and training
requirements.
The training also gave the young PACC
cadets and ratings an opportunity to touch
base with key members of the Pacc Ship
management team for whatever shipboard
concerns they might have and helped them
chart their career paths better.
Engine cadet Arjay Sionson says: “My
hopes are very high working for Pacc Ship.
I am looking forward
to go onboard very
soon. This training is
very helpful to us and
quite productive too. I
learned a lot of practical
shipboard knowledge
that were never taught
while we were still in
school.”
AB
Ernesto
Mendoza, Jr. who
has been employed
by four
Capt. Anthony Khoo and Capt. Cheong Kwee Thiam of PACC Ship previously
companies
Managers Pte. Ltd. are competent authorities with regards to safety, different
cites that: “I will soon
environmental and quality management systems of the company.
have
my
second
others.
shipboard contract with Pacc Ship and I am
“To be an organization with a distinction, quite proud to say that I never felt so at home
we must be good in all aspects and working for this company. The management
everybody in the company must play their has a good development platform for their
respective roles. We should be in the people. They rely on the performance. I really
same boat working together to reach our believe the company has the right to say that
destination,” stressed Capt. Khoo, as he we are on course to our goal of becoming an
talked about the needed seafarer values in ‘enterprise of excellence.’”
relation to Pacc Ship’s mission, vision and
A couple of sessions were also discussed
corporate culture.
dwelling on how seafarers should deal
Capt. Khoo also talked about the and work effectively with different cultures
onboard, given that most of Pacc Ship vessels
are mostly manned by different seafarer
nationalities. Value formation and realistic
role-playing were also imparted to them.
Ms. Criselda Lorenzana, Master of Science
in Psychology, was a guest resource speaker
Capt. Cheong Kwee Thiam speaking about
Pacc Ship’s quality management systems to
Filipino ship officers.
and talked about performance-oriented,
value-based learning techniques. She talked
about how seafarers
should behave and
communicate effectively
with others in a multicultural
environment.
“Understanding deeply
the cultures of different
people
makes
you
respond and behave
objectively,” she pointed
out.
27
provides the resources and support
required to ensure the achievement
of our Safety and Environmental
Protection Policy and Objectives.”
Capt. Cheong Kwee Thiam,
Management System Manager of
Pacc Ship, facilitated the ‘open book
discussion’ among the participating
ship officers.
Among the topics tackled during
the day-long training were safety
management
policy,
awareness
report, risk management, and
ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental
Management System).
“At the end of the day, only “SHE”
must win. The acronym I created
for everyone to be fully aware and
believe to be powerful. S for safety,
H for health, and E for environmental
protection,” said Capt. Thiam in jest
although what he said really made sense.
He also talked about the seven
important principles in shipboard operations
including crew, cargo, safe vessel, training,
safe training, risk assessment, and
transparency.
“Training in this case is of ‘continual’
in nature rather than ‘continuous.’ The
difference between the two words lies on
risk assessment. Continuous means no
stop, while continual stops in between and
make way for review and assessment,” he
explained.
“We also have to occasionally identify
what is lacking in the process and policies.
Therefore we must also stop for a while,
think, improve, and implement changes,” he
added.
An impromptu examination was given to
the participating ship officers to cap the daylong training and remarkably so, the passing
rate was 85%.
Ship Officers’ Turn
The following day,
July 13, 2011, it was
the turn of the off-duty
PACC ship officers to
undergo training as
they were given a day- Capt. Anthony Khoo giving the PACC cadets and ratings the heads up
on how they can contribute to the goal of ‘enterprise of excellence.’
long capacity-building
initiative to further enhance their knowledge
C/O Ariel Billiones proudly said: “While
and nurture safety and excellence onboard.
the training may be strenuous to some
The training is consistent with the company extent, it is nonetheless fulfilling. We do
thrust which was quite fittingly mentioned by accept that we have more to improve both
Mr. Lim Tau Kok, Chairman of the Board of in knowledge and skills. We are so fortunate
PACC Shipping Phils. Inc. and Director of we are being taken care of in this company.
PACC Ship Managers Pte. Ltd.: “Management It does not only provide us a safety boat but
is committed to continual improvement on the rather a safe and ensured future for us and
effectiveness of the management system and our family.”
28 TINIG NG MARINO
C
apt. Benjamin P. Mata, Chairman of
the Board of B.P. Mata & Co., Inc.
or Rear Admiral Benjamin P. Mata
to the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, has
published a must-have book for seafarers
as it is sure to inspire them to further value
their profession, the industry where they
belong, and the country they are serving.
Mata: Memoirs of a Master Mariner is
Capt. Mata’s personal narrative of his own
life beginning from the World War II days
and its devastating aftermath. Learning
quickly the ways of the world, he began
his life’s journey by picking up scrap
and washing clothes for US military men
stationed in the post-war Manila.
Relying purely on hard work and
determination, he used the experience
to get work on the docks, and then to a
maritime school, and ultimately out to sea
as a full-fledged seafarer.
“I became a seafarer during the days
when ships were still made of wood and
men were made of steel so those were
exciting seafaring times as we have to rely
on seamanship and great abilities to be
able to navigate ships. Today’s seafarers
are working in a so-called push-button
era because they could do most of the
work with just a push of a button given
that today’s modern vessels are already
computerized,” points out Capt. Mata.
“I could have been a chief engineer
just like my father. But while working on
the engines of some ships berthed on the
piers, I used to see captains in their silky
white and very neat uniforms on the deck
of the ships. That’s when I decided to
pursue being a captain instead of being a
chief engineer,” Capt. Mata recalls.
He was destined to be a master mariner
alright. He learned just as much the
technical know-how of seafaring as he did
its culture – which is worldly, pure, fulfilling
and frustrating all at the same time.
In the course of being a seafarer, he got
acquainted with several loyal colleagues
with whom he would eventually influence
the local maritime industry with.
Behind every successful man is a
woman and that came in the person of his
wife and lifelong partner Lib who strongly
and ably filled his absence parenting their
six offsprings. The book also tells of the
time when Capt. Mata began finding less
things to prove in the industry that his
wife prompted him to come home and be
there more often to see their children into
adulthood.
Being land-based however did not deter
Capt. Mata from further pursuing goals
for the industry as his name has become
synonymous to achievement. The book
also dwells on his contributions to the
industry as well and actually tells how
a seaman who’s been through it all can
impress upon an industry changes that
redound to the benefit of everyone.
Mata: Memoirs of a Master Mariner, in
its stories of growth, trouble and triumph,
of not just a man but of nation, of industry
and of family, can be considered another
of Capt. Mata’s great legacies to Filipino
seafarers and the maritime industry which
he says, has been very kind to him all those
years what with the abundant blessings he
and his family received.
Mata: Memoirs of a Master Mariner,
A Must-Have Book for Seafarers
Capt. Mata made a presentation of his
book to the maritime media on September
8, 2011 at the Old Swiss Inn restaurant
but it will officially be launched during
the Philippine International Maritime
Conference and Exhibition 2011 slated on
November 14-15, 2011 at the World Trade
Center in Pasay City.
According to Ms. Annie Mata-Valtersson,
Treasurer of B.P. Mata & Co., Inc., and the
eldest daughter of Capt. Mata: “It took Dad
10 years to complete the book given the
challenges we have to hurdle along the
way. But it was well worth it. And the book
was even published well in time for Mom’s
80th birthday in June this year.”
Capt. Benjamin Mata and family flanked by the maritime media press corps during the informal
launching of his book, whose cover is shown at left, at the Old Swiss Inn restaurant recently.
TINIG NG MARINO
29
30 TINIG NG MARINO
AET Senior Officers Aim
for Operational Excellence
TINIG NG MARINO
31
Aiming for No. 1, that’s what the AET top officials, Eagle Star Crew Management Corp. officials and staff, and the participating senior officers collectively gesture in the group photo during the
recent AET Senior Officers Focus Conference.
L
eading global petroleum tanker
This was followed by a lively discussion
owner-operator AET is well on
V e t t i n g and workshop on AET’s journey to achieve
the way to achieving fleet-wide
management its mission to become the world’s leading
operational excellence. Its ambitions to set
a
n
d petroleum tanker operator.
the benchmark for tanker operations formed
improvement
The dialogue with Mr Rahman, GVP
the main focus of its recent Senior Officers’
t h r o u g h Shipmanagement, followed by an evening
Focus Conference, held at The Heritage
learning from teambuilding session brought the fourth day
Hotel in Pasay City, Philippines from 4 to
performance to a close.
8 July 2011.
was the focus
The vetting and assurance team opened
Attended by 36 off-duty senior officers of
of Captain M the fifth and final day of the discussion, with
various nationalities, the five-day conference
Halisham
of a discussion on customer expectations. This
adopted the theme of “Consistency in
AET’s Vetting was followed by a presentation by Soh Mey
Achieving Operational Excellence”. Senior
and Assurance Lee of AET’s Strategic Planning function,
management contributed to the agenda,
team,
while which also focused on customers.
including Hor Weng Yew, President and
Following the dialogue with CEO Hor
Mr. Hor Weng Sew (middle), President and CEO of AET, is shown being flanked Captain Derek
by Capt. Fared Khan (left), Head of AET HR Sea; Capt. Joshi Atish Narayan, McCann
CEO of AET, who delivered an inspirational
of Weng Yew, the conference was formally
who received an epaulette from Mr. Hor Weng Sew; Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul AET Offshore
message to officers as well as hosting a
closed by Captain Khan, who praised the
Rahman (second from right), Group Vice President of AET Shipmanagement; and looked
lively dialogue session, and Abdul Rahim
at active participation of the senior officers and
Mr. Raymond McNamara (right), AET Fleet Director, during a key portion of the o p e r a t i o n a l asked them all to translate the learnings of
Abdul Rahman, Group Vice President of
conference.
AET Shipmanagement.
excellence in the week into operational activity when they
The participation of senior management the Trainers’ (Designated Training Officer the specific area of ship-to-ship lightering, returned to their vessels.
reflects the importance that AET puts on and Assessor; and a presentation on ‘Flame one of AET’s main business streams, and the
The officers were then given a free
its senior sea staff, who it views as the Diagnostics’ by AET’s Fabian Chew.
important area of bunker management was afternoon to relax, sightsee and spend time
company’s global
Captain Fared Khan, Head of HR covered by Captain Sachi Atmalingam and with their spouses, before reconvening
ambassadors,
for a gala dinner which saw officers, their
Sea, formally opened the ‘operations KK Teo of AET’s Special Projects team.
and
its
Capping off the third day was the second spouses, conference presenters and senior
component’ of the conference during
commitment
of four teambuilding sessions between the management round the week off by enjoying
the third day of the conference.
toward
their
“To operate our fleet of tankers and management team
s u s t a i n e d
participating
ensure that we deliver the highest and
professional
sea
standards of service to our customers, senior
development.
aimed
at
AET needs to continue strengthening staff
As well as
its focus on operational and safety s t r e n g t h e n i n g
tackling
fleetexcellence. Senior officers and sea camaraderie and
wide operational
staff are obviously at the core of these e n g e n d e r i n g
and safety issues,
collective
particular company thrusts, which is a
the conference
to
why the company keeps on striving to commitment
covered a range AET Owner’s Representative, Mr. raise the level of operational and safety quality.
of other topics. Lim Poh Whee has been posted excellence of senior officers through
David Fredrick,
On
day
two to the Philippines and is currently this type of conference,” Captain Khan CEO
of ALAM
of the event, based in the joint venture company said.
opened the fourth
these included - Eagle Star Crew Management
Yap Boh Tiong of MTI Network day with a back-toCorp. in Makati.
a briefing on the
reinforced the message that all officers back presentation
Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC are responsible for achieving excellence when on ALAM and a
2006) by Captain David Cheong of Lloyd’s he spoke about ‘Managing Social Media to discussion
on
Using improvised musical instruments, the AET senior officers formed a
Register. MLC 2006, dubbed as the fourth Protect the Brand,’ citing how senior officers security Awareness
musical ensemble that delighted the audience during the Triumph Dinner.
pillar of the international maritime regulatory represent the company in all their shipboard and preparedness
regime following SOLAS, MARPOL and the endeavours.
for the safety of those onboard ship. a sumptuous dinner and lively entertainment
STCW Convention, provides comprehensive
Captain Amit Pal, Head of AET HSSE and Subsequently, AET’s Ashutosh Rao focused in an informal setting.
rights and protection at work for the world’s Quality Assurance spoke about achieving on achieving service reliability through
AET regularly holds conference for all its
seafarers.
consistency in safety excellence, which was consistent uptime. Captain Khan wrapped up sea staff, which provide avenues not only
Other highlights included a discussion followed by an animated group discussion the morning session with his take on the AET for training and development, but also a
on ‘Incident Investigation’ led by Captain on various shipboard operational issues. performance appraisal system.
social platform where officers and ratings
Lee Ghim Teck of the Malaysian Maritime Subsequently, a mini-workshop, where
The afternoon session was kicked off by from around the world are able to establish
Academy (ALAM); a focus on health participants were divided into three groups, AET Fleet Director Raymond McNamara, who and develop relationships with their peers
management onboard by Dr Solomon was facilitated to identify and enumerate ways spoke with delegates about how we manage and with professionals from AET’s landChing of MICAH; a workshop on ‘Train on how to further improve shipboard safety.
our assets safely, effectively and efficiently. based offices.
32 TINIG NG MARINO
THOUGHTS FROM
SEAFARERHELP
CHESTER QUINTAL
International Seafarers Asistance Network (ISAN)
SeafarerHelp Reaching Out
M
abuhay! Allow me to greet the
readers of Tinig ng Marino in my
native tongue. Bear with me folks, as
the images of our recent trip to the Philippines
still lingers. Last August 4-5, the Philippines
played host to the very First International
Seafarers Family Convention held at the
Philippine International Convention Centre in
Pasay City.
The two-day event, with the theme “The
Bonds of Families, the Success of the World”
is truly a milestone for the stakeholders of the
maritime welfare sector in the Philippines and
Southeast Asia. SeafarerHelp, represented
by yours truly and David Dearsley had the
privilege to be there and mingle with the
delegates from the Philippines and other
Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam,
Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
We also had a chance to bond with our
colleagues from other maritime welfare
organizations like the ICSW (International
Committee on Seafarers Welfare) Southeast
Asia Regional Welfare Committee and the
team from the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian
Response Programme.
Aimed at strengthening the ties among
seafarers’ families and heralding the
contribution of the maritime industry to the
Philippine economy, activities included
exhibits and talks. David Dearsley delivered
a speech on seafarers’ welfare at the second
day of the convention. There were also
presentations on maritime piracy, trade
unionism and the ITF (International Transport
Workers Federation), women empowerment
within the maritime industry, and seafarers’
health with focus on HIV/Aids, among
others.
As far as SeafarerHelp is concerned, the
occasion presented itself as an opportunity
not only for a marketing campaign but most
importantly, it became an effective tool in
reaching out and letting our friends at sea,
and their families know that we are real and
that we care.
The exhibition booth set-up for our
organization was a hit. I was with a colleague
from the Apostleship of the Sea Cebu, Gigi
Gulfan and some other volunteers took turns
in manning the booth. We gave out pencils
and balloons for kids, car stickers, polo shirts
and other stuff to those who dropped by. I met
many seafarers, some brought their entire
families with them and as I listened to their
stories and concerns, I knew that we have
touched base.
Our work there was not just about the
convention though, in the course of our short
stay in the country, we donated SeafarerHelp
pencils to a couple of public elementary
schools to be used by their indigent pupils,
some of them are children of seafarers who
are in a financial difficulty or struggling to get
a job.
David Dearsley and I visited the OWWA
(Overseas Workers Welfare Administration)
24/7 Operation Centre and established ties
with them. We compared notes on the way
crisis situations of Filipino overseas workers
are handled with particular interest of course
on seafarers and we are looking to liaise with
them in the coming days when we will be
presented with situations which will require
their knowledge and expertise.
I also visited the AMOSUP (Associated
Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the
Philippines) office in Manila and finally met
Rod Aguinaldo, the ITF inspector of Manila
who until my recent visit to the Philippines,
was just a voice over the phone or a person
I correspond with by email when we get to
work on seafarers’ issues. Now, I have finally
shook his hand. Talking about unions, I
likewise had the chance to drop by the UFS
(United Filipino Seafarers) office and got
to meet Rey Gambe, the able and helpful
editor-in-chief of this paper.
Another noteworthy stop was having the
chance to attend the Marino Cup 2. The
Marino Cup is an annual inter-dormitory
sports tournament participated by some 300
seafarers from several shelters like Stella
Maris Ermita and Pius Boarding Homes, Felix
Huertas Boarding Home, Pagoda Boarding
Home and the Scalabrini Centre for People
on the Move.
These homes serve as temporary shelters
for seafarers who are in Manila applying
for a job or awaiting deployment. I had the
opportunity to socialize with seafarers.
Fortunately for one of the teams, I was not
in proper attire and was not able to play
basketball or table tennis! At the Cup, I also
met the Apostleship of the Sea (also called
Stella Maris) port chaplain of Manila, Fr.
Paulo Prigol together with our friends from
Smart Communications, Inc., the sponsor of
the event.
TURN TO PAGE 57
S
TINIG NG MARINO
33
Hanjin SM Manifests Strong
Confidence on Filipino Seafarers
outh Korean shipower Hanjin SM
Co. Ltd. has once again manifested
its strong confidence on the
competence of Filipino seafarers to man
its increasing fleet of various ocean-going
vessels with the formal introduction to the
industry of its newest set of Filipino junior
deck and engineer officers on July 22,
2011 at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Malate,
Manila.
The welcoming ceremony of the latest
batch of Filipino junior officers capped
off several days of seminar for the
young mariners spearheaded by Korpil
Shipmanagement and Manning Corp.,
the manning agent of Hanjin SM in the
Philippines.
Hanjin SM, through Korpil, has
consistently been employing Filipino
seafarers to man its vessels now plying
global routes. With the continuous
addition of Filipino junior officers to its
seaborne manpower roster, it only mirrors
the increasing trust of the South Korean
shipowner to Filipino seafarers as worldTop officials of Hanjin SM and Korpil Shipmanagement, flanked by the new set of Junior officers, raise their fists to show strength and confidence.
class mariners.
Emphasizing the premium importance hand during the ceremony that included can deal with difficult situations onboard, also proud because when they came to
that Hanjin SM gives to its incoming Mr. Eun Ho Lee, General Manager of Pos- and that you can manage your duties our school, there were 30 of us that were
Filipino junior officers, no less than General Fil, and Mr. Seung Hee Yang, President of and responsibilities properly, Mr. Reyes recommended. After the examination
Manager Song-Kyu Kim and Manager Orient Star.
stressed.
however, only 15 were left. And after the
Manager Jin Woo Park flew from Korea to
In his message during the program, the
Mr. Reyes also added that Hanjin SM interviews, only seven made the grade
take active parts both in the conference and Korpil President and General Manager and Korpil Shipmanagement will always be including myself.”
the welcoming ceremony.
there to support and continuously strive to
“I am very thankful to Korpil and Hanjin
Apart from personally
provide the Filipino junior officers, and all its SM for giving me and the others this
welcoming the newest
seafarers for that matter, with better working priceless opportunity. This is a dream
batch of Filipino junior
environment and conditions onboard as come true for me because I decided to
officers to the company’s
well as ensure their continued professional pursue being a seafarer because I really
fold, the Hanjin SM
development. “Our efforts also encompass wanted to help my family and myself have
General Manager also
seafarer families too and with God’s help, a better life in the future. The Hanjin SM
gave out several pointers
we are confident that we will not fail from cadetship program has molded me to
to the incoming young
these noble endeavors,” he concluded.
become a better person and taught me how
officers on how they
With the phasing in of the new Filipino to become a good professional seafarer. I
can become successful
junior officers to its seaborne manpower learned a lot from the program not only in
seafarers. “You should
roster, Hanjin SM and Korpil have also terms of shipboard work but also about life
always strive for self
began the search for its next batch of junior as a whole,” explains 3/O Salazar.
development in order
officers which shall be given the priceless
Fourth Engineer Roel Mesa also
for you to continuously
opportunity of availing the ‘train now, pay expressed his sincere gratitude for being a
improve your skills. You
later” scheme that is already built in to part of the Hanjin SM cadetship program.
The new set of Junior officers during their official presentation and
should
always
have
its remarkable cadetship program in the “I am so thankful for being given this
welcoming to Hanjin SM Co. Ltd.
the presence of mind,
Philippines.
opportunity by Hanjin because we all know
capable of cooperating through team work, advised the incoming Filipino junior officers
Just recently, company officials have that it is very difficult for young mariners
and good communication skills. These are to always strive and work hard to maintain visited John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime to board a vessel without the support
the essential elements that every seafarer the global reputation of the Philippines as University in Iloilo and University of Cebu from anybody these days. Because of
needs when he is onboard the ship and the No. 1 supplier of competent seafarers among other prospective maritime schools, the program, we were able to board
these are also what Hanjin SM wants in in the world. “You, just like all seafarers to screen potential cadets to the program by immediately when we needed it and that
order to ensure safe vessel operations and working onboard Hanjin SM vessels, should giving out exams and conducting interviews enabled us to help our families sooner.”
continuously enhance the competence of always give value to safe navigation and to applicants.
He added that he is eyeing to become
its people,” Mr. Song-Kyu Kim stated.
adhere to the principles of professional
a chief engineer in the near future and he
“Working with pride and doing fair discipline to achieve your lifelong goals as
All Praises for Hanjin SM and Korpil
is confident that he can do it because of
business is the basic concept for Hanjin SM full-pledged seafarers.”
Third Officer Dexter Salazar, 22, feels the support that Hanjin SM and Korpil are
Co. Ltd. and we want
very elated of being part of the Hanjin SM giving him and his fellow seafarers. “I also
you all to take that in
plan of working and
mind as you all grow
being loyal to Hanjin
with the company,
SM for a long time,”
both personally and
4/E Mesa quipped.
professionally,” he
Fourth Engineer
added.
Ryan Yap Sing, 22,
The
welcoming
also shares the same
ceremony also had
feeling of gratitude
the full participation
about Hanjin SM and
and attendance of
Korpil. “They are very
top Korpil officials
supportive towards
including Mr. Jangour
continued
II Lee, Chairman;
professional
Top officials of Hanjin SM and Korpil pose with the junior officers. Left photo shows Hanjin SM and Korpil top officials in huddle at the VIP dinner table.
Mr. Chaepil Yu,
development. I am
Superintendent, Mr. Elias Delos Reyes III,
“You should prove that Filipino seafarers and Korpil cadetship program when it was so blessed to be able to work for a very
President and General Manager, and Ms. are well-disciplined, competent, reliable, offered to their school at John B. Lacson reputable shipping organization run by
Laura Morales, Accounting Manager.
and loyal seafarers. Show them that you Foundation Maritime University in Iloilo people who really know who to take care
A couple of select guests were also on have the best training in navigation; that you in October 2009. “I feel so fortunate and of their people well,” he cited.
34 TINIG NG MARINO
STX Marine Sustains Confidence
on Filipino Seafarers
S
Marine
Officials of STX Marine Service Co. Ltd and POS-Fil Ship Management Inc. are joined by the 77 cadets in this group photo during the recent recognition rites.
TX Marine Service Co. Ltd, a
leading ship management company
and South Korea’s biggest crew
management firm is sustaining its trust
and confidence on Filipino seafarers
to serve onboard its managed vessels
which is projected to have a four-fold
increase within a decade.
The Busan-based ship management
company, which currently manages over
110 vessels of various types, is embarking
on a massive expansion plan to increase
the present number of ships under its
management fold to 430 by 2020.
“Our expansion plan is to have 430
vessels by 2020. That’s the long-term
target. But our short-term goal is to have
an increase of at least 20 vessels per
year,” discloses Mr. Jang-Yun Son, Head
of the Crew Department of STX Marine.
Notwithstanding its massive expansion
program, STX Marine is sustaining its
trust and confidence on Filipino seafarers
through its exclusive manning agent in the
Philippines, POS-Fil Ship Management,
Inc.
Established in 2009, POS-Fil Ship
Management is a joint venture between
STX Marine Servce Co. Ltd. and Astra
Marine International, Inc., the longtime local crewing company that used
to provide a significant portion of STX
Marine’s sea staff requirements.
Capt. Gaudencio ‘Jess’ Morales helms
POS-Fil, which currently supplies Filipino
officers and ratings to some 60 vessels
managed by STX Marine.
On August 5, 2011, STX Marine
manifested yet again that trust and
confidence with the graduation of the
5th batch of Filipino cadets from their
two-month intensive training at POSFil Maritime Training Center Corp.,
the in-house training institute aimed at
strengthening the skills and shipboard
proficiencies of STX Marine’s increasing
number of Filipino seafarers.
A total of 77 cadets, 36 for deck and
41 for engine departments, had their
graduation ceremonies at the 12th floor
of Jemarsons Place in the presence of
top officials of STX Marine, POS-Fil and That’s 10 years,” Mr. Son elaborates, who
their respective proud families.
flew to Manila from Korea along with Mr.
POS-Fil has been steadily building up the J.S. Han to witness and take part in the
pool of competent and well-trained seafarers important event.
for STX Marine through a well-structured
“These cadets just started their 10-year
cadetship program that it has established program with STX Marine,” cites Mr. Son,
in partnership with several reputable referring to the professional journey that
Philippine maritime schools including the 77 cadets will begin to take with the
the University of Cebu, John B. Lacson company.
Foundation
Maritime
U n i v e r s i t y,
Asian Institute
of
Maritime
Studies, and
Technological
Institute of the
Philippines.
That’s in
addition
to
STX Marine’s
c a d e t
sponsorship
program
at
the Philippine
Capt. Jess Morales (left) of POS-Fil, Mr. Jang Yun Son (second from left) of STX
Merchant
Marine Services, Mr. J.S. Han (second from right), also of STX Marine Services,
M a r i n e and Mr. Eun-Ho Lee (right), Manila Representative of STX Marine Services flank
A c a d e m y an engine cadet and his brother during the recognition rites of the 77 cadets who
(PMMA).
completed the two-month cadetship training at POS-Fil Maritime Training Center.
S
T
X
Marine provides berth on all of these
All the cadets were proud to have been
Filipino cadets to its vessels. “All of our part of the STX Marine cadetship program
vessels have at least two cadets on them and promise to make the most of it when
– one deck and one engine cadet,” Mr. they go onboard. “I am fortunate to be
Son pointed out, which reflects the Korean given this priceless opportunity by STX
company’s commitment to ensure the Marine and I plan to abide by the 10-year
continued professional development of professional development program that
young Filipino seafarers.
the company has charted for us,” says one
Apart from supporting their onboard deck cadet.
training and providing them allowance, the
POS-Fil’s extensive crewing activities
STX Marine cadets are also assured of in the Philippines for STX Marine is ably
free training covering 40 in-house courses backstopped by POS-Fil Maritime Training
necessary for their continued promotion,” Center, which now stands toe-to-toe with
says Mr. Eun-Ho Lee, STX Marine Manila some of the county’s reputable training
Representative.
providers barely two years after its formal
“When we started this cadetship establishment.
program, STX Marine had already mapped
The training center boasts of having
out the 1-2-3-4 plan for our Filipino cadets state-of-the-art training facilities and
– one year for cadet training onboard, two equipment including bridge and engine
years as third mate, three years as second room simulators, GMDSS, sequency and
mate, four years as chief mate, then master. pneumatics simulators, complete with
modern classrooms, seminar and lecture
rooms that can accommodate more than
200 trainees at any given time, with ample
room for further expansion.
POS-Fil Maritime Training Center
conducts 38 in-house courses tailor-fit
for the STX Marine fleet, designed for its
ratings as well as officers. In addition, the
training center now has 24 mandatory
courses duly accredited by the Maritime
Training Council, which is now open to
Filipino seafarers from other companies.
Capt. Morales says: “We’re ready to
offer the Management Level Course for
deck and engine officers pending the
release of our formal accreditation from
the Maritime Training Council.”
POS-Fil Maritime Training Center
plans to offer MLC not only to STX
Marine seafarers at subsidized rates but
also to interested Filipino ship officers at
discounted rates, another reflection yet
again of the Korean company’s genuine
commitment to the Filipino seafarers.
TINIG NG MARINO
35
VAST HORIZON
C/ENGR. RODOLFO B. VIRTUDAZO
Outstanding Seafarer of the Year, NSD, 1998
Most Outstanding Marine Engineer Officer, PRC, 1999
Technical Superintendent, SWAN Shipping Corporation
E
ver since I learned from a doctorfriend that coffee is good for the
body, foremost of which is its being
antioxidant, I have become a coffee lover.
In fact, I buy a sample or two from countries
that I have been to. I get to enjoy its rich
aroma in my cabin because I see to it that
I bring my own little coffee maker wherever
I go. It is securely packed in my suitcase
among my layers of clothes that serve as a
cushion especially for its delicate glass pot.
I love to have a sip of hot brewed coffee
in my cabin and enjoy its sweet and rich
aroma in-between encoding tons of reports
and plans for the engine department. For
whatever substance it may have, coffee has
some sort of potential element that stirs the
fecund mind and seemingly stretches my
capacity to be prolific and poetic amidst the
technical writing that I usually deal with.
Decades ago, coffee had been labeled
“unhealthy.” But now, it is touted as a
super food. It was found to be loaded with
antioxidants and caffeine that have health
and, hold your breath, anti-aging benefits.
Nothing Tastes Better than Coffee
Brewed in Our Own Breakfast Nook
Antioxidants help the body repair cells
caused by free radicals (which are produced
as a byproduct of cells just doing their daily
thing). Caffeine on the other hand, has been
shown to help improve a range of symptoms
and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
I have scoured the Internet and different
studies and trusted links say that coffee
can help in the prevention and treatment
of diseases and illnesses: Alzheimer’s
disease, diabetes, liver disease, skin
cancer, cirrhosis, Parkinson’s disease,
colon cancer, and more.
It can even relieve headache and asthma
probably because of caffeine. And believe
it or not, it has anti-bacterial and antiadhesive properties that may help in cavity
protection.
As Brillat-Savarin has observed, “Coffee
sets the blood in motion and stimulates
the muscles; it accelerates the digestive
processes, chases away sleep, and gives
us the capacity to engage a little longer
in the exercise of our intellects.” Brillat-
Savarin owns the famous saying, “Tell me
what you eat, and I will tell you what you
are” which we are all very familiar with.
From mere “black coffee,” or “coffee with
sugar and cream,” I have expanded my
literacy regarding the kinds of coffee drinks,
i.e., “Americano, a shot in the dark, café au
lait, caffe latte, café breva, café machiatto,
cappuccino, double or double shot, and dry
cappuccino.”
During my stint onboard MV Asian
Parade, one of our ports of call was England.
Of course, it was a good chance to go buy
some English coffee and so I thought.
Look what I got:
Mark and Spencer’s LUXURY ITALIAN
ground coffee rich roast (strength 4) – the
perfect after dinner coffee inspired by the
Italian tradition for rich, full-bodied and
luxurious blends.
Hmm… another bag of coffee from
Mark and Spencer read: “For those who
are looking to create a little piece of Italian
style at home, our Espresso is the ideal
blend. The luxurious, smooth, chocolaty
flavor makes a deliciously rich and powerful
espresso or you can just add frothed milk
for a creamy cappuccino or latte.
And so ESPRESSO ground coffee dark
roast (Strength 5) was added also in my
cart.
Where does the best coffee in the world
come from? According to the World Coffee
Review, “The coffee from Brazil is world
famous for a good reason - it is nothing
short of stellar. None more so than the
Brazil Bourbon Santos. Brazil is the world’s
largest coffee bean producer.
America - Though not grown in the
U.S. there are several blends that have
a distinctive American style. Made to be
enjoyed with a traditional breakfast, they
complement rather than compete with the
feast. These brews are from a blend of
medium roasted, medium ground Colombian
and Central American coffee beans. Smooth,
TURN TO PAGE 38
36 TINIG NG MARINO
T
he Masters and Mates Association
of the Philippines (MMAP) has
lived up to its promise to its marine
deck officer members of finally having its
own home as the organization officially
broke ground on August 18, 2011 for the
construction of its new building at its very
own property along F. Agoncillo Street in
Malate, Manila.
Unlike its counterpart Marine Engineer
Officers Association of the Philippines
(MEOAP) which is currently hounded
by controversies and whose supposed
property and building acquisition is still
suspect and the centerpiece of a ‘50-50’
question, MMAP is on course to sailing to
its own home in the very near future.
“This ceremony symbolizes a new
chapter in the profession of marine
deck officers of the Philippines. It has
come after many long years of waiting
and dreaming of building a home for the
members and officers of MMAP,” says
Professional
Regulation
Commission
(PRC) Chairperson Teresita R. Manzala in
her message as guest speaker during the
ground-breaking rites which was read by
PRC Commissioner Atty. Jennifer Manalili.
“They say that a journey of a thousand
miles begins with a single step. I am sure
that MMAP took many steps before finally
arriving at this ground-breaking ceremony.
It will still take many more steps before
it will finally see the rise of MMAP’s new
official residence,” Chair Manzala cited.
She lauded MMAP as the accredited
professional organization of marine deck
TINIG NG MARINO
37
MMAP On Course to Turning
a Dream into Reality
PRC Commissioner Jennifer Manalili leads the ground-breaking rites for MMAP’s new
building, whose perspective is shown at the lower right photo, to rise along F. Agoncillo Street
in Malate, Manila as she is shown being flanked by MMAP officers and directors as well as
several selected guests from the local maritime industry. The PRC Commissioner, shown in
the upper right photo delivering a message, pitched in for Chairperson Teresita Manzala as
guest speaker during the ground-breaking ceremony.
officers because the organization has
remained determined and faithful to its
vision of building a home, no matter
the odds.
“The importance of our marine
deck officers and other seafarers
has soared to new heights under the
administration of President Benigno
Aquino III. During his speech in a
recent international convention for
seafarer families, the President
referred to Filipino seafarers as the
country’s sailing ambassadors and
they should be given the respect
and recognition they most certainly
deserved,” the PRC Chairperson
stressed.
“Under the 22-point labor agenda
and the Philippine Development
Plan of 2011 to 2016, the government is
committed to implementing more programs
and services for the seafarers and their
families. The Department of Labor and
Employment for one, has implemented
the rationalized distribution of scholarship
slots for seafarer families,” Chair Manzala
explained.
“The Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority is currently
developing measures to upgrade its
curriculum, offering new technologies
and methodology in Philippine maritime
education,” she added, citing several more
initiatives by other local government units
in collaboration with several government
agencies.
“This ground-breaking ceremony is
indeed a dream that has taken many
years to come for MMAP. I commend
MMAP for taking faith in this dream,” she
emphasized.
“When the walls of your new building
rise, we hope to see on them many pictures
and other testimonies that document
the long years of MMAP’s service to the
marine deck officer profession. We hope to
see in your future building a home where
our seafarers are accepted and respected
as they rightfully deserve,” the PRC Chair
pointed out.
“The PRC expects the building to serve
as a strong home base in which MMAP
can continue making the Filipino seafarers
the best mariners of the world,” concludes
Chair Manzala.
Capt. Rodolfo Aspillaga, President of
MMAP, in his welcome remarks during
the program said: “This ground-breaking
rites is just the beginning of turning the
organization’s long-sought dream into
reality of finally having its own home. It has
been the commitment of the current set of
MMAP officers since assuming office in
February 2010 and we’re just happy to be
able to live up to what we promised.”
Following the messages, Rev. Fr. Jojan
Joseph officiated the blessing of the site
before the official ground-breaking rites
took place. Subsequently, guests were
treated to lunch at the Royal Korean
Restaurant.
38 TINIG NG MARINO
VAST HORIZON
Nothing Tastes Better than Coffee
Brewed in Our Own Breakfast Nook
FROM PAGE 35
light on the acid and delicate bodied, they
will complement rather than call attention to
themselves. Steep & Brew offers a clean,
fruity option, as does the Madrugada blend
from Flying Goat. The Supreme Bean
offers a sweet, chocolatey blend that will be
perfect with morning pancakes.
Ethiopia - Legendary home of the Arabica
tree, which produces the berry that contains
the coffee bean, Ethiopia is making strides
in producing a fine brew. The Coffee Klatch
from the Yirgacheffe region is a dark, dark
coffee with fruit overtones for those who
enjoy a bold brew. The Counter Culture of
the Sidamo region is a dry-processed bean
that will invariably make samplers think of
its sun drenched home. For those seeking a
delicate espresso, the Belle Espresso from
Coffee Klatch may be just the right thing. A
blend from five different regions, the profile
is complex and entrancing.
Nicaragua - The Madriz from this Central
American small but mighty powerhouse of
coffee producers, will be a welcome addition
to the table. Hailing from Terroir Coffee, its
pungent bouquet and full body will have you
asking for a second cup.
Panama - A small roaster in Portland,
Oregon has shown us how to find the best
of Panama. Stumptown Coffee Roasters
offers a bean from the Don Pachi Estate
that will be perfect in a French press. From
the Geisha trees of the Boquete region, this
flowered and fruity brew is lightly acidic and
goes down smooth.
Hawaii - The JavaBerry Black Estate
Reserve is all the excuse you need to visit
this Pacific island. From a blend of Kona
Peaberry and Kona Extra Fancy, it offers a
smooth, full-flavored balance. This one is
for those who love their coffee straight.
Sumatra - Indonesian coffee is not for
everybody. Now more expensive, as a
consequence of the recent tsunamis, it often
has a tartness that some find off putting. But
coffee aficionados could do no better than
the Organic Sumatra Reserve. With hints
of chocolate, this medium bodied brew is
sweeter than average. Fruity overtones
with a thick aroma give it that South Pacific
character that make one think of tropical
isles and cool breezes rather than the
steamy jungles of its home.
Having come home at last from MV Asian
Parade with some bags of coffee in tow, I
realized that nothing tastes better than a
coffee brewed right in our own breakfast
nook.
TINIG NG MARINO
WORKERS’ VANGUARD
Safeguarding Seafarers’ Rights
FROM PAGE 10
sympathetically and adequately; verify that
working and living conditions onboard are
in conformity with the employment contract
or the applicable collective bargaining
agreement in place; and ensure that the
ships to which it deploys seafarers provide
financial security such as protection and
indemnity or other insurance cover to
ensure compensation for ship owner’s
liabilities arising out of the operations of
the vessel.
Serious concern has also been raised
on the matter of illegal recruitment. To
help fight this, the proposed Magna Carta
enumerates acts that constitute illegal
recruitment as defined in existing laws, but
makes them cater specifically to seafarers.
One of the primordial goals of the Magna
Carta is the elimination of harassment of
seafarers and the elimination of corruption
that haunts not only the seafarers
individually but also the entire seafaring
industry.
The seafarer’s employment agreement
mandated by the proposed Magna Carta
strengthens the seafarers’ rights as an
employee of the ship.
Among other
obligations of the employer, it requires that a
seafarer must be informed of his rights and
duties under his contract of employment,
any particular conditions applicable to the
job for which he will be engaged, and any
specific policies of the ship owner relating
to his employment.
For the promotion of the welfare of our
39
seafarers, the proposed bill
enumerates compulsory
benefits for seafarers.
These benefits are to
be provided in addition
to
the
performance
bond to be filed by the
manning agency, and the
POEA shall ensure that
the seafarers who are
deployed are provided
with financial security,
such
as
protection
and indemnity or other
insurance to cover several
financial liabilities.
Our seafarers would
be able to breathe a little
easier knowing that should
anything untoward happens to them, they
or their families would at least be able to
recover the cost of necessary expenses.
Certain sections of the Magna Carta are
devoted exclusively to ensuring that the
welfare of our Filipino seafarers are one
of the priorities of ocean-going ships of
Philippine registry. These provisions refer
to elevating standards and maintaining
adequate facilities for seafarers. They refer
to the ship’s accommodations, recreational
facilities, food and catering, hospital
accommodations and the ship owner’s
liability to seafarers.
In order to attend to our seafarers’ cases
and grievances adequately and more
efficiently, the proposed Magna Carta of
Seafarers provides for the creation of the
MILAC, or the Maritime Industry Labor
Arbitration Council. It is meant to be under
the administrative supervision of the
DOLE to institutionalize the process for
alternative dispute resolution for maritime
labor claims.
The MILAC is envisioned as the body
that shall have original jurisdiction to
hear and decide claims of seafarers with
regard to their employment contracts, their
interpretation, termination, invalidity and the
like; and those that involve monetary claims
between the ship owner or its appointed
recruitment and placement agencies
for any form of damages, much like the
National Labor Relations Commission.
The Magna Carta of Seafarers also
seeks to adopt and implement the standards
set by international conventions and
agreements on safety, working conditions,
and working hours, among others, for
seafarers particularly the Maritime Labour
Convention, 2006.
The filing of this Bill is only one of
the many steps that we must take to
ensure that our seafarers are guaranteed
protection from any and all forms of threats
and abuses. Our vigilance and cooperation
will go a long way in guaranteeing that our
seafaring industry will continue to thrive
and support our economy, and will allow
our brave seafarers to provide a secure
future for their families.
The ever-increasing demand for our
seafarers is a testament that they are
indeed among the best in the world, and
are strongly committed to maintain such
status. The Philippine seafaring industry,
armed with their very own Magna Carta and
supported by the Philippine government,
will make sure of that.
40 TINIG NG MARINO
TORM Reinvents to Intensify
Crewing Activities in the Philippines
W
ith a soft-spoken but
proactive lady taking
the helm of TORM
Shipping Philippines, Inc. as
company president starting on
August 10, 2011, the manning
company of the Denmark
shipping company TORM has
began reinventing itself on
course to further intensifying
its manning operations in the
Philippines.
“TORM Shipping Philippines
would be more visible in the local manning added.
circles and it shall consistently strive to
“2012 would be a big
become a world-class manning company year for us as TORM
parallel to the world-class TORM shipping Shipping Philippines looks
organization,” confidently says Ms. Mailyn to build further on the global
Borillo, the company’s new president.
reputation of our 122-year“We will eventually be known among old Danish principal by
Filipino seafarers and the local maritime embarking on more proindustry as TORM, a manning company people initiatives to sustain
that puts premium value on the continued the competitiveness of the
professional and personal development company in an obviously
Filipino seafarers, both officers and ratings, are
of its people, be they sea-based or shore- very competitive industry,”
continuously increasing onboard the vessels of
based,” adds Ms. Borillo with pride.
she cited.
TORM.
Foremost to the agenda of TORM
“We will be working on
Shipping Philippines is the transfer of its ways to show to Filipino
manning offices from Makati to bigger seafarers that here at TORM Shipping deserving students of poor families or
offices in Pasay City.
Philippines, we don’t just provide people children of seafarer rating families. And as
“As we will be
with
employment of March 2011, 22 of the total 100 scholars
embarking
on
opportunities. We offer of TPEFI have already completed their
intensified crewing
them fulfilling careers college studies, 20 of them are aspiring
activities
in
the
through our clear-cut mariners.
country, we shall most
promotions program
“This foundation which obviously shows
certainly be needing
and
continued TORM’s kind heart and its willingness to
bigger offices to be
professional
crew share its blessings to its people and help
able to house our
development by way those others in need is what convinced me
expected increased
of constant training. to join TORM Shipping Philippines. This is
manning operations.
That’s in addition to the the right company for me,” professes the
If things fall into their
competitive package 39-year-old lady president, who is also
proper places in
of
remuneration very passionate about social development
accordance with our
and benefits that work.
timetable, we will be
we provide all our
While she was still studying and prior
inaugurating our new
seafarers,
both to finding her calling in shipping almost
offices at the start of
officers and ratings, two decades earlier, Ms. Borillo was
next year,” points out
and their families,” engaged in social development mostly.
Ms. Borillo.
Ms. Borillo explained.
After completing her IT course, major
TORM Shipping
As a matter of fact, in Financial Management, she worked
Philippines has on
unlike most other as a programmer, an instructor, and a
its current employ
manning companies consultant with several non-government
almost 1,200 Filipino
which provide health organizations. She even did volunteer jobs
seafarers, with a
and medical insurance for cause-oriented organizations.
constantly increasing The confident but self-effacing TORM coverage only to their
It was during the course of Ms. Borillo’s
Shipping Philippines lady president, Ms.
roster
of
senior Mailyn Borillo, aims to make the crewing ship
officers
and consultancy arrangement with a crewing
officers to boot. A company truly world class.
their families, TORM company that she eventually found herself
number of TORM
Shipping Philippines teaching Filipino seafarers, which sparked
ships, comprised mostly of oil/chemical makes available the same benefits to all its her interest on shipping and seafaring.
tankers and bulk carriers, are now being ratings.
She subsequently got employed by
helmed by Filipino officers. “This only
TORM also has one of the biggest, if not a Danish shipping company for 17 years
means that the trust of TORM on Filipino the biggest, corporate social responsibility where she eventually grew from the ranks
seafarers is real and continues to grow. (CSR) programs in the Philippines being at the same time establishing her own
We only have to build on that trust to implemented since 2008 through the niche in the industry.
ensure sustainability,” states Ms. Borillo.
TORM Philippines Educational Foundation,
The fact that she is married to a seafarer
“We intend to take in more competent Inc. (TPEFI)
herself further enhanced her passion to the
and qualified Filipino seafarers in the
Since its establishment in 2007, the business.
next couple of months as we expect to be foundation has been providing 25 full
While shipping is traditionally a maleentrusted by TORM several more tankers scholarship grants, including tuition fees, dominated industry, just the thought of it
and bulk carriers starting next year,” she books and allowances, every year to gives Ms. Borillo the excitement to strive
and persevere to continue being ‘one with
the guys.’ “I am quite fortunate to have
worked under managers who know how
to share their skills to people and who
thrives in a multi-cultural organizational
environment. I carried those positive
values with me here at TORM and I plan
to share and inculcate it to our people,”
she said.
“A good organization values its people
as its best asset. That’s what TORM is all
about. We are driven by our passion for
excellence while upholding our integrity
and transparency. When I joined this
company, I know that the people here are
very competent with their respective jobs.
I just need to streamline some processes
and introduce reforms to be able to
effectively serve our seafarers and their
families. I believe in people empowerment
so people can blossom into their full
potentials,” Ms. Borillo detailed.
Confident yet self-effacing are just two
of the best people management attributes
of the new lady president of TORM
Shipping Philippines.
She is the type of executive who likes
to rub elbows with her people. She in
fact enjoys eating lunch with the staff
and constantly communicates with them
through inspirational e-mails, pep talks,
and regular meetings.
“Good leaders need to invest time
in talking to their employees because it
motivates and inspires them to do their job
better,” stresses Ms. Borillo.
With a determined and committed lady
president at its helm, TORM Shipping
Philippines is certainly on course to bigger
and brighter things in the local manning
industry.
TINIG NG MARINO
T
TORM Foundation’s
Scholarship Program
Starts Changing Lives
he best thing about a selfless good
deed is the rewarding feeling one
gets after seeing the assistance
given has made a big difference in
another person’s life. Better of course if it
is benefitting not just one but 100 young
and aspiring professionals which also
equates to helping 100 families.
Since its formal establishment in
2007, TORM Philippines Educational
Foundation, Inc. (TPEF) has been
making a big difference in the lives of 100
underprivileged but otherwise
determined and deserving
students through its holistic
scholarship grants that come
with no strings attached.
Every year since school
year
2008-2009,
the
foundation has been funding
Rian Claro
the college education of 25
students, who come from
either poor families from
different parts of the country
or TORM seafarer rating
families. Starting school year
2011-2012, TORM Philippines
Educational Foundation has
started granting scholarships Arianne Valeña, Cherrylyn Grado, and 13 maritime cadets of the total 22 TORM Philippines
as well to qualified and Educational Foundation scholars who have completed their studies as of March 2011.
Antonio Cadiz III
deserving orphans and street
children.
As a foundation of a global
shipping organization, TORM
Philippines
Educational
Foundation could have opted
to bankroll only the college
education of its deserving
Joenel Trojillo
Elgan Sabello
Jesthony Paulines
Marjohn Cababan
Mark Danryl Priela
seafarer rating families and
imposed on the scholars to take
proud to announce that the scholarship is part of the first batch of TPEF scholars.
maritime courses so that upon graduation program of the foundation has in fact She is the daughter of Chief Cook Ernesto
Valeña, who has been a TORM seafarer
they could pay back the assistance to started bearing fruits already.
them by serving onboard the vessels of
“Of the 100 scholarship grants handed out for close to 22 years already.
“Before TPEF, my parents needed
TORM.
by the foundation since school year 2008But that is not TORM’s way of thinking 2009, 22 of them have already completed help in order to send me through college.
and that is certainly not the type of their schooling. To be more precise, two When my father told me about the
assistance that TPEF has been providing of the 22 are now graduates of Bachelor foundation scholarship, I did not hesitate
to its scholars and will provide to its future of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of in applying for it. I was later interviewed
scholars.
Science in Business Administration and 19 and congratulated by the interviewees but
As a matter of fact, the foundation have completed their three-year schooling I never had an inkling that I was already
chosen. Then I was invited to the program
current roster of scholars is pursuing for their maritime courses,” states Glenn.
various vocations although a good
“Of the 19 maritime students who have launch at the Peninsula Manila Hotel and I
number of them are into maritime completed their three-year schooling, 15 felt so happy and proud for being chosen,”
courses, not by any imposition but by are now onboard vessels for their one- recalls Arriane.
“This scholarship is really a great help
their own choice.
year apprenticeship and four still awaiting
Those scholars pursuing maritime for their respective shipboard slots,” he to my parents and to myself. I am much
grateful to TORM Philippines Educational
courses are also not obligated to serve added.
or work onboard the vessels of TORM
As a proof that the foundation is not Foundation, especially to Mr. Glenn
upon their graduation. Although most making any imposition on its scholars, Rosales, who is so approachable. I
of them still prefer to be employed with two of the 15 maritime students who have really hope that this scholarship program
TORM not by mere gratitude but for what already earned their associate degrees, continue to help more deserving students
the company is reputed in the global are actually having their apprenticeship go through college. More power to TORM
shipping industry – a world-class shipping onboard the vessels of other shipping and to TPEF,” expresses Arianne.
Cherrylyn Royo Grado is the other
organization.
companies. The 13 others have opted to
An assistance that comes from the have their apprenticeship onboard the lady scholar of TPEF who has completed
her Bachelor of Science in Business
heart of TORM is what best describes vessels of TORM.
Administration, Major in Management
the foundation’s scholarship program.
course, at Ateneo de Davao University in
More than just funding the schooling
A Life-Changer Indeed
of deserving college students, TORM
Glenn Rosales is also proud to disclose March 2011. A member of the third batch of
Philippines Educational Foundation is that two of the 21 scholars of the foundation the foundation scholars, she is the daughter
giving them an opportunity to become who have just completed their studies of Bosun Gabriel Z. Grado, who has been
professionals and have a better chance of are actually ladies and both daughters of employed with TORM for over 15 years.
Although the TPEF financed only one
a bright future for them and their families TORM seafarer ratings.
too.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate year of her college schooling as she was
Glenn Rosales, QA Manager of TORM Arriane de Vera Valeña from Trinity officially granted the scholarship for school
Shipping Philippines, who has been University of Asia – St. Luke’s College year 2010-2011, Cherrylyn could not be
doubling as the point man for the TORM of Nursing, now a registered nurse after happier as it came at a time when her
Philippines Educational Foundation, is passing the licensure exam in July 2011, seafarer-father was off from any shipboard
Jayson Delmo
Justin Juanata
Mark Glenn Santos
41
John Vincent Cuenca
Dick Marquez
Barry Escabarte
assignments for almost eight months, as
an aftermath of the global financial crisis
in late 2009.
Actually, it was his brother who has
been earlier granted by the foundation
the scholarship but since his brother
stopped going to school and decided to
work instead, she requested that she
took his place instead to which the TPEF
concurred.
Nowadays, Cherrylyn can be seen in
TORM offices as she is now working as
Administrative Assistant for the TPEF.
She has this to say for TPEF: “You never
know how much you changed my life. If the
scholarship grant of the foundation did not
come, I doubt if I could have graduated in
March this year. You have completed me
as a person and you’ve helped me make
my parents proud of what I have achieved.
You will always be part of whatever
success I may achieve in my life.”
At the moment, TPEF has started
the screening process for its fifth batch
of scholars for school year 2012-2013.
Glenn Rosales, who has been into several
poorest-of-the-poor communities in farflung areas in the Visayas and Mindanao
in search for deserving 4th year high
school students, says: “The foundation
is not actually looking into the quality of
the schools where we are sourcing our
scholars from. The important thing for is to
be able to secure qualified and deserving
students to be given the opportunity to
pursue their college education through the
TPEF scholarship program. The idea is to
help those who are capable of eventually
helping themselves.”
42 TINIG NG MARINO
TINIG NG MARINO
43
MEOAP Believing its Own Appalling Lies
P
In
retasychologists say that if a person lies
Malbog continue the association president C/E Gilberto
for
so much, eventually the person will liation
to hold the fort Deligero in January 2011 that MEOAP has
believe his or her own false stories. R e s o l u t i o n
armed only with paid only a downpayment to a building for
88,
That is obviously now the case with the No.
their misplaced PhP 5 million.
dying Marine Engineer Officers Association M E O A P
pride and lots of
Sempio even pointed to a MEOAP
of the Philippines (MEOAP) whose leaders lodged administrative suits against lies.
2011 calendar hanging on a wall showing
are not only firing administrative cases the members of the BMEO with the
One marine engineer of UFS, who a picture of a bright yellow building with
against people who were responsible for Ombudsman. Subsequently, they did the personally visited the MEOAP office in a long signage in front, spelling out the
cutting its lifeblood, its source of income, same against PRC Chairman Teresita mid-August, narrated that the office was association’s name.
they continue to perpetrate lies to Filipino Manzala as well as the Commissioners literally a ghost town, similar to a quiet
A personal ocular of the three-storey
marine engineer officers and in the industry of the agency, which many in the industry cemetery on an ordinary night. But Sempio, building located along Cayco Street in
in order to restore whatever semblance of view as downright dumb because it’s like who was in the office with a couple of lady Sampaloc, Manila and a closer scrutiny of
pride they still have left. Forget dignity as MEOAP just signed its own death warrant. staff, was still in his lying self. The old the picture, which MEOAP boldly put in its
In addition to its questionable (read: man claimed that MEOAP has bought its 2011 calendar, in the most recent issue of
they certainly don’t have it. These people
have faces thicker than concrete slabs to dumb) legal maneuvers, MEOAP leaders, own building for PhP 15 million, which is its magazine, and even brandished in its
particularly Leoncio Sempio and Lydia contrary to the pronouncement made by Facebook account, one could evidently
even think of dignity.
After the Board of
see that the picture
Marine Engineer Officer
was retouched in the
(BMEO) of the Professional
computer using Adobe
Regulation
Commission
Photoshop or whatever
(PRC) issued in June 4,
photo editing software.
2011 Resolution No. 88,
Clearly,
MEOAP’s
which no longer requires
gall
for
lying
has
mandatory
membership
become
unparalleled
to MEOAP for newlyand unmatched in the
licensed Filipino marine
industry.
engineer officers prior to
Sempio even uttered
getting their PRC license,
a threat to Filipino
the association has been
marine engineer officer
literally scraping the bottom
– members of the
of the barrel for funds that
association that once
used to flow like rampaging
PRC BMEO Resolution
waters from an open dam.
The supposed MEOAP building in Sampaloc, Manila - the difference between fiction and reality ... between a giant lie and the truth.
The Lie
The Truth
TURN TO PAGE 53
44 TINIG NG MARINO
Philippines Makes It to the IMO White List for the 3rd Time
F
or the third time
into force by 2012.
this
decade,
The
Londonthe Philippines
was able to comply
with global seafaring
standards
and
has made it in the
International Maritime
Organization’s (IMO)
“white list”.
Labor Secretary
Rosalinda
Baldoz
announced the good
news
to
Filipino
seafarers
aspiring
to work in foreign
vessels. The Labor
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz
Secretary
credits
the country’s “consistent and sustained based IMO is a United
standing in giving ‘full and complete’ Nations
agency
effect” to the IMO’s revised Standards of tasked to focus on the
Training, Certification and Watch-keeping safety and security
Convention.
of
shipping
and
“The white list affirms the capacities and prevention of marine
diligence of the Philippines in ensuring the pollution by ships.
competencies of Filipino seafarers,” said Being included in the
Baldoz.
white list increases
Secretary Baldoz said the inclusion of the
chances
of
the Philippines in the list also points to the Filipino mariners of
country’s consistent compliance with the being hired in foreign
STCW Convention ’95, as amended. The vessels because the
STCW ‘95 was amended during the 2010 list serves as the
Manila Conference, otherwise known as “reference bible” in
the Manila Amendments which will enter seafaring excellence.
Baldoz said with this development,
the country would prove once again that
Filipinos seafarers are the best in the
world.
TINIG NG MARINO
45
MMAP CORNER
CAPT. RODOLFO A. ASPILLAGA, M.M.
President, Masters and Mates Association of the Philippines (MMAP)
Sailing the Cool Waves at Sea
Following is the presentation delivered
by yours truly during the International
Seafarers Family Convention held at the
PICC last August 4 – 5, 2011.
First of Two Parts
Introduction
magine the world without a single ship
transporting goods from one country
to another. Imagine a world without
a single banca or vinta sailing from one
island to another? Unimaginable, isn’t it?
Without these vessels there will be very
limited means in transporting goods in
bulk, commodities, products, livestock or
animals and people. Without ships barter
trade will still be around but global trade
will be non-existent.
We all know from history that in the
Middle Ages, vessels or ships have been
very useful in discovering new frontiers,
and with these discoveries the volume
and scope of global trade has grown
exponentially.
Behind the successes of discovering
new lands, peoples and civilizations which
made possible the growth of world trade
and commerce to what it is today are the
SEAFARERS that toiled and navigated the
vessels through calm and rough waters.
They are the silent heroes of the world
economy, without them no ship will run and
no world trade to talk about.
We can all agree then that a lot of
opportunities can be found at sea.
I
Opportunities at Sea
Believe it or not, my ambition after
graduating from high school was to become
a lawyer. The declaration of Martial Law in
1972 was the turning point. The fear of our
instructors then to openly teach political
ideologies has prompted me to change
course and upon the prodding of my best
friend, I entered the Philippine Merchant
Marine Academy in 1973 to study Marine
Transportation. There was no turning
back.
In entering the academy, I had the
opportunity to learn the science of
navigation,
seamanship,
astronomy,
meteorology, oceanography and maritime
commerce, among others. Most important
of all, the regimental training was the one
that prepared me physically and mentally
for the unknown – the seafarer’s journey.
Place for cadets in 1975 are not that
too many that’s why it took me 10 months
from the time I completed my two years
academic period at the academy, before
landing a slot as an apprentice onboard
a German-owned vessel flying the flag of
Cyprus in the spring of 1976.
The Adventures
Leaving the country for the first time at
the age of 21 is the start of my adventure
and journey to the world of seafaring.
Travelling three days, I practically travelled
half the globe to join my first assigned
vessel in Tanzania, in the East Coast of
Africa.
It is the start of the many firsts in my
life - from the first plane ride to the first
experience of being in a foreign territory
and to the many sea voyages spanning my
20 years of career at sea.
The adventure I enjoyed most was
stargazing and identification of some
Greek and Roman mythology objects and
characters scattered in the sky.
In the stillness of the night and on a
cloudless sky, it was always with excitement
to bring out my book in Astronomy and
begin identifying the constellations, stars
and planets seen up above in the heavens.
Among my favorites is the winter sky for
the northern hemisphere.
You will be able to identify Orion with
his belt of three closely-packed stars and
to the left and below him is Sirius, the Dog
Star which is also known as the heart of
Canis Major (Big Dog). A group of stars
formed in “V” shape to Orion’s upper right,
marks the head and horns of Taurus, the
Bull. It was always a joy to have a clear
night skies whenever you are in the open
sea.
The Challenges
The first voyage at sea will determine
ones resolve and could serve as the gauge
whether one is built
or fit to become a
seafarer. As I recall,
we were three days
in the open sea on
our voyage from
Tanzania to China,
when our vessel was
rolling and pitching
to the Indian Ocean
swells and seas due
to strong winds.
Being new at sea,
I was affected by
the motion sickness,
i.e. throwing out my
food intake; I was
really feeling lousy
and cannot carry on
with the task that was
assigned to me on
that particular day. I
informed the Chief
Officer of my situation
thinking that he will
give me a rest for the
day. To my dismay,
he instead asked me
to do wash painting
jobs
around
the
bridge (wheel house)
because according
to him, all I needed was
a breath of fresh air.
He said to fight off the
motion sickness by not
paying attention to it. I
followed his advice and
was able to survive that
day.
And from then on,
after that incident, I was
able to develop my sea
legs and was never
again adversely affected
by the ship’s motion
even in worse weather
conditions.
We were a mixture of
different nationalities on The Andrea Gail before going up the ‘Perfect Storm.’
my first ship. Aside from
the German captain, we have German, that got caught in the Perfect Storm of
Austrian, British, Burmese and Nigerian 1991. The perfect storm happened. It was
officers and engineers, Burmese catering also called the Halloween Nor’easter as
staff, and the rest of deck and engine it pounded the East Coast of the United
ratings were Filipinos. It was a good States and Canada from October 28 to
mixture of people with different cultures. November 1 in 1991.
And it was a real challenge for everyone,
Well, for those who have seen the movie,
especially to the vessel’s command in you all know that nobody from the crew of
maintaining the harmony onboard. Living the Andrea Gail made it to safety as their
in such an environment was a great vessel sank in the middle of the storm.
learning experience for me as it made me
Of all the challenges that a seafarer
understand other people’s culture and way may encounter, his great respect must be
of life.
accorded to Mother Nature.
Have you seen the movie “Perfect
When you are out there in the open,
Storm”? It is an adaptation of the 1997 non- you are exposed to the forces of nature.
fiction book of the same title by Sebastian
TURN TO PAGE 54
Junger about the crew of the Adrea Gail
46 TINIG NG MARINO
TINIG NG MARINO
PISOBILITIES
Ang Kahalagahan ng Pag-iimpok
FROM PAGE 23
buhay tulad ng edukasyon ng ating mga anak,
magandang bahay, kotse, pagbabakasyon
at iba pa. Mahalagang matamo ang mga
hangaring ito bilang bahagi ng ating fulfillment
sa buhay. Ganunpaman ay sekundaryo ito
sa ating protection fund at kung maaari ay
manggagaling sa ating passive income.
Pag-iimpok para sa ating retirement.
Habang pinupunuan ang sisidlan ng
proteksyon at hangarin sa buhay, mahalagang
nagtatabi rin para sa ating retirement. Ito ay
paghahanda sa panahon na hindi na natin
kakayaning magtrabaho. Tinatayang 85%
ng nagreretiro sa Pilipinas gaano man kalaki
ang kinita ay walang sapat na impok para
ipantustos sa kaniyang mga pangangailangan
para sa natitira pa niyang buhay. Hindi sapat
ang makukuha sa SSS o GSIS.
Mas maagang magawa ito mas maganda!
Mas maaga dahil mas mahaba ang panahon
na ito ay mapaghahandaan. Mas maaga para
mas maagang makakapagretiro. Masarap
naman na sa panahon na malakas pa tayo
ay nag-eenjoy na ng buhay retirado! Mas
mapapadali ito kung kasabay ng pag-iimpok
ay maglalagak sa pamumuhunan.
Paano makakapag-impok?
Madaling sabihin na madaling mag-impok
pero ang katotohanan na iilan lamang ang
tunay na mayroon nito ang magsasabi na
hindi ito nagagawa ng marami. Katotohanan
din ito na maging sa mga napakalaki ng mga
kinikita ng mga nagdaang panahon. Bakit
nga ba? Paano magsisimula?
Tratuhin
ang
pag-iimpok
na
OBLIGASYON at HINDI OPSYONAL.
Gaano man kaliit o kalaki ang kita ay gawin
ang pag-iimpok na obligasyon sa ating sarili.
At dahil obligasyon ay bahagi ito ng ating
gastusin na hindi isinasantabi kung kailan
lang naisin o kung may matitira sa ating
kinita. Ito ay gastusin na ipinambibili natin ng
ating kasaganaan sa hinaharap.
Unahing bayaran ang sarili. Ang pagiimpok ay proteksiyon ng ating sarili. At ang
ating sarili ang pinakamahalaga nating yaman
kaya dapat unahin ang pagtatabi ng impok sa
pagpasok ng kita at anumang tira ay siyang
pagkakasyahin.
Baliktarin ang nakagawiang pormula na
KITA - GASTUSIN = IMPOK. Gawin itong
KITA – IMPOK = GASTUSIN, anumang
tira matapos itabi ang IMPOK ay siyang
pagkakasyahin bilang gastusin.
Mamuhay ayon sa kakayahan. Sa
financial wellness, mamuhay ayon sa kita
pagkatapos ibawas ang IMPOK. Kung
magagawa natin ito ay inilalapit natin ang
ating sarili sa kasaganaan. Kung mamuhay
naman tayo nang UBOS-BIYAYA at lagpas
sa ating kakayahan ay ilulubog nito tayo sa
KUMUNOY ng UTANG. Maaari naman ang
pana-panahong luho tulad ng pagbabakasyon,
pagkain sa labas, panonood ng sine at iba pa
dahil kailangan natin ito para i-recharge ang
ating mga sarili. Basta ito ay hindi galing sa
utang at manggagaling kung maaari sa ating
passive income.
Delayed Gratiffication. Madalas kapag
kumita tayo ay ubos-biyaya. Tandaan kapag
lumalaki ang kita, ang tendensiya natin ay
gumastos din nang malaki. Dapat kasabay
ng paglaki ng kita ay ang paglaki din ng
itinatabing impok. Kung maaari ay ipagpaliban
ang agarang pagsasaya sa pagdating ng
malaki-laking kita. Ang ating naitabi mula
sa pagsasakripisyong ito at paglalagak nito
sa tamang pamumuhunan ang magdadala
sa atin sa kasaganaan! Nagtiis tayo ng
maikling panahon para sa pangmatagalang
kasaganaan!
Magplano at Magbadyet. Planuhin
ang mga gastusin ayon sa ating kita. Kung
maaari ay suriin ang mga gastusin optional.
Magugulat tayo na ang laki ng ating gastusin
sa mga ito. Kasunod nito ay pagbabadyet at
seryosong pagsunod dito.
Matutong tumanggi sa mga hindi
makatwirang hiling ng mga mahal sa
buhay. Kapuri-puri ang pagmamalasakit
sa mga mahal sa buhay subalit dapat
ding isipin ang ating sariling kapakanan at
kaligayahan. Tandaan na ang pagtanggi sa
hindi makatwirang hiling ng mga kamag-anak
ay hindi nangangahuluhugang hindi natin sila
mahal kundi nais lamang natin na masiguro
ang ating kinabukasan. At ang katotohanan
ay makapagbibigay lamang tayo kung anong
mayroon tayo. Paano tayo makapagbibigay
kung sinasaid tayo ng kanilang mga
kapritso?
Turuan natin sila magkaroon ng diskarte at
pagtrabahuan kung anuman ang nais nilang
mabili. Sa ganitong paraan ay nakapag-impok
na tayo at naturuan pa natin silang manindigan
sa kanilang buhay pinansyal.
Palaguin ang ating impok. Padadaliin
ang pagtahak natin sa landas ng kasaganaan
kung mapapalago natin ang ating impok sa
pamamagitan ng paglalagak sa “tamang
pamumuhunan.”
Anumang
lagpas
sa
kinakailangang emergency at cash reserves
fund ay dapat ipinamumuhunan at hindi lamang
nakalagak sa simpleng savings account.
Maiuturing itong tulog na pera kapag ito ay
pinabayaan nating maburo sa bangko ng
mahabang panahon.
47
Kailangan nitong kumita ng lagpas sa
inflation rate para hindi malugi. Ang risk ng
pamumuhunan na papasukin ay depende sa
ating sapat na kaalaman sa pamumuhunan at
tagal ng pagreretiro. Mas maagang nag-impok,
mas mahabang panahon bago magretiro ay
may mas malaki ang pagkakataon na harapin
ang risk ng anumang pamumuhunan.
Mag-umpisa na! Now na! Bawat pagpapaliban
ng pag-iimpok ay pagpapataas ng panganib na
hindi natin marating ang kasaganaan. Bawat
piso na bigo nating maitabi ay napakalaki nang
oportunidad na nawawala. Oportunidad na
kumita at maagang pagreretiro nang masagana!
Ina-anyayahan ko kayo sa mga seminars
naming na makakatulong sa inyo. Sa mga
malayo sa Metro Manila, maaari na rin kayong
makiisa sa aming seminar kung kayo ay may
Internet. Makilahok sa aming Webinars! Para
malaman kung kailan at papaano, bumisita
lamang sa www.colaycofoundation.com. Sa
aming website, may pagkakataon din kayong
makakuha ng libreng e-book at imbitasyon na
ipapadala sa e-mail ng aming mga seminars at
webinars.
48 TINIG NG MARINO
TINIG NG MARINO
ENTERTAINMENT
O
Oh Please... Daiana
ooooh Daiana!
Daiana Menezes is H-O-T!
The best thing about it is she
doesn’t try hard to be hot, she’s born
hot and she doesn’t make a big deal
out of it!
TNM: You’re from Brazil…
Daiana: 100% pure Brazilian but Filipino
by heart!
TNM: Wow! That’s so cool! What made
you come here to the Philippines?
Daiana: I’ve been modeling for almost
seven years now and I’ve lived in six
countries and then I came here to do
a commercial a long, long time ago
and I made so many friends. In those
countries I’ve worked in before, it was
really just work. But something here in
the Philippines made me want to stay,
not for work but to just hang-out. I love
this place! I was lucky enough to be
given an opportunity to stay here and
have a regular job not just modeling so
I entered showbiz.
TNM: How did your modeling career
start?
Daiana: My real work was fashion
design because my Dad has a
brand of shoes back home so I used
to design shoes for him. When I was
still in my university, my classmates
would make me model the stuff
we design. Then I started getting
modeling gigs abroad, my first
opportunity was Thailand and then
I never stopped.
49
By Arianne Blanche R. Rodriguez
TNM: So modeling wasn’t really your first
job.
Daiana: No, it really wasn’t my main
priority before. It really wasn’t about
money that I got into modeling too I
just wanted to travel to go to different
places. So I did that for four years and
then I decided to stay in just one place
because I can’t be a model forever.
Nobody can become a model forever,
that’s just impossible.
TNM: How long did it take you to be
fluent in Filipino?
Daiana: I’m still learning now but I think
it took me about a year to be a little
fluent with it.
TNM: Were you self-taught?
Daiana: Yeah self-study talaga because
when I started doing television shows
they asked me “do you know Tagalog?”
and I said “No.” But then they still gave
me scripts in Tagalog so I learned it the
hard way so I started doing comedy
on TV and I’d be saying the wrong
things and people would laugh but I
don’t really care because I’m having
so much fun! So through that I started
learning, even my English I practically
learned it here.
TNM: Was there a big shift from modeling
to acting?
Daiana: No, not really. There’s a big
difference between being a public
figure and just being a student though.
So far it’s okay naman. I’m having fun
here.
TNM: How do you prepare yourself for
shoots?
Daiana: I’m so sanay with that now
because it’s been seven years na.
Before, when I started I was so worried
about my body and then I’d diet but
now no. I’m actually
looking forward to
gaining weight na. I
just try to take care
of my body. With this
job kasi sometimes
we work 24/7 so I
really try to like at
least get enough
sleep kahit papano.
TNM:
What’s
a
normal day for you?
Daiana:
Uhmm…
Wala!
I
work
from Mondays to
Sundays. An ideal
day for me would
be to stay home
and rest.
TNM:
Now
that
you’re in showbiz,
what’s your dream
role?
Daiana: I’d like to
do something wild
naman. Well now
I’m going to be
doing a movie that’s
kind’a like “Lord
of the Rings” it’s a
Bollywood movie. The shoot will take
12 months. It’s a lot of preparation like
I have to learn a bit of their language,
I have to go under training for fighting,
even my body has to change. I’m so
payat now so I’ll need to muscle up a
bit.
TNM: What’s your message to our
readers?
Daiana: As a foreigner in the Philippines,
I just want you to know that you have an
amazing country! It’s not everywhere
that people are so welcoming, so warm,
so nice! You should really be proud of
your country. Keep believing in yourself
and in your work!
50 TINIG NG MARINO
C/E Majabague Rules
4th C/E Nonoy Garcia Cup
I
t was only fitting that
a golf tournament
in honor of a chief
engineer had a chief
engineer as overall
champion.
C/E Chito Majabague
was the big winner
as Class A Champion
during the 4th C/E
Nonoy Garcia Cup of
the Marin Sports Club,
Inc. held at the South
Forbes Golf and Leisure
Club in Binan, Laguna C/E Majabague being handed the overall champion trophy
on July 31, 2011.
Majabague won over closest
pursuer C/E Joey Del Pilar with
his superb net of 66 as against the
latter’s 68. While Del Pilar grossed
four strokes better than Majabague,
the six-stroke difference in their
handicaps gave Majabague the
victory. Del Pilar settled for runner up
honors.
Majabague was twice victorious
during the tournament as he also
got the Most Accurate Drive special
The tournament winners displaying their respective
award as one of his 18 drives landed trophies.
only 12 inches to the line.
In the Class B Division, C/E Guilbert Edwin Costes and Joey Hernandez both
Llamado’s net of 68 was enough to nip Capt. carded nets of 71. Both also grossed 99
Axel Casareo’s 69 for the championship. strokes and had the same handicap of
While both of them
28. But Edwin’s one-birdie game
had grossed 92
spelled the difference so he got the
strokes, Llamado’s
division championship.
o n e - s t r o k e
In the Class D Division, C/
advantage in their
E Al Amaro beat Dr. Elpidio
handicaps gave him
Nolasco by one stroke to claim
the division plum.
the championship. While Amaro
It was a downgrossed four strokes more than
the-wire finish in the
Nolasco, the six-point difference
Class C Division as
in their respective handicaps was
telling.
Senator TG Guingona
In the Senior Division, Capt.
delivering
his
Jess Morales edged Capt. Vic
impromptu message
Doble also by a mere stroke to earn
during the awarding
rites.
the championship. While Morales’
gross of 91 was 13 strokes more
than Doble’s 78, the 14-point margin
in their handicap was the deciding
factor.
Mrs. Marivic Guingona, wife of
Senator TG Guingona, ruled the
Ladies Division carding a net of
73 and handily beating her closest
pursuer in Ms. Evan Bautista who
logged in a net of 75 strokes.
For the special awards, C/E
Alex Estabillo got the Lowest Gross
Senator TG Guingona is shown being flanked from left Champion with his superb gross of
by Rear Admiral Reuben Lista, Capt. Wally Rivas, and 75 strokes.
the Garcia brothers.
Admiral Reuben Lista meanwhile,
GOLF FOR A CAUSE. UFS’s Engr. Nelson Ramirez and Capt. Walfrido Rivas took part in the
fundraising golf tournament of the Volunteer Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) held at the
Philippine Navy Golf Course in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig on August 24, 2011. Capt. Rivas (left)
and Engr. Ramirez (second from left) are shown joining former President Fidel V. Ramos (fourth
from right) shaking hands with VACC Chairman Commo. Dante Jimenez. Also in the picture
from left after Engr. Ramirez are Vice Admiral Alex P. Pama, Emerson D. Pascual, Cong. Dodoy
Labadlabad, and Rey Mancao.
bagged the Lowest Net Champion with his
net of 65 strokes.
Alfred Mendoza earned the Longest
Drive award with his 200-yard drive. The
Nearest to the Pin award meanwhile
went to Engr. Eduard Cruz as the ball
landed only 16 inches to the pin. The Most
Exercised special award went to Ian Garcia
for grossing 143 strokes.
As the tournament is being sponsored
by Marin Sports Club, Inc. in honor of the
late C/E Florentino ‘Nonoy’ Garcia of TSM
Shipping Phils., Inc., his entire family from
his wife Mrs. Gloria Garcia and his three
sons were present during the awarding
rites of the tournament.
Senator TG Guingona, who is related to
the Garcias, was also on hand during the
ensuing awarding rites at the club house
and even delivered a short remark.
R
epresentative Emmeline Aglipay of
the Democratic Independent Workers’ Association (DIWA) party-list,
said shipping firms plying declared high
risk zones of the Gulf of Aden should pay
their Filipino seafarers more for the addi-
TINIG NG MARINO
51
Call for Wage Hike for Filipino Seafarers
Sailing in Dangerous Waters
Somali pirates have raised the risk on seafarers.
tional risks braved by
the sailors.
“Our government
through POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) should discuss
the matter with the
shipping companies
who are employing Filipinos in these
dangerous routes,”
Aglipay said.
International shipping companies and
insurance firms charge huge premiums for
bringing cargoes to hazardous areas in the
Gulf of Aden—a corridor between Asia’s
Middle East and West Africa—that is infested by Somali pirates.
Given this, Aglipay said shipping companies should double the amount of compensation and benefits of Filipino seafarers
in case of death, injury or illness while sailing within those areas.
52 TINIG NG MARINO
MEOAP Believing its
Own Appalling Lies
FROM PAGE 43
No. 88 is lifted, if and when that happens,
MEOAP would charge a penalty of three
times the annual membership to the
association. Amid the debacle that has
befallen the association, Sempio was still
looking forward to earning more money
from Filipino marine engineer officers.
In order to verify Sempio’s claim
regarding the three-storey ‘MEOAP
building’ along Cayco Street, UFS sent the
same marine engineer officers to see for
himself the site. He noted the unfinished
woodworks on the upper floor, which
appears to be in the process of making
bunk beds.
The unkept sawdusts are still on the
floor. Except for an operating internet shop
on the ground floor, there was nobody
there from MEOAP. And instead of the
huge signage on the building as indicated
in the MEOAP calendar, its magazine, and
its Facebook profile picture, only a small
tarpaulin hangs on the canopy of the first
floor that reads MEOAP and its logo.
To corroborate the initial report on the
MEOAP building in Sampaloc, UFS sent
another marine engineer officer on the
subsequent weekend and fortunately, he
was able to meet no less than Ernesto
Malbog to answer his queries. When he
asked Malbog if MEOAP already owns the
building, Ernesto said that “the papers are
still 50-50” and that “the association only
SOUNDING LEAD
Functional
Administration
Expected Soon?
FROM PAGE 6
in the aviation industry can fly and land to
any European country.
At the time of printing of this column,
the deadline is past due and perhaps, all of
the above becomes moot and academic.
However, we must have learned our
lessons well already. Anyway, it is another
story if we refuse to learn our lessons well.
Sometimes, arrogance is borne out of
ignorance.
The industry players, seafarers, maritime
educators and trainers, manning agents,
ship managers and ship owners will have
no choice anyway when the President
appoints a new STCW Administration.
If the President whisperer is free from
the bondage of turf war, power tripping, and
can boast of full appreciation of the letters,
intents and spirit of the STCW Convention,
then we shall be expecting a functional
maritime administration soon.
For reactions, comments, suggestions,
wise or otherwise, please email:
[email protected].
intends to occupy half of the building which
they plan to use as a transient house for
marine engineers.”
When the marine engineer asked if it’s
true that MEOAP has paid PhP 15 million
for the building, Ernesto said that the total
cost is actually PhP 18 million, which only
debunked Sempio’s pronouncements. It is
also doubtful if indeed MEOAP bought the
building because clearly, Ernesto said that
the association only intends to occupy half.
MEOAP was again lying when it claimed
that it bought an entire building when in
reality, they only intend to occupy half of it.
“What kind of building owner would sell half
of the structure and not the entire thing?”
TINIG NG MARINO
53
MEOAP officer, the
marine engineer officer
noticed that Ernesto
was all eyes on him.
After a while, Lydia
Malbog
came
out
followed by another
male who appears quite
interested to know the
whereabout of this this
fellow asking questions
about the building.
The marine engineer
officer even saw that
the couple and the other
man eyed him until
he boarded a passing
Old man Sempio still in his perky and lying self at the quieter-than-a- taxicab. Obviously, the
cemetery MEOAP office these days.
people running MEOAP
is certainly a question that can baffle the or whatever is left of the association is
mind.
worried that the day would finally come
As he walked away from the building when they will be haunted by their very
after that short conversation with the own lies.
54 TINIG NG MARINO
MMAP CORNER
Sailing the Cool Waves at Sea
FROM PAGE 45
Of course, in our present day, the Captain
is now assisted by modern equipment and
instruments to track the path of storms and
areas of bad weather and can maneuver
his vessel to avoid getting hit hard by a
boisterous weather. But there are times
that it cannot be helped. Your training and
seamanship skills shall be put to the test
once you are caught and have to battle the
strong winds, waves and seas.
To some, this becomes the defining
moment, the time that will define whether
one is built for a life at sea.
Hardships, nay, call it challenges, are
part of our life and seafaring has a lot of
it. But for each challenge, surely, there is a
corresponding option or way to overcome
it.
That’s why we need to be trained well to
develop our seafarer’s skills and become
well-rounded in the profession. Only
then, that we will be prepared to face the
challenges of the sea and be able to enjoy
the benefits that goes with it.
Benefits
A Filipino seafarer, once certified in
accordance with the STCW Convention
may be employed in domestic or foreign
vessels giving his qualification a global
acceptance and recognition. The system
of his education, training, assessment
and certification follows an international
standard with the government seeing
to it that compliance to the international
standards is being sustained.
A Filipino seafarer’s employment
contract is very detailed most specially the
terms and conditions of his compensation
and benefits. This truly separates them
from the land-based workers.
ENROLL AND TRAVEL THE WORLD
FREE – we have seen this advertisement
by some schools offering maritime
programs. If you think this is not for real,
think again.
Indeed, a seafarer doesn’t need to
spend anything when being employed by
a licensed manning agency.
You are provided free flight fares when
joining your vessel any place in the world
and in flying home after your contract has
expired.
The travels and visits to places where
your vessel calls are the best times of
being a seafarer.
I remember when I was a cadet for a full
15 months, that I was able to circumnavigate
the world. We crossed the Indian Ocean
from Tanzania to China; the Pacific Ocean
from Australia to Ecuador; crossed the
Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean via Panama
Canal to Germany; and from the North
Sea, passed the English Channel, Straits
of Gibraltar, traverse the Mediterranean
Sea through the Suez Canal, Red Sea and
the Indian Ocean en route to China and
Japan. That was a long voyage I tell you,
but it was worth it.
The beauty during my active sea time in
the late 70s through the 80s is that vessels
can still stay for few days to a week or two
in their port of call. There was enough time
for leisure, meeting other people, learning
and experiencing their culture and way of
life. You can also see history unfold before
you.
The first time I visited Shanghai, they
were still very much under the influence
of the teachings of Chairman Mao Zedong
where everybody was wearing gray or dull
color and the guide talking in monologue
always praising Chairman Mao.
I joined a vessel once, taking the train
from Bremen to Rostock which was then
still East Germany (a period during the cold
war).
I had a chance to visit the historic town
of Vyborg, Russia, near the border of
Finland where I was able to visit a museum
and saw a big statue of Lenin posed on a
marble table. You can sense the patriotism
of the Russians in the way they refer to
their country and leaders. I was able to
visit Gdansk where the Polish patriot Lech
Walesa fought for the Polish workers’ rights
during the cold war era.
There were always opportunities to
go around and visit places whenever the
vessel was at port for extended period of
stay.
Me and my fellow seafarers were able
to visit the Great Sphinx and the Pyramid
of Egypt; the leaning tower of Pisa, the
historic place of Florence and the city of
Venice in Italy. We even had the opportunity
to see Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada,
Sears Tower in Chicago as well as the Twin
Towers in New York when they were still
standing.
There was the African experience of a
safari joined together with our European
senior staff.
But of course, it’s not only the places
you visited but the experience of meeting
people in the various part of the world and
learning from them is something that a
seafarer will treasure and reminisce in his
quiet moments.
I remember the time when we were
crossing the Magellan Strait near Punta
Arenas, south of Chile, that we slowed
down to change empty drums with loads of
shrimps and king crabs. Getting acquainted
with people that you meet especially
the warm and caring human beings of
South and Central America can become
unforgettable.
A seafarer who has talent for writing
may be able to finish a book or two about
his seafarer’s journey which can even be a
best seller and land him a Pulitzer prize.
(To be continued next issue)
TINIG NG MARINO
55
Marlow Navigation Breaks Ground for
Seafarer Dormitory Expansion
Officials of Marlow Navigation and the project management team for the Marlow seafarer dormitory expansion shovel dirt after the laying of the time capsule to the ground which highlighted the
short but meaningful ground-breaking rites.
C
onsistent with its thrust of serving
the Filipino seafarers in the best
possible way, Marlow Navigation
Philippines, Inc. (MNPI) has embarked on
another major construction project aimed
at providing more room for its transient
crew.
On September 6, 2011, top officials of
MNPI, the building contractor, and key
members of the project management
team, broke ground for the horizontal
expansion of the existing Marlow sevenstorey seafarer dormitory fronting San
Andres Street in Malate, Manila.
From the existing 13 meters facade of
the existing Marlow seafarer dormitory that
appears to be perpendicular only to San
Andres Street, the expanded structure
would eventually have an expanse of 28.6
meters facade facing the same street.
The official ground-breaking on the
project site followed the formal contract
signing for the construction project
between Mr. Antonio Galvez, CEO for
Administration of MNPI, and Mr. Jaime
U. Lim, President and CEO of Ironcon
Builders and Development Corporation,
the project contractor, which happens to
be the same entity who constructed the
Marlow Building, the Marlow Navigation
Training Center, and the Marlow Seafarer
Dormitory.
Serving as principal witnesses to the
contract signing were Mr. Joern Clodius,
Owner’s Representative of Marlow
Navigation Co. Ltd. of Limassol, Cyprus,
and Capt. Leo Tenorio, CEO for Operations
of MNPI, together with the complete roster
of the project management group.
The eight-storey Marlow seafarer
dormitory expansion shall rise on the lot
adjacent to the existing dormitory and
instead of simply constructing a new
and similar building alongside, the new
structure shall actually be integrated
to the existing edifice to form a single Galvez led the ceremonial toast where Navigation,” remarks the MNPI CEO for
structure that shall maintain the Marlow he took the opportunity to express his Administration.
building’s ultra-modern Gothic architecture and the company’s profound gratitude to
“We at MNPI is perpetually grateful
and design.
Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd. Chairman, Mr. for Mr. Hermann Eden’s ceaseless
The existing Marlow seafarer dormitory Hermann Eden.
support for initiatives aimed at serving
is capable of accommodating 318 seafarers
“This seafarer dormitory expansion our Filipino seafarers better,” Mr. Galvez
at any given time and upon the completion project is yet again a testimony to the added.
of the expansion,
The ground-breaking at the seafarer
the entire structure
dormitory expansion was highlighted
shall be able to
by the laying of the time capsule to the
house 300 more
ground but not before Fr. Paulo Frigol,
crew.
Port Chaplain of the Apostleship of the
The
seafarer
Sea – Manila, officiated a short but
dormitory
has
significant blessing rites as he called on
become an integral
Divine guidance for another great initiative
component
of
that MNPI is embarking on for the benefit
the
operations
of Filipino seafarers.
of
MNPI.
It
Subsequently, the MNPI officials led
has
provided
by Mr. Clodius, Mr. Galvez, Capt. Tenorio,
temporary
but
and the rest of the project management
certainly
more
group shovelled earth to the ground after
convenient
and
the time-capsule was laid down.
cozy shelter for its
Filipino seafarers
who are based in Mr. Antonio Galvez (second from right), CEO
the provinces and of MNPI; and Mr. Jaime U. Lim (second from
needed to make left), President and CEO of Ironcon Builders and
transactions with Development Corp.; sign the contract for the Marlow
the MNPI office in seafarer dormitory expansion project as Mr. Joern
Clodius (right) of Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd. and
Manila or undergo
Capt. Tenorio (left) of MNPI make their notations to
several days of the contract as well.
training at MNTC.
With the burgeoning crewing and commitment of Mr.
training operations of MNPI and MNTC Hermann Eden to
respectively, expansion of the existing our Filipino seafarers
Marlow seafarer dormitory has become a and to the Philippine The artist perspective of the expanded and completed Marlow seafarer
necessity.
maritime
industry, dormitory.
The
Marlow
seafarer
dormitory which he, on behalf
expansion is a 12-month construction of Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd., has
Just before the ensuing cocktails to
project and if everything goes according explicitly showed with the construction of celebrate yet another milestone occasion
to plan, MNPI is expected to complete the the Marlow buildings here in Manila not in the history of MNPI, Mr. Clodius was
integrated Marlow seafarer dormitory by too long ago. It also reflects his continued quoted saying to to everyone: “I look
September 2012.
trust and confidence on Filipino seafarers forward to seeing you all again in a year’s
After the contract signing for the to continue manning the various vessels time for the inauguration of the expanded
project at the MNPI board room, Mr. being managed and operated by Marlow Marlow seafarer dormitory.”
56 TINIG NG MARINO
I’M JUST KIDDING
A wife asked her husband to describe her.
Husband: You’re A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K.
Wife: What does that mean?
Husband: Adorable, Beautiful,Cute,
Delightful, Elegant,Foxy, Gorgeous, Hot.
Wife: Oh that’s so lovely! What about
I,J,K?
Husband: I’m just kidding.
EXPIRY DATE
Wife: ‘What are you doing?’ Husband:Nothing. Wife: ‘Nothing?? You’ve been reading
our marriage certificate for an hour.’ Husband: ‘I was looking for
the expiry date.’ ON DADDY’s LAP
Son: ‘Mum, when I was on the bus with
Dad this morning, he told me to give up
my seat to a lady.’ Mom: ‘Well, you have done the right
thing.’ Son: ‘But mum, I was sitting on daddy’s
lap.’ NOTHING CAN BE GREATER
NO MATTER WHO
A newly-married man asked his wife,
‘Would you have married me if my father
hadn’t left me a fortune?’ ‘Honey,’ the woman replied sweetly, ‘I’d
have married you, NO MATTER WHO
LEFT YOU A FORTUNE!’ GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR
A wife asked her husband: ‘What do you
like most in me, my pretty face or my sexy
body?’ He looked at her from head to toe and
replied: ‘
I like your sense of humor!’
Wife: ‘You always carry my photo in your
wallet.. Why?’ Hubby: ‘When there is a problem, no
matter how great, I look at your picture
and the problem disappears.’ Wife: ‘You see how miraculous and
powerful I am for you?’ Hubby: ‘Yes! I see your picture and ask
myself what other problem can there be
greater than this one? YOUR HORSE PHONED
A man was sitting reading his papers
when his wife hit him
round the head with
a frying pan. ‘What was that for?’
the man asked. The wife replied ‘That
was for the piece of
paper with the name
Jenny on it that I
found in your pants
pocket’. The man then said
‘When I was at the
races last week
Jenny was the name
of the horse I bet on’ The wife apologized
and went on with the
housework. Three days later, the
man is watching TV
when his wife bashes
him on the head
with an even bigger
frying pan, knocking
him unconscious.
Upon re-gaining
consciousness, the
man asked why she
had hit again. Wife replied: ‘Your
Horse phoned!!! ‘
NOT MARRIED
YET
Stress Reliever.
Girl: When we get
married, I want
to share all your
worries, troubles and
lighten your burden.’ Boy: ‘It’s very kind
of you, darling, but
I don’t have any
worries or troubles.’ Girl: ‘Well that’s
because we aren’t
married yet.’ TINIG NG MARINO
THOUGHTS FROM
SEAFARERHELP
SeafarerHelp Reaching Out
FROM PAGE 32
To say that our trip and the convention
was a success is an understatement. It was
a realization of sorts. Though a point may
have been driven that
SeafarerHelp is more
than just the voice
from the other line, I
am more aware that
there is still so much
more to explore, more
issues to resolve and
so much more help to
offer.
And we are trying
our best. A couple
of weeks ago, at
the the 10th ICMA
(International Christian
57
Maritime Association) World Conference
in Hamburg, Germany, SeafarerHelp was
there. Our colleague Andy Buxton delivered
a speech about our organization with the
aim of fostering better cooperation between
SeafarerHelp and port chaplains/ship visitors
around the world under the ICMA.
We are also finalizing a protocol on
how SeafarerHelp should respond when
confronted with cases of maritime piracy.
This month, SeafarerHelp will be in Odessa,
Ukraine together with the team from the
Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response
Programme to promote our service and reach
out to Ukrainian/Russian seafarers and their
families.
We also aim to go back to the Philippines
and Southeast Asia to do more outreach
projects, information campaigns and establish
cooperation with people and organizations
that can help seafarers and their families.
DONATION TO PMMAAAI BUILDING. The family of the late C/E Florentino ‘Nonoy’
Garcia recently made a donation to the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy
Alumni Association, Inc. (PMMAAAI) for the construction of its building, which is now
underway, during the awarding rites of the 4th C/E Nonoy Garcia Cup of the Marin
Sports Club, Inc. held on July 31, 2011 at the South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club
in Binan, Laguna. Photo shows Mrs. Gloria Garcia handing the PhP 150,000 check
donation to PMMAAAI President Capt. Gaudencio ‘Jess’ Morales on behalf of the
Garcia family.
58 TINIG NG MARINO
Confidence Boost from the UFS
A pleasant day to all of you, especially the
followers of the No. 1 seafarer newspaper, Tinig
ng Marino, with special mention to its publisher
and UFS President Engr. Nelson P. Ramirez. I
hope you are in a good health, Sir Nelson, and
also your family.
I would like to thank you Sir, for the help.
Without you and the UFS, I will not be serving
onboard a ship right now. You served as a bridge
to make my dreams come true. And for that, I am
thankful.
Even though I only stayed for a short time
in the UFS office, I certainly learned a lot of
things, which made me feel more confident as a
mariner.
Through pieces of advice, I started trusting Deck Cadet Rene Reyes of the UFS, holding
myself and my capabilities. The knowledge I a copy of Tinig ng Marino, along with 2/O
gained from UFS is my weapon in this journey to Jaime Gallegos and C/O Castor Ber Escalera
(middle).
success, and I will be forever proud of that.
For the UFS volunteers who are still in the
UFS office, just be patient. Have faith in yourself and don’t ever lose hope. Always pray
and trust in God because nothing is impossible to Him. Be open-minded and do your
job honestly. Don’t forget to always study because it surely would help you when you go
onboard ships.
As I’m writing this letter, I am here in Vancouver, Canada. Our 14,378-GRT bulk carrier
vessel is discharging copper concentrate and after this, we will be proceeding to Rio De
Janeiro in Brazil. We have 22 crew complement onboard, all Filipinos.
I would also like to thank CF Sharp Bareboat Crew Management, Inc. for giving me a
chance to serve onboard one of their managed vessels. I am also proud to say that I am now
part of Roymar Ship Management Cadetship Program Batch No. 2. We are 30 cadets under
the program and half of them actually came from the PMMA, while the remaining come from
various maritime schools. I am proud to represent my Alma Mater, PMI Colleges – Bohol, in
the program.
More power to UFS and Tinig ng Marino! Thank you so much. – D/C Rene P. Reyes, MV
Arapaho Belle
We are happy to know Rene that you are now part of a cadetship program. It means
that you’re really doing a good job as a young seafarer. Keep up the good work and you
can be sure of more good things ahead of you. – Editor
Walang Humpay na Pasasalamat
A pleasant day to the United Filipino Seafarers; to all the staff: Ma’am Che, Ma’am Maricar,
Sir Rey Gambe, to all cadets volunteers, and most especially to Sir Nelson Ramirez and his
family. I hope that you are all in good health and God’s grace as you received this letter.
Eto po yung pangalawang liham ko sa inyo Sir Nelson at hindi po ako magsasawang
magsulat sa inyo bilang tanda ng aking walang humpay na pasasalamat sa mga tulong na
nagawa ninyo sa akin. Heto po at nakaka-dalawang sakay na sa barko dahil sa tulong ninyo.
Marami po akong natutunan nung ako’y naririyan pa sa UFS bilang isang cadet volunteer.
Sana po ay marami pang matulungan at mabigyan ng magandang aral ang UFS sa mga
þ
PROVOCATIVE
þ
INFORMATIVE
þ
RELEVANT
þ
CONTROVERSIAL
þ
ENTERTAINING
seafarers’ newspaper
bagitong marino na katulad ko.
Para naman sa mga kapwa ko cadet volunteers na naririyan pa ngayon sa UFS, ang masasabi
ko lang ay tinatahak ninyo ang tamang landas. Kaunting tiyaga, sipag at determinasyon lang
at hindi maglalaon ay makakasampa na rin kayo sa barko. Huwag din kayong makakalimot sa
Panginoon.
Sa kasalukuyan ay discharging po ang aming barko dito sa Oman mula sa Brazil. Isang
Capesize bulk carrier pa rin po ang pangalawang barko kong nasakyan at full Filipino crew po
kami.
Nais ko rin pong ipaabot ang aking lubos na pasasalamat sa TSM Group of Companies at
sa MST Marine Services (Phils.) Inc., kina Capt. Del Castillo, Sir Ian Garcia, Capt. Katipunan,
Capt. Mamaril, C/E Mike Santos, pati na sa aking Crewing Officer na si Ma’am Erlie Esguerra,
kay Ma’am Thea Limlingan at pati rin po kina Sir Eddie Andaya, Sir Rogellio Bautista, and
Ma’am Rhoda Carungi.
Please extend my regards to UFS – CBA Department and to my colleagues at Room 812 of
Plaza Tower. - Paul S. Lasarga, MV Golden Feng
Nakikita namin Paul ang iyong patuloy na pagsusumigasig sa iyong propesyon at
nawa’y magamit mo ang iyong karanasan upang magpursige para maging opisyal sa
lalong madaling panahon. - Editor
The Bridge to a Dream
I wrote this letter to express
my heartfelt gratitude to UFS, to
my family and friends who gave
me unwavering support, guidance
and encouragement to pursue my
dreams.
To Engr. Nelson Ramirez, who
is undoubtedly the bridge to my
wonderful journey towards becoming
a full-fledge seafarer, thank you for
giving me the opportunity to be a part
of the United Filipino Seafarers.
Because of my productive
stint with the UFS as a cadet
volunteer, I got employed, upon
Some of the mixed crew of LNG/C Iberica Knutsen
UFS recommendation of course, to show copies of Tinig ng Marino on the deck of their ship
Knutsen Phils., where I was able to brought by former UFS cadet volunteer Melvin Arcos
realize my dream.
Montes (front row, left).
I have just disembarked from the
vessel LNG/C Iberica Knutsen, a 19,915-GRT liquefied natural gas carrier plying between
Trinidad and Tobago and Spain. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Argonaut Maritime
Consultancy and Tutorial Services for the remarkable review that I obtained from them which
enabled me to pass the board examination for OIC-NW. Thank you to Capt. Picardal, Ma’am
Rida Granaderos, Ma’am Clarissa, Donna, King and Marjon.
To my fellow cadet-volunteers who are still in the UFS at the moment, don’t be complacent
that UFS is there to help you. Help yourself as well by being diligent and quick-witted because
those attributes would go a long way in making you achieve your dreams.
When you board your first vessel, just think of all the hardships and the tough times that you
had been through because that would inspire you to value your chosen profession and pursue
the highest possible position you can seek for onboard.
I am also thankful to my fellow crew onboard LNG/C Iberica Knutsen led by Capt. Tore
Vik and C/E Odd Arild Stava for the help, friendly pieces of advice, funny anecdotes, and the
wonderful experiences that I shared with all of them during my six months of voyage.
I also offer my thanks to the Almighty Father for showering me with blessings and giving me
strength to pursue my dream for myself and my family. What I can share to you is my personal
thought: Dream, sacrifice and pray for tomorrow is our gain of pleasure. – Melvin ‘KiouhgKiouhg’ Arcos Montes
I totally agree with your personal saying Melvin and I hope that you spread the message
not only to UFS volunteer cadets but also to those aspiring mariners you come across
with in your life. Keep up the good work. – Editor
Make your day!
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!
Name:______________________________ One year rates:
Address :_____________________________
IMPORTANT: Please make cheque bank draft payable to the United Filipino Seafarers,
Room 402, Gedisco Terrace Building, 1148 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
1000
(6 issues, Air mail)
Philippines
Metro Manila Rate:
Provincial Rate:
Asia:
US & Europe:
Africa:
One year rates:
Bulk copies (6 issues)
minimum of 10 copies
Php 500.00 (inclusive of delivery
Php 600.00 charges - Metro Manila only)
Php 2,400.00 10 copies - Php 1,000.00
Php 2,800.00 25 copies - Php 1,750.00
Php 2,800.00 50 copies - Php 3,500.00
TINIG NG MARINO
59
60 TINIG NG MARINO

No Excuses - United Filipino Seafarers United Filipino Seafarers

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