Ambassador Salinas highlights the Filipino GMP at the UST Ambassadors’ Lecture Series

Ambassador Carlos Salinas delivered a lecture entitled “The World beyond Our Shores: A Perspective on Globalization and the Philippines,” last April 5, 2017 at the University of Santo Tomas. The event was the fourth part of the UST Ambassadors’ Lecture Series for student leaders held at the Dr. George S.K. Ty Multi-Purpose Halls of the Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. Building.

In his welcome address, UST Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., PhD stressed that the word “‘global’ has become the point of reference for organizations, for it signifies the mindset that goes beyond parochial limitations.”

History of trade, history of globalizationAmbassador Salinas underscored early on in his lecture that the history of globalization is tantamount to the history of trade, particularly the maritime industry, as “80% of trade by volume and 70% of trade by value are carried by sea.”

Serving as the international backbone of trade is the maritime industry, Amb. Salinas emphasized. “The global economy is quite literally born by ships. Through its scale, the shipping industry sustains the very fabric of the modern world’s survival.

The history of trade is the history of globalization, and the growth of world trade is in line with the development of shipping.”

The Philippines played a pivotal role in the flourishing of maritime trade, Amb. Salinas said, as it became the trading hub of Asia during the centuries-long Manila-Acapulco or Galleon Trade. “The Manila-Acapulco route served as the longest shipping route in history. During the 16th century, Manila effectively became the main transshipment point of goods for 250 years,” putting the Philippines at the forefront of globalization even before the term was coined.

Amb. Salinas highlighted that even as early as the 17th century, Filipino seafarers were already manning the galleons and facilitating trade—a reputation that still holds true today, with Filipinos being the largest nationality block of the 1.5 million seafarers in the world, at 30% or an estimated 400,000.

Shipbuilding capabilityAmb. Salinas recalled how he envisioned the Philippines to be a leader in shipbuilding. “I asked them before, ‘why isn’t the Philippines building ships?’ They simply told me, ’the Philippines can’t.’ Now, in Subic, we are manufacturing one of the largest vessels ever produced, with a capacity of about 20,000 containers.” The former ambassador likewise showcased that the Philippines is now the fourth largest ship manufacturer in the world, next only to Japan, Korea, and China.

A proud ThomasianAmb. Salinas, in several parts of his speech, rallied the audience—largely composed of Thomasian students from the College of Commerce and Business Administration—to never forget their Thomasian upbringing and achieve excellence as the world’s future leaders: “UST helped shape the mind and spirit of some of the best minds in society who epitomized the core Thomasian values of competence, compassion, and commitment. For my family, this University is a sanctuary.”

The Ambassadors’ Lecture Series allows for an intellectual engagement between the Thomasian community and the ambassadors. It has paved the way for solid academic ties, varied exchanges, dynamic learning opportunities, vibrant student exchange programs, and genuine friendship with the international community. Amb. Salinas is the first Filipino ambassador and the first UST alumni to have been invited to participate in the series.

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05/2017 Volume 13 Issue 04

CMET Remains in MARINA’s White List

Malayan Colleges Laguna’s Mapua-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (CMET) went through two audits last month to evaluate the institution’s continued commitment to quality maritime education.

The first audit took place last March 7-9. The Maritime Industry Authority-Commission on Higher Education (MARINA-CHED) Monitoring Team reviewed CMET’s BS Marine Engineering (MarE) and BS Marine Transportation (MT) programs, as well as the institution’s compliance with significant MARINA Circular Orders, CHED Memorandum Orders, and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) requirements.

Deemed successful, the said audit confirmed that MCL embodies the standards set for Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) by the national regulatory bodies, MARINA and CHED. The college, in addition, has remained in MARINA’s white list of MHEIs.

The second audit was conducted from April 16 to 17 with representatives from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), Mr. Mircea Udrea of Romania and Capt. Catarina Ramos of Portugal, examining MCL in connection with EMSA’s Inspection Programme of the Maritime Education, Training, and Certification System in the Philippines. Similar to the previous assessment, CMET’s programs underwent a thorough review of their adherence to STCW ‘78, as amended. The audit revalidated MCL-CMET’s compliance with said convention and its sustained quality standard of maritime education.

A New Breed of Aviation Professionals for Philippines Air Asia

Captain Dexter M. Comendador, President & CEO of Philippines Air Asia (PAA), and Mr. Rodolfo Dino Z. Santos, General Manager of PTC Mil-Com Aviation Training Center, recently signed an agreement for the Technical Training Services of 25 individuals who will undergo PAA’s Maintenance Training Program (MTP). The 8-month MTP will be comprised of 3 months of Technical Training and Skills Development at PTC Mil-Com’s Parañaque facility, and 5 months of Aircraft exposure at PAA’s Line Maintenance and Support operations.

The simple signing ceremonies held at the PAA’s Red Fort in Pasay City was witnessed by Mrs. Barbara S. Sanchez, Head of PAA’s People Department; Mr. Jereme Toreja, Head of PAA’s Engineering Department; and Engr. Abelardo Martinez, Jr., Senior Manager of PTC Mil-Com’s Training Department.

Capt. Comendador hopes that the training and development of these fresh breed of Aviation Technicians will instill a culture of safety, efficiency and professionalism representative of Philippines Air Asia.

Crewing Offices RecognizedPTC’s crewing offices were honored by PTC’s Crewing Quality Assurance (Crewing QA) during a simple awarding ceremony held last March 30 at the Legaspi Room of First Maritime Place. The recognition was given as a result of the outcome of the 2016 Principal Survey conducted by BPCC during the first quarter of the year which aims to effectively measure customer satisfaction and identify opportunities for enhanced cooperation and synergy.

LEAD PEPAs part of the PTC Group’s ongoing Organizational Transformation and Development (OTD) program, a new batch of senior officers and managers underwent the Leadership and Personal Effectiveness (LEADPEP) Workshop last April 5 to 8 at the Seda Nuvali Hotel in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, with related outdoor activities conducted at Nuvali’s Camp N. The workshop series, is conducted by Mr. Ramon Medina and Ms. Gerry Baricaua, and is designed to reinforce and enhance the leadership capabilities of PTC Group personnel.

Northern Star Continues ExpansionNorthern Star Energy Corp. continues its expansion in Northern Luzon with the opening of two new retail outlets during the first quarter of 2017. Caltex Bacnotan in La Union opened in January 24 while Caltex Cabatuan in Isabela was inaugurated in February 25. This brings Northern Star’s total retail network to 44; with 25 outlets in LUISA, 14 in North Eastern Luzon and 5 in Metro Manila. Another outlet is slated for opening within the second quarter of 2017 in Aparri, Cagayan.

Empowered and Informed PTC’s Family and Crew Relations (FCR), in cooperation with AXA Philippines, organized “Empowered and Informed,” a general assembly of PTC global maritime professionals (GMP) and allottees last April 22 at the Penthouse of First Maritime Place Makati. The event was opened by FCR Manager Normie Hernandez, followed by a presentation by Mr. Reynaldo Garcia, PTC Crewing Support

Services Director regarding general FCR concerns and GMP welfare and benefits. Capt. Ronald Enrile, PTC Senior Executive Director for Government Affairs in Maritime and Sectoral Representation, gave a brief backgrounder on PTC and some inspirational words to the GMPs in attendance underscoring the need to prepare for their future while they are still in their productive years.

A very informative financial management seminar was provided by AXA Philippines where the importance of saving, investing and planning for one’s retirement as early as possible, was reiterated. Through some very simple and easy-to-follow steps, attendees were presented with ways to achieve financial independence and to secure their families’ future. Aside from the talks, an onsite PhilHealth Desk was also available to issue membership IDs and member’s data records. A kiddie play room was prepared for the children of GMPs while early bird attendees were given a free make-over session by Max Factor. First Maritime Credit Corp. and LifeLinks International were also present to support the event.

Adopt-a-Ship Project Partners Recognized

PTC and PTC-CSJ expressed their appreciation to Seaspan Ship Management, Ltd. and IVS-Grindrod Shipping for their participation in and support of the Adopt-A-Ship Program’s pilot run in the Philippines. Four Seaspan and two Grindrod ships were adopted by 18 classes in four public elementary schools at Muntinlupa City during the pilot run. The Adopt-a-Ship Program was initiated by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber in 2006. It aims to raise awareness among young students of the shipping industry, life on board, cargo carried by ships, trading patterns and geography.

5S Training Conducted at PTC Iloilo and CebuPTC’s Business Process Control and Processes (BPCC) conducted a Basic 5S Awareness Training and Workshop at the PTC Iloilo office in General Luna St., Iloilo City last February 15, 2017. In attendance were employees of Constellation Travels, Inc., LifeLinks International, Health Metrics, Inc. and PTC’s Recruitment and Training Department (RTD). Attendees were provided training on Internal Auditing, and Audit and Documentation, to ensure their effective implementation of 5S principles in their respective offices.

The same training was conducted at the PTC Cebu office in F. Ramos Ext., Cebu City last February 16 in which representatives from LifeLinks, PTCAT and PTC RTD participated.

PHILCAMSAT Forges Training Partnership with Crossworld Marine

The Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training, Inc. (PHILCAMSAT) is now the official training provider of Crossworld Marine Services Inc. The partnership was initiated by PHILCAMSAT Sales Manager Juvy Iral, Training

Manager Capt. George Sangil and Account Executive Pamela Ann Garcia. The agreement was formally signed last April 18 by PHILCAMSAT Executive Director for Education and Professional Development Karen Avelino and Crossworld Marine’s Mr. Arnold Mendoza, Vice President; Mr. Ramoncito Mendoza, Operations Manager; and Mr. Emmanuel M. Pascua, Technical Director.

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PCPI Kids Say Thank You to PTCPTC’s Human Resources Department has reported that through the selfless contributions of employees to the PTC Group ChariTree Project last December, the children of the Philippine Cerebral Palsy Incorporated (PCPI) have been able to enjoy 374 free therapy sessions as of February 2017. More specifically, 184 sessions of physical therapy, 127 of occupational therapy, and 63 of speech intervention rendered to various patients of the PCPI.

LifeLinks International Resources, Inc. has inked a partnership with the Our Lady of Triumph Institute of Technology (OLT), a private, technical institution located in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental specializing in hospitality courses. With the partnership, OLT will be providing LifeLinks with suitable NCII level candidates for various opportunities in the F&B industry, particularly for employers in the Middle East. LifeLinks General Manager Angel Escaño and OLT President Lucile Maglasang signed the partnership last April 19, with PTC Business Development Manager Roel Yambao and Chef Nick Santiago of PHILCAMSAT as witnesses.

LifeLinks Partners with Our Lady of Triumph

WMU Students Visit PTC

Students of the World Maritime University’s (WMU) Master of Science in Maritime Education and Training program visited PTC last April 27 as part of their Field Study Tour in the Philippines. Headed by WMU Associate Professor Momoko Kitada and accompanied by representatives from the Maritime Industry Authority, the delegation is comprised of 15 graduate students representing Malaysia, Liberia, Jamaica, China, Namibia, Korea, India, Georgia, Ethiopia and the Philippines. The group was given an overview of the PTC Group followed by a tour of PHILCAMSAT’s simulation training facilities. A roundtable discussion and dinner capped the visit.

Gerardo Borromeo at the ILO STC Working Group PTC CEO Gerardo Borromeo took part in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Working Group of the Special Tripartite Committee (STC) meeting held last April 3 o 5, 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Working Group was established under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) – the international treaty covering minimum working and living standards for seafarers. The meeting brought together over 150 representatives from governments, employers’ organizations and seafarers’ associations, officials from the ILO, IMO and civil society groups

to examine issues related to the protection of seafarers’ wages in the event of piracy or armed robbery.

The Group was assigned an additional task, which was to consider recommendations on improvements to the process of proposing amendments to the MLC 2006 for consideration by the next STC. Despite severe time pressure, the Working Group met its objectives and is equipped in preparation for the third meeting of the STC, taking place in April 2018.

Mr. Borromeo also participated in the Third Meeting of the Development and Investment Fund Committee of the World Maritime University (WMU) Endowment Fund held last March 30 followed by the 19th Session of the WMU Executive Board Meeting on March 31. Both events took place at the WMU campus in Malmo, Sweden.

LifeLinks at the Bantayog Festival Job Fair LifeLinks International Resources Inc. participated in a 2-day job fair held last April 20 to 21, 2017 at the Little Theater in Daet, Camarines Norte. The event was organized by the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) - Camarines Norte, in celebration of the 13th Bantayog Festival and the 97th Founding Anniversary of Camarines Norte.

Balanghay Students Graduate from Muntinlupa National High School

The third group of Balanghay students graduated from Muntinlupa National High last April 8. Recognizing the city’s first batch of Senior High School students to complete the maritime track,. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi delivered the keynote address and gave a special citation to the 33 Maritime Sr. High School graduates in order

to inspire aspiring students and families. He acknowledged the partnership with Philippine Transmarine Carriers and expressed his gratitude for the company’s collaboration with the Local Government of Muntinlupa on this noble and ground-breaking initiative.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, the Balanghay cadets took their Basic Training course at the Maritime Skills and Training Campus in Maragondon, Cavite, facilitated by PHILCAMSAT. The cadets are currently working on getting the documentation needed for their two-month shipboard training that will qualify them to work onboard as ratings.

Balanghay Cadets Finish their Shipboard TrainingAfter two months of rendering service to its Dumaguete-Dapitan route, Balanghay cadets of Capitol University and Gil Montilla National High School alighted FastCat M6 last April 7, 2017, concluding their two-month shipboard training.

According to their Shipboard Training Officer, Engr. Tom Gutierrez of Archipelago Seafarer’s Training Institute (APSTI), many of the cadets were sea sick during the first week of their training but soon enough, easily adjusted to life at sea. The cadet training was done in 8-hour shifts where they experienced 2 cycles of end-to-end operations from Dumaguete to Dapitan and back, providing them with intensive and invaluable hands-on training.

The cadets will undergo assessment with MARINA to get their Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in order to qualify as ratings onboard. PTC will continue to assist the Balanghay cadets in gaining employment to enable them to pursue their studies and eventually become future officers.

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Adopt-A-Ship Concludes Pilot Run The pilot run of the Adopt-A-Ship program was successfully concluded last March 22. The program was launched in February of this year by PTC and the PTC-CSJ Foundation at four public schools in Muntinlupa City with the aim of promoting awareness of maritime vessel operations and navigation, as well as, the life of seafarers on board among young students.

Participants of the pilot run were comprised of four public schools: Bayanan Elementary School-Main, Muntinlupa Elementary School-Main, Sucat Elementary School-Main, and Lakeview Integrated School; ten (10) teachers; and a total of six (6) ships, four from Seaspan Shipping and two from IVS-Grindrod. As an added value, the Adopt-A-Ship program was incorporated in the curriculum of the schools’ Science, Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies), and English classes. in.

Adopt-A-Ship benefited a total of 919 students who were given a pre-test prior to the start of the program and a post-test upon its conclusion. The students scored 59% higher on the post-test attesting to the effectivity of the program.

The schools, teachers, PTC Principals and the Master and crew of all the vessels that took part in the pilot run were recognized with Certificates of Appreciation for their participation and support of the program.

Adopt-A-Ship will be fully implemented by school year 2017-2018 in more schools across the country.