PTC Honored with MARINA Timonel Award Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC) was honored by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) with the Timonel Maritime Achievement Award during ceremonies held in celebration of the Day of the Seafarer last June 25, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary- General Kitack Lim, together with MARINA Deputy Administrator Atty. Gloria Banas, presented the award to PTC CEO Gerardo Borromeo. The award was given in recognition of PTC’s exceptional and invaluable contributions to the Philippine maritime industry over the last 10 years, particularly for the company’s efforts in continuously evolving its human resource development platform to encompass a holistic value chain designed to properly mold the Filipino Global Maritime Professional (GMP). Beginning with the Sea Mariners program for students in Grades 7 to 10, which utilizes an outcomes-based approach towards competency building; a Senior Maritime High School track; a college education with cutting edge expertise in Science & Math; and finally, a world-class professional development course by the World Maritime University (WMU) and other international academic institutions, PTC has endeavored to increase awareness of and professional development in the Philippine maritime industry. Going beyond this, PTC has also ensured the overall well-being of its GMPs and their families by providing support services including short-term emergency loans; life skills coaching and seminars; health and wellness programs; youth activities like sports, reading and the arts; and opportunities to own homes in socially vibrant, gated and safe communities through a nationwide seafarer housing program and long-term bridge financing. Finally, PTC has strived to maintain a balance between growing its operations and at the same time contributing to global goals toward sustainability. Taking active roles in organizations that advocate for stronger gender equality measures; the standardization of maritime education and deployment systems to promote transparency and fair compensation; the promotion of safe and efficient shipping; and the formulation of international maritime policies, among others; PTC has been able to help shape the face of maritime on various levels. Together with the country’s maritime party ANGKLA, PTC was also recognized for its efforts in initiating Project Balanghay, the pilot-testing of the K-12 Senior High School Maritime - TechVoc Track. Inspired by the ancient sea vessel called “Balangay,” Project Balanghay is a tripartite initiative between PTC, ANGKLA, and the Department of Education (DepEd). Three early implementer schools were adopted by PTC for the project, with the curriculum developed for the program now being used by over 40 schools nationwide. The Timonel Awards is given by MARINA every two years to recognize outstanding and exemplary achievements and remarkable contributions of private and public entities or individuals in the maritime industry which have provided a major impact of national, regional or international significance. 08/2016 Volume 12 Issue 6 Women in Maritime Philippines (WIMAPHIL) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) unveiled the “WOW ang Byahe” passenger safety campaign poster during the Day of the Seafarer last June 25 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The poster contains basic safety tips for sea transport and is one of the undertakings provided in a Memorandum of Agreement signed in 2014 between MARINA and WIMAPHIL. Designed to enhance public awareness of safety requirements at sea, the poster urges the public to assume an active role in ensuring compliance with safety regulations by sea transport operators. The “WOW ang Biyahe” posters will be displayed at prominent areas in passenger terminals and piers and eventually onboard all domestic passenger ships. WIMAPHIL and MARINA Launch “WOW ang Byahe” PTC Celebrates Day of the Seafarer PTC paid tribute to the unsung heroes of shipping - global maritime professionals (GMPs) worldwide - by joining the celebration of the Day of the Seafarer last June 25, 2016. Spearheaded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this year’s campaign was anchored on the theme “At Sea for All,” which highlights the role of seafarers in moving the world. To illustrate how important seafarers are to their lives, PTC Group employees answered the question “What do Global Maritime Professionals (GMPs) Bring to You?” on colorful sticky-notes that they posted on the At Sea For All Board located at the lobby of First Maritime Place in Makati. With answers ranging from simple yet essential everyday goods and supplies like food, clothing and gadgets, to their immense role in sustaining world trade and their contribution to the Philippine economy, it is undeniable that seafarers truly are indispensable to the world. Photos of this activity were shared on social media using the hashtag #AtSeaForAll to help create greater awareness of the event and to support IMO’s Day of the Seafarer campaign. Also in support of the event, PTC’s Family and Crew Relations organized an online contest where allottees of PTC crew submitted photos showcasing the importance of GMPs to the global economy, the country and their respective families, and posted them at the PTC Facebook page with the hashtag #AtSeaForAll. Eight winners were selected to win brand new action cams while consolation prizes were given to the rest of the participants. At the Day of the Filipino Seafarer program organized by MARINA and held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, PTC hosted a lunch in honor of visiting IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim. Officers of MARINA, IMO, Women in Maritime Philippines and other maritime industry stakeholders graced the event. ICS Highlights Role of Merchant Seafarers in Migrant Rescues PTC CEO Gerardo Borromeo, Vice-Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), highlighted the courage exhibited by seafarers of all nationalities with respect to the rescue at sea crisis in Europe and in the Mediterranean. Speaking at the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) celebration of the Day of the Seafarer, Mr. Borromeo praised the seafarers for going beyond their call of duty but also pointed out the need to look into mechanisms for professional rescue. “Seafarers move the world and in doing so, they make tremendous sacrifices and can be called upon to take on other extraordinary tasks, beyond the call of normal duty. The shipping industry fully accepts its humanitarian responsibility to come to the assistance of anyone in distress at sea. But one aspect of this terrible situation which is often overlooked, is the effect that this has on merchant seafarers.” “Many seafarers have now been involved in large-scale rescue operations, saving the lives of thousands of people, and witnessing great suffering. It has to be remembered that seafarers are civilians, they are not professional rescue personnel.” He emphasized that while the politics surrounding the migrant crisis are complex, ICS will continue to urge governments to do more. Mr. Borromeo concluded: “The Day of the Seafarer is a day of celebration. On behalf of ICS, and in cooperation with our colleagues from the seafarers’ unions, we remain committed to promoting recognition of the extraordinary role of merchant seafarers and the important and vital work they do for the global community.” During ISWAN’s International Seafarers’ Welfare Awards 2016 held on June 24 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Mr. Borromeo, together with IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim presented the Dr. Dierk Lindemann Welfare Personality of the Year Award. Sponsored by the ICS, the award was given to the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) for the organization category and to Reverend Stephen Miller for the individual category. IMO Sec-Gen Kitack Lim Officiates WIMAPHIL Oath-Taking Members of the Women in Maritime Philippines (WIMAPHIL) Board of Trustees were sworn in during an oath-taking ceremony administered by visiting International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Kitack Lim last June 24, 2016 at the Manila Hotel. The newly-elected Board of Trustees Board is comprised of Ms. Merle Jimenez- San Pedro, President; Ms. Carla S. Limcaoco, Vice-President; Atty. Brenda V. Pimentel, Corporate Secretary; Ms. Normie S. Hernandez, Treasurer; Rowena S. Quiogue, Auditor; Ms. Christina S. Manzano, Trustee and Dr. Teresita Sarabia, Trustee. Atty. Josephine Uranza, IMO Regional Coordinator for East Asia, was present to witness the event. Official eBulletin of the PTC Group