#NoTo550 Coalition: Automation of P550 Terminal Fee an Affront to Seafarer Rights Page 28

3 NOVEMBER
Vol. XX No. 1 MARCH - -APRIL 2015 2014 http://www.unitedfilipinoseafarers.com.ph
DECEMBER PHP 25.00

MARINA MAKES A
BOLD MOVE

Did your school made it

to the MHEIs White List?
See List of Recognized
Purging of undesirable schools Maritime Schools Inside.
 MARCH - APRIL 2015
Purging of Undesirable Schools
MARINA MAKES A BOLD MOVE
L
ow-profile Dipolog City In-
stitute of Technology has
been offering maritime
courses and had over the
years produced thousands
of graduates, some of whom
are now employed as ship of-
ficers serving the world’s mar-
itime fleet.
The Mindanao-based
maritime school was practi-
cally a small player in the mar-
itime academic league that
was dominated by big cam-
puses such as those found in
Metro Manila in Luzon like the
Philippine Maritime Institute in
Manila and Quezon City and
The Philippine Nautical and
Technological College in Cav-
by Dennis Gadil
ite which has also a “branch”
in Intramuros, Manila but are
not even in the list of accredit-
ed maritime schools.
But surely, the alumni of
Dipolog City Institute, includ-
ing its officials, are proud of
their school’s achievements.
The said school could
have been prouder, howev-
er, if it was also accredited by
the Maritime Industry Author-
ity (Marina) and the Com-
mission on Higher Education
(CHED).
Its absence on the
roster could only mean that
whatever diplomas and cer-
tificates that the school had
issued in the past are now sus-
TINIG NG MARINO
pect and potentially ‘invalid.’
This is because a land-
mark list issued by MARINA
recently did not contain the
name of the Dipolog school
as among those accredited
by government.
Accreditation means
that the school was author-
ized by the state regulators
to offer maritime courses and
subsequently hand out diplo-
mas and certificates.
In short and to the dis-
may of its alumni, the Dipolog
school got away with a “crime”
by operating as a de facto di-
ploma mill for many years.
In a rare showcase of
vigilance which has been
missing for so many years,
MARINA released last Febru-
ary 2015 a master list of ac-
credited maritime schools
that were also recognized by
CHED – the school regulator
for higher learning.
The MARINA list up-
holds the operation of 23
schools offering the course in
Bachelor of Science in Marine
Transportation (BSMT) for the
school year 2015 to 2016.
Among the “who’s
who” in the list are the Phil-
3
ippine Merchant Marine
Academy (PMMA) based in
Zambales, Maritime Acad-
emy of Asia and the Pacific,
Baliwag Maritime Academy,
Lyceum of the Philippines,
Malayan Colleges Laguna,
Mariners Polytechnic College
Foundation (Legaspi City and
Camarines Sur campuses),
John B. Lacson Foundation
Maritime University (Bacolod
and Iloilo City campuses), St.
Therese MTC Colleges (Iloilo
City and Tigbauan campus-
es), VMA Global College,
University of Cebu (Mambal-
ing, Cebu campus), University
of Visayas, PMI Bohol, Zam-
boanga State College of Ma-
rine Science and Technology,
Palompon Institute of Tech-
nology, Capitol University,
DMMA College of Southern
Philippines, FEATI University,
Technological Institute of the
Philippines (TIP), Asian Institute
of Maritime Studies and the
NYK-TDG Maritime Academy.
Likewise, MARINA has put
up for “further review” the
BSMT offering of 30 maritime
schools.
continued on page 9
 4 TINIG NG MARINO MARCH - APRIL 2015

EDITORIAL
First step in Reforming
Maritime Education

F
Nelson P. Ramirez Executive Editor
Arianne Ramirez Managing Editor or years,
JF A. Balbaguio Associate Editor
sub-stand-
Myrna F. Virtudazo Assistant Editors ard mari-
James S. Mante time schools and
even fly-by-night
Amado Baul Layout & Graphic Artist
training centers
Jonh Ronnel Villar
catering to aspir-
Rechard Arellano
ing seafarers op-
Rey Sto. Domingo Production Staff
erated with impu-
Fr. James Kolin New York Bureau
Engr. Samson Tormis Greece Bureau
nity.
Corry Llamas-Konings Rotterdam Bureau The peo-
Bob Ramirez ple behind these
Philip Ramirez Singapore pseudo academic
Minabelle Siason Belgium Bureau institutions flout-
Capt. Arturo Cañoza Japan Bureau ed the law as if
Sapalo Velez Bundang & Bulilan Law Offices they have the li-
Legal Consultants cense to fool and
victimize people
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 Terrac-
– and even derive
es Bldg., 1148 Roxas Blvd., Ermita, Manila, Philippines; Telephone nos.: (632) 524-4888; great profits in the thority (MARINA) in a very education with “colorum”
525-5806; Fax (632) 524-2336; E-mail: ufs_07@yahoo.com; Website: http://www. process. rare move not seen in recent maritime schools.
unitedfilipinoseafarers.com.ph. Materials published in this paper may be reprinted The Mari- years produced a list that Schools not found
provided proper acknowledgment to Tinig ng Marino and the author, if indicated, is made.
time Industry Au- purges the local maritime continued on page 15

ON THE HELM
CAPT. JAIME D. QUIÑONES, MM, MA
General Manager, Wallem Maritime Services Inc.
Vice President (External), The Society of Filipino Ship Captains Inc. (FILSCAPTS)
Director for Internal Affairs, Masters & Mates Association of the Philippines (MMAP)

STCW Compliance

S
TCW Convention and its associ-
ated Code has been described as
one of the four pillars of the glob-
al maritime regulatory system, along
with two other IMO Conventions ,
SOLAS and MARPOL, and the ILO’s
Maritime Labor Convention of 2006.
The adopted amendments unfold the
first major revision of the instrument
since its inception as the 1978 STCW
Convention. The shipping industry
depends on competent, well-trained
seafarers to ensure safety of life at sea,
maritime security, efficiency of opera-
tions and navigation and the ultimate
preservation and conservation of the
marine environment. The revised
STCW Convention aims to provide
the international standards necessary
for maritime education and training
institutions which include instructors/
trainers to develop the much needed
skills and outcome based competen-
cies desired for today’s seafarer.
Standard of competence:
This refers to the minimum
knowledge, understanding and pro-
ficiency that seafarers must demon-
strate to gain certification. The
thinking behind dividing all duties
on board into competencies, func-
tions and levels of responsibility is
that - certificates should be awarded
on the basis of the specific duties the
seafarer carries out on board rather
than on ship departmental divisions
(deck/engine).
Endorsement:
A document issued to Mas-
ters and Officers, either as part of the
certificate or a separate document.
This attests that the national certif-
icate has been issued in accordance
with all STCW requirements. The en-
dorsement of recognition certificate
is issued by an Administration as an
official recognition of the validity of
a certificate issued by another admin-
istration. Under the 2010 amended
STCW Convention regulation I/2 – all
seafarers serving on foreign ships must
obtain an endorsement. A STCW
endorsement of recognition can only
be issued by an Administration pro-
vided that the certificate being recog-
nized was issued in accordance with
STCW requirements and the origi-
nal certificate presented is genuine.
To verify that a certificate in question
has been issued in accordance with all
the requirements of the convention,
an Administration should inspect the
training facilities and certification pro-
cedures of another Administration.
Certification paths:
1. The traditional method
– STCW certificates awarded in the
traditional way are classified accord-
ing to which department of the ship
(deck/engine) a seafarer works in.
The change introduced by STCW in
this path is that in order to qualify
for a specific certificate, the seafarer
needs to be competent in the spe-
cific functions stated for that level of
responsibility. It must be noted that
there is a decreasing emphasis on the
sea-time requirement to gain the re-
quired competence.
Under the 1978 STCW Con-
vention, seafarers were also allowed
to qualify for a certificate on the basis
of their sea-going service alone. This
is no longer possible under the STCW
continued on page 17
 MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 5

UGONG NG MAKINA AT IKOT NG ELISE

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

Nasaan na ang pagbabago ng ating

sasakyang pangdagat?

N
oong taong 2004, habang inutil na batas na wala namang re- Association of the Philippines, ***** ***** *****
ang karamihan sa mga pormang nagawa. ang binibigyan ng halaga ng ating Sa ibang bansa na binubuo
mambabatas ay abala sa kasalukuyang kalihim ng trans- ng maraming kapuluan katulad ng
paghahanda sa kanilang panganga- ***** ***** ***** portasyon na si Joseph Emilio A. bansang Pilipinas, ang pag-unlad
mpanya sa nalalapit na eleksyon, Ang mga hangarin na Abaya ay ang ating mga sasakyang ng industriya maritima ay tinutu-
isang panukalang batas ang palihim magbibigay ng sigla sa industriya panghimpapawid at paliparan na lak at hinuhubog ng naliwanagan
na pinalusot sa mababa at mataas ng maritima na sinisigaw kaaki- sa ngayon ay tinataguriang “ the at nakakaalam na pamahalaan sa
na kongreso. Ang unang pagbasa, bat sa pag-usbong ng batas na iyan worst airport in the world” at ang kahalagaan ng industriya mar-
pangalawa at pangatlo sa panukala- ay hanggang sa pagyayabang la- ating mga sasakyan sa kalupaan itima. Nakakalungkot isipin na
ng batas na ito ay ginawa lang sa mang na parang tiyan na maiinit katulad ng ating LRT AT MRT na ang ating pamahalaan ay walang
isang sesyon at kaagad pinirmahan na hangin ang laman. Ayon kay halos araw-araw ay nagkakaaberya kongkretong patakaran sa pagbal-
ng Pangulo. Ayon sa mga nagpanu- Ret. Col. Leonardo Ordoño, dating at walang humpay sa pagbibigay angkas kung paano hinuhubog ang
kala sa batas na ito, ito na ang ma- presidente ng Philippine Interis- ng perwisyo sa mga pasahero. Sa lokal na industriya maritima.Tila
giging daan sa pag-unlad ng indus- land Shipping Association (PISA) madaling salita, ang ating mga walang pagnanais na bigyan ng at-
triya maritima ng bansa. sa isang pagtitipon sa taunang ka- sasakyan, maging pangdagat, ing kasalukuyang pamahalaan ang
pulungan ng Philippine Maritime panghimpapawid o mga sasakyan pagpapaunlad ng ating industriya
***** ***** ***** Law na itinatag ng Maritime Law sa lupa ay pawang inutil. maritima.
Mahigit 10 taon na ang
nakararaan ngunit wala tayong
nakikitang pagbabago sa industri-
ya maritima at lalo pang lumalala
ang kalagayan ng mga barko na na-
glalayag sa ating bansa. Kung ang
mga barko noon ay nagsilubugan
tuwing may bagyo, sa ngayon ang
mga barko ay nagsilubugan kahit
sa dwendeng alon. Karamihan sa
mga barko na naglalayag sa bansa
ay tadtad ng kalawang na kung
ikaw ay hindi mamamatay kasa-
ma sa paglubog ng barko, ikaw
ay mamamatay sa tetano ng kala-
wang. Sa madaling salita ang R.A.
9295 na tinatawag na AN ACT
PROMOTING THE DEVELOP-
MENT OF THE PHILIPPINE
DOMESTIC SHIPPING, SHIP-
BUILDING, SHIP REPAIR AND
SHIP BREAKING, ORDAINING
REFORMS IN GOVERNMENT
POLICIES TOWARDS SHIPPING
IN THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES na nagbibigay
sa MARINA ng buong karapatan
upang paunlarin ang industriya
maritima ng ating bansa ay isang
MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 7
 8 TINIG NG MARINO
CONG. EMMELINE Y. AGLIPAY-VILLAR
Representative, DIWA Partylist
Congress of the Philippines
aglipay.ey@congress.gov.ph
A
group of Filipino seafarers
went missing last January
2, and are presumed to
have been killed when the cargo
vessel MV Bulk Jupiter sank off the
coast of Vietnam, after departing
from Kuantan, Malaysia on De-
cember 30, 2014. Rescuers were
able to rescue one of the Bulk Ju-
piter’s crew of 19, but as of the time
this column is being written, only
the bodies of two of the deceased
have been recovered. Nor has the
body of the wreck of the Bulk Ju-
piter been found, which leaves us
with little to no tangible evidence
of the true cause of the ship’s disas-
trous sinking. The only direct data
on the sinking is the testimony of
the ship’s lone survivor, Angelito
Capindo Rojas, to the effect that the
vessel went down very quickly, as it
took only minutes from the call to
abandon ship before the Bulk Ju-
Is there relief for the families
of the missing?
piter developed a heavy starboard
list. Initial review of the technical,
maintenance, and inspection re-
ports of the Bulk Jupiter, built in
2006, has allegedly failed to reveal
any technical issues or potential
technical issues.
While no hard evidence of
the reason of the sinking exists, the
leading theory seems to be that this
was due to cargo liquefaction. An
information paper defines cargo
liquefaction as follows:
Liquefaction is simply
illustrated. Suppose a bottle of
ketchup is turned upside down but
nothing appears; the answer is to
put the lid on, shake the bottle and
the sauce then comes out easily –
it has experienced liquefaction. In
more scientific terms, in its solid
state the particles of a concentrate
are held together by friction. Cer-
tain cargoes, particularly nickel ore
WORKERS’ VANGUARD
and iron ore fines, have the char-
acteristics of a solid but one where
moisture content directly affects
the state and behaviour of the con-
centrate under certain conditions.
In the event there is sufficient mois-
ture in the cargo, external agitation
can increase the water pressure
inherent within the concentrate,
pushing particles apart. The mate-
rial then undergoes a sudden tran-
sition, friction is lost and the cargo
begins to behave like a liquid with
the resulting free surface effect cre-
ating sudden and major stability
problems for the vessel. in the world to transport. Reports
Gearbulk Holding Limit-
ed, the international bulk shipper
to which the Bulk Jupiter belongs,
has stated that the bauxite cargo
was declared under the Interna-
tional Maritime Solid Bulk Car-
goes Code (IMSBC) as a “Group
C” cargo, which means that said
MARCH - APRIL 2015
cargo is not known to liquefy or
possess a chemical hazard. How-
ever, it should be noted that the
IMSBC does note that this group
categorization is contingent on low
moisture content and consistency
criteria that if not met would be
grounds for a reclassification. In
some circumstances, it has been
claimed that bauxite cargos have
been known to exhibit liquefac-
tion characteristics similar to high-
risk ‘Group A’ cargoes, such as
high-profile nickel ore, known to
be one of the most dangerous cargo
indicate that during the time that
stock piles of bauxite at Malaysia,
possibly including the Bulk Jupi-
ter’s cargo, may have become wet
due to the heavy monsoon rains in
Malaysia during December of last
year. Gearbulk has stated, however,
that until its investigation is com-
pleted, it has stopped taking baux-
ite cargo.
*****************
While such a measure is appro-
priate and praiseworthy, and we
hope that such cargo is treated
with greater caution from here on
out for the benefit of all seafarers,
it cannot be denied that this comes
too late to be of benefit to the 18
brave men who have already lost
their lives. While the DOLE has
made assurances that all the fam-
ilies of the deceased shall receive
all relevant government assistance,
in addition to what their contracts
and collective bargaining agree-
ments contain.
However, such assistance
is more limited in the case of the
majority of the families of the de-
continued on page 15
 MARCH - APRIL 2015
from page 3
Purging of Undesirable Schools
MARINA MAKES A...
The state maritime
agency also gave its “bless-
ings” to 23 schools offering
Bachelor of Science in Marine
Engineering (BSME) course
while putting for “further re-
view” 21 schools.
MARINA gave accred-
itation to 35 schools offering
the ratings program for deck
officers and 34 schools offer-
ing the same program for en-
gine officers.
The noteworthy ”bless-
ed” ones to offer BSMarE are
the Philippine Merchant Ma-
rine Academy (PMMA), Mar-
itime Academy of Asia and
Pacific (MAAP), Baliwag Mar-
itime Academy, Lyceum of
the Philippines, Malayan Col-
leges Laguna, Manuel S. En-
verga University Foundation,
Mariners Polytechnic College
Foundation (Legaspi City and
Camarines Sur campuses),
John B. Lacson Foundation
Maritime University (Bacolod
and Iloilo City campuses), St.
Therese MTC Colleges (Iloilo
City), VMA Global College,
TINIG NG MARINO 9
University of Cebu (Mambal- the seafaring industry is wait- ders, if they are not accred-
ing for ─ a checklist of the ac- ited by CHED, how were the
ing, Cebu campus), University
of Visayas, Zamboanga State credited maritime schools in students of these schools able
College of Marine Science the country,” Ramirez said. to get their Transcript of Re-
and Technology, Palompon He further said that the cords (TOR), Special Order
Institute of Technology, Cap- list should “pull back to Earth” and Certification Authentica-
itol University, DMMA College schools which are claiming tion and Verification (CAV)
of Southern Philippines, FEATI that they are accredited by from CHED?” he said.
University, Technological In- CHED but are, in fact, not and He added: “If they
stitute of the Philippines (TIP) still operate with impunity. were not able to obtain these,
(Quiapo and Quezon City However, about the why were they allowed to get
campuses) and NYK-TDG Dipolog school, Ramirez said the licensure examination in
Maritime Academy. he remains dumbfounded the first place?”
Again, the Dipolog to learn that the school was Just like the school
City Institute of Technology is never authorized nor accred- in Dipolog, PMI Manila and
neither in the accredited nor ited by government to offer Quezon City campuses and
in the “further review” list. maritime courses ever since. PNTC Intramurops are also
Maritime watchdog “Wonders of all won- not on the list.
United Filipino Seafarers (UFS)
hailed the action taken by
MARINA in releasing the list.
At last, UFS president
Engr. Nelson P. Ramirez said
maritime students will now get
the real education that they
deserve and not only get a
diploma but remain clueless
on anything related to the
course they took.
“MARINA has made a
bold move when they came
out with the list of accredited
maritime schools in the coun-
try. This is the yardstick that
MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 11

BSM 2015 Management Team Meeting, Manila

Written By: Robin Thuillier (BSM)
in Life @ BSM
on 05/02/2015

Mabuhay!!!
During January 25th-28th, the BSM Management Team Meeting
was hosted by our colleagues in the Philippines and attended by 45
management personnel from around the world.

Gathering in Manila beforehand, the weekend provided an oppor-

tunity to experience the riches of Manila’s history and development
through an entertaining and highly informative tour of the old city
which set the tone for diverse cultural meeting that was to follow.

tive, value adding solutions

-Being the employer of choice for high quality people that we wish
to employ and retain

The meeting agenda was structured to address priorities and ac-

tion plans that are being progressed across the Company to deliver
against these, with an emphasis on information sharing and discus-
sion between the Ship Management Centre, Maritime Training Cen-
tre and Corporate Function management personnel who attended.

Building on the theme of delivering against customer expectation, an

In Addition to providing an excellent forum for networking, collabo- externally facilitated workshop was held to enhance our capabilities
rating and exchange of ideas and information across the BSM man- to recognise and communicate the key performance outcomes be-
agement team, this Management Team Meeting was also the first to ing sought by our customers, enabling further improvement in deliv-
be led by our new Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Norbert Aschmann. ering against these aligned to our vision, goals and growth priorities.

Capt. Aschmann used the opportunity in his opening address to The final day of the meeting provided an opportunity to tour the
re-iterate the BSM vision of being the leader in quality shipman- BSM Philippines Crew Service Centre and Maritime Training Centre
agement and a leading provider of maritime solution, with our goals based in Manila.
focused on:
Of the 16,000 crew on board BSM managed ships, over 8,000 are
- The achievement of sustainable financial results recruited, trained and retained through our facilities in the facilities
in the Philippines and the visit highlighted the world-class capabili-
-Safe, reliable and cost efficient operations that meet customer ex- ties and people that we have based in Manila-including the recently
pectation and build loyalty. installed, next generation Konsberg bridge simulator which was offi-
cially opened by our Chief Executive Officer.
-Acting as ‘One BSM’ to optimise capabilities and develop innova-
In closing the meeting, a vote
of thanks and congratulations
was made to Peter Schodder,
Chito Duran, Brent Dayo, Ar-
mando Santosidad and the
team in the Philippines for or-
ganising a highly productive
and stimulating 2015 Man-
agement Team Meeting, and
the baton passed to Vladimir
Otrokh who will organise the
2016 meeting to be held in St.
Petersburg.
 12 TINIG NG MARINO
ATTY. AUGUSTO R. BUNDANG
Head, Litigation and Seafarers Department
Sapalo Velez Bundang and Bulilan Law Offices
W
hen do the heirs of miss-
ing seafarers file their
claim for death compen-
sation benefits? The case of Imelda
Pantollano vs. Korphil Shipman-
agement and Manning Corporation
(G.R. No. 169575, March 30, 2011)
provides the answer to this interest-
ing question.
In the cited Pantollano case,
the seafarer was hired on March 24,
1994 for 12 months as 4th Engineer
onboard an ocean going vessel.
At around 6:45 a.m. of Au-
gust 2, 1994, he was seen by a fel-
low seafarer to be in deep thought,
Case of the Missing Seafarer
counting the other vessels passing
by and talking to himself.
By 8:15 a.m. of the same
day, he was reported to the Master
as failing to show up for his duty.
The Master then ordered all per-
sonnel to stand by and to conduct a
search for the missing seafarer who
was neither found nor seen again
despite efforts to locate him.
Accordingly, the petitioner
spouse of the missing seafarer visit-
ed the respondents- employers’ of-
fice to claim the death benefits due
her and their children. Unfortunate-
ly, she was advised by the respond-
SAILOR’S CORNER
ents-employers that she had to wait
for the lapse of four years before her
missing husband could be declared
dead. Only then could she make her
claim.
On May 29, 2000, or six
years after her husband went miss-
ing, the petitioner spouse filed a
complaint before the NLRC for the
recovery of death benefits, damages
and attorney’s fees.
The respondents-employ-
ers, contrary to their previous po-
sition, contented that under Article
291 of the Labor Code, the com-
plaint had prescribed since it should
have been filed within
the allowable period of
three years from the sea-
farer’s disappearance on
August 2, 1994.
The Arbiter ruled
in favor of the petitioner
spouse by holding that
the seafarer’s legal heirs
are entitled to payment
of death benefits and at-
torney’s fees. The NLRC
eventually affirmed the
Arbiter’s decision.
The court of ap-
peals reversed the ruling
of the NLRC and dis-
missed the case for lack
of merit, noting that the
complaint should have
been filed within three
years from the seafarer’s
disappearance on Au-
gust 2, 1994. As such,
the complaint is already
barred by prescription.
The Honorable Su-
preme Court sided with
the petitioner spouse and
found that the seafarer’s
heirs are entitled to death
benefits under the POEA
Employment Contract
for Seafarers since the
MARCH - APRIL 2015
seafarer went missing during the
effectivity of his employment con-
tract.
More importantly, the High
Court held that when the seafarer
was reported missing on August 2,
1994, his spouse and heirs cannot
yet file a claim for death benefits
since the missing seafarer cannot
still be presumed dead.
Given the fact that the sea-
farer was missing while his vessel
was navigating the open sea, it is
apparent that he could have been in
danger of death and therefore, the
presumption of death under par-
agraph 3, Article 391 of the Civil
Code becomes applicable. Said par-
agraph 3 reads:
“The following shall be
presumed dead for all purposes,
including the division of the estate
among the heirs:
. . . . . .x . . . . . .
(3) A person who has been
in danger of death under other cir-
cumstances and his existence has
not been known for four years.’’
Accordingly, the Court ob-
served that the missing seafarer can
only be presumed dead after the
lapse of four years from August2,
1994 when he was declared missing.
Of course, evidence must be shown
that the missing seafarer has not
been heard of for four years or
thereafter.
This being so, the missing
seafarer is presumed legally dead
only on August 2, 1998. It is only at
this time that the rights of his heirs
to file their claim for death benefits
accrued.
The three-year period Arti-
cle 291 of the labor Code will thus
be reckoned on August 2, 1998. As
such, petitioners claim filed on May
29, 2000 was only timely and was
filed from the time cause of action
accrued.
 MARCH - APRIL 2015
Ex-Modernization
of Philippine Domestic
Shipping industry
by Engr. Rainero B. Morgia, MScEnv
T
he shipping transport in-
dustry plays a very signif-
icant role in the country’s
development. Considering our
coastal and archipelago map-
ping of the country, shipping
provides an important means
of interisland transport. That
is, the bulk of the domestic
trade, interisland travels are all
dependent on shipping. Con-
sidering this role, an efficient
shipping industry that facilitates
the movement of commodities,
products and people is vital to
the growth of the country.
Old and ageing do-
mestic vessels or what we call
“floating coffins”, deteriorating
port and pier infrastructures /
facilities, dilapidated life-saving
equipment, high fuel cost due
to inefficient engines, poor car-
go and lack of modern service
standards, inadequate training,
stringent loan requirement and
high interest rates, lack of mod-
ernization funding make our
domestic shipping industry the
most ancient and antiquated
traditional industry for almost
20 years now.
Who is to be blamed
and what is the real story on
the ex-modernization of domes-
tic shipping? In a press release
dated February 21, 2015, the
answer is very straightforward
and obvious: MARINA.
MARINA, the main im-
plementing administrator of RA
9295 and Philippine Merchant
Rules and Regulations (PMRR)
has a long history itself in in-
efficiently regulating the coun-
try’s shipping industry. It needs
to overhaul and modernize as
well, just like our domestic
shipping lines as the article im-
plies.
The conflicting forc-
es of past government regu-
lations and competition have
their impact on the industry.
The restrictive regulations have
weakened, if not prevented, the
modernization efforts and in ef-
fect resulting to inefficiency and
safety issues.
In order to modern-
ize, a shipping company needs
huge amount of money, thus
the government, and in par-
ticular the Development Bank of
the Philippines (DBP), needs to
create a shipping modernization
fund for the growth of domes-
tic shipping. MARINA has not
been instrumental on this.
Shipping, being capital
intensive, requires huge funds
for financing vessel acquisitions
depending upon the market
conditions. Funds are mobilized
largely through external com-
mercial borrowings and internal
generations. In the current de-
pressed scenario, it is uncertain
as to how the shipping compa-
nies will be able to source the
equity and debt requirement for
acquisition. It is essential, there-
fore, to set up a fund to support
this modernization program.
It may be also worth
considering by MARINA to rec-
ommend to the Bureau of Cus-
toms (BOC) to waive off cus-
tom duties in acquiring modern
equipment for the shipping in-
dustry based on the latest tech-
nology for efficiency.
Lastly, the title of this arti-
cle should have been “Ex-Mod-
ernization of Philippine Domes-
tic Shipping and MARINA.”
TINIG NG MARINO
EU maritime expert:
MARINA ill-equipped
to lead growth of
shipbuilding sector
A
foreign shipbuilding and
ship repair expert has be-
littled the capability of the
Maritime Industry Authority (MA-
RINA) to steer the local shipbuild-
ing sector to its full potential while
the same sector has been hijacked
by multinationals.
Thomas Wissmann, a for-
eign consultant for the European
Commission who was commis-
sioned to undertake a study of the
country’s shipbuilding infrastruc-
ture, said MARINA officers as-
signed in the shipbuilding function
have no technical expertise nor
background.
“It appears that available of-
ficial information is not correct and
in general it can be said that the in-
volved MARINA authorities have no
technical personnel with experience
that can guide in shipyard affairs,
management, development, or even
general guidance,” Wissmann said
in a post at his Linked-In account.
He added: “This resulted in
misleading information from MA-
RINA to other government agen-
cies and to the public and this infor-
mation is now believed by many to
be fact when in reality it is fiction.”
Wissmann also a painted a not so
rosy future on having a throbbing
and thriving local shipbuilding in-
dustry since the industry has long
been controlled by “foreigners.”
“The plain truth is that the
Philippines’ shipbuilding sector is
squarely in the hands of foreigners –
13
Hanjin in Subic (and probably soon
in northern Mindanao as well), Ja-
pan’s Tsuneishi in Cebu and Keppel
of Singapore in Subic and Batangas.
They’re all here because of the cheap
local labour,” he said.
The only Filipino-owned
company that’s into the shipbuild-
ing game in any significant manner
is Herma Shipyard in Bataan prov-
ince, according to Wissmann.
He nevertheless said Her-
ma, though, isn’t a key player in the
commercial sense since it has been
constructing double-hulled tankers
for a sister company, a domestic
tanker operator, not for third-party
customers.
The EU maritime consult-
ant said even the small tugboat and
fishing boat construction industry
is practically dead made possible by
the influx of second-hand vessels
from Japan.
“Even the once-thriving
small tug and fishing boat construc-
tion industry in Navotas town in the
northwestern part of Metro Manila
is no more – killed by the lack of
government support and the un-
bridled entry of secondhand vessels
from Japan,” he maintained.
He added: “So it’s really all
desert now. The Koreans, the Japa-
nese and the Singaporeans can pack
up and leave tomorrow, and the Fil-
ipinos will not be any closer to hav-
ing their own shipbuilding industry
that would earn them the title ‘ship-
building nation’.”
 14 TINIG NG MARINO
The Unholy AllIANCE
Include Anti-Ambulance Chasing bill in priority,
lawmakers told
T
he proposed Anti-Ambu-
lance Chasing Act should
be included in the list of
priority measures that Congress
will pass before the adjournment
of the second regular session in
June, the United Filipino Seafarers
(UFS) said.
This developed as Senator
Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara
has filed Senate Bill No. 2627 en-
titled An Act Protecting Seafarers
and Other Workers Against Am-
bulance Chasing and Providing
Penalties for Violation Thereof, a
long-awaited counterpart measure
of House Bill No. 2643 by ANG-
KLA Party-List Rep. Jesulito A.
Manalo filed two years ago.
The House bill was sub-
stituted by HB No. 5268 and ap-
proved on third reading by the
House of Representatives last De-
cember 16, 2014.
“This is a very positive de-
velopment for all Filipino seafarers,
legitimate manning agencies op-
erating in the Philippines and the
maritime industry in general as a
bill is closer to passing into a law
that will protect the shipping in-
dustry against so-called ambulance
chasers,” Engr. Nelson Ramirez,
UFS president, said of the bill
which seeks to protect not only the
seafarers but all laborers from the
unscrupulous acts of corrupt law-
yers who have been taking advan-
tage of labor claims and disputes
causing seafarers and other labor-
ers to suffer huge monetary losses.
“Therefore, we urge our
senators and congressmen as duly
elected representatives of the people
to include the proposed Anti-Am-
bulance Chasing Act in the priority
measures,” added Mr. Ramirez.
The Senate Committee on
Labor, Employment and Human
Resources Development has yet
by Carlo Castro
to schedule a public hearing on
the measure. The bill has to hur-
dle plenary approval after which a
bicameral conference committee
will be scheduled to hammer out
disagreeing provisions in their re-
spective versions of the bill. Rati-
fication of both chambers follows
and the measure will be forwarded
to Malacañang for the President’s
signature.
Leaders of both chambers
meet every month to chart their
legislative agenda.
The passage of the meas-
ure is important to help keep the
economy afloat and provide more
jobs to Filipinos, said Mr. Ramirez.
In filing the Senate pro-
posal, Angara said the Code of
Professional Responsibility of law-
yers dictates that one should not
solicit legal business and has the
obligation not to encourage suits
so as to prevent barratry and am-
bulance chasing, but the practice
of ambulance chasing has become
rampant in the country especially
in the maritime industry despite
the code of ethics.
“Some lawyers have taken
advantage of the plight of our sea-
farers who met an accident, illness
or death in the course of their ser-
vice. To exploit the compensation
system, these law practitioners
have purposely sought excessive
labor claims not commensurate to
their actual entitlement, if not at all
bogus,” Angara said. “Unwittingly,
our seafarers have fallen prey to
this scheme enticed by the promise
of huge monetary award. Appar-
ently, these ambulance chasers do
not only resort to this unacceptable
practice but also charge exorbitant
legal fees and seek up to 40% of the
total money claims granted.”
Citing the case of Filipi-
no seafarer Renerio M. Villas who
was granted full disability benefits
plus 10% as attorneys’ fees—trans-
lated to some $275,000 or P12.33
million)—by the Labor Depart-
ment’s National Conciliation and
Mediation Board (NCMB), as
uncovered in Tinig ng Marino in
its January-February 2015 issue,
Angara said this was an “alarming
precedent detrimental to the Phil-
ippine maritime industry,” consid-
ering that Filipinos provide a hefty
labor supply in the global mari-
time industry.
MARCH - APRIL 2015
Philnews.ph
Villas’ case stemmed from
a complaint he filed against C.F.
Sharp Crew Management, Inc.
and its principal General Ore Car-
rier Corp. XIX Ltd. in February
2013, after putting his fingers in
the lubricator on board the vessel
“Rebekka N” wherein the upper
portion of his right middle finger
got amputated and the right finger
ring lacerated.
While two of the
three-member NCMB panel
granted the ruling, its third mem-
ber offered a dissenting opinion
stressing that “common sense and
human experience tell us that the
loss of one finger, whether on the
right or left hand does not totally
incapacitate a person to perform
any kind of work, the schedule of
disability and the segregation of
the resulting injuries and illness-
es in the Collective Bargaining
Agreement and even the Philip-
pine Overseas Employment Ad-
ministration (POEA)-Standard
Employment Contract will be
rendered useless and meaningless
because each and every injury or
continued on next page
 MARCH - APRIL 2015
from page 4
EDITORIAL
on the list are either fake schools or
not complying with the stringent re-
quirements of the CHED.
Either way, these non-ac-
credited schools have no business
collecting tuition from their maritime
students and giving out diplomas.
On the other hand, the MA-
RINA list identified the names of
maritime schools that were accred-
ited and authorized by the CHED to
offer maritime courses.
The agency gave its nod
on the CHED accreditation of the
schools and the authority to offer
courses such as BS Marine Trans-
portation and BS Marine Engineer-
ing including courses for ratings for
deck and engine.
The most glaring absence
from the list are PMI and PNTC,
two supposed big schools that have
produced maritime graduates, in-
cluding ship officers.
A relatively small school
called Dipolog City Institute of
Technology, which offers mari-
time courses, was also not on the
list.
If regulators failed to net big
fishes like PMI and PNTC, it’s not
surprising that they also had missed
a small fry that is based in far away
Dipolog.
The list is indeed damning,
not to those on the list but to those
which are not.
MARINA made its boldest
move so far.
If the move is calculated to
boost the country’s exit from the
black list of EMSA, MARINA has
just done the Filipino seafarers and
their families a big service.
And if the move is a clear
attempt to save the livelihood of
thousands of Pinoy seafarers serv-
ing in EU ships, MARINA has just
done a fine job.
It may have pleased the EU
maritime gods but it surely pleased
the Pinoy seafarer even more.
But this rare show of ‘polit-
ical will’ should transcend to other
aspects of reforms inside the seafar-
ing industry, which have fallen un-
der the single supervision of MARI-
TINIG NG MARINO
NA.
There’s no more room for
backsliding for MARINA.
There’s no way but to move
forward.
Forward, even if this would
mean that some graduates of the
errant and bogus maritime schools
would soon find out that their di-
plomas are just a piece of worthless
parchment paper.
Forward, even if this would
mean stamping out the fake ones
and shutting their doors to never
fool a single soul.
Forward, even if this might
inspire our competitor nations to
instigate a ‘witch hunt’ for Filipino
crews who were alumni of these er-
rant maritime schools and snatch
their jobs away.
The UFS lauds the move of
MARINA.
MARINA has taken the
first step in overhauling the mari-
time education system that has been
the object of derision and suspicion
by international watchdogs and em-
ployers.
Now, we await the next big step.
15
from page 8
WORKER’S VANGUARD
ceased, as the fact that 16 of the
bodies have not yet been found
places those 16 seamen in a legal
limbo, as they cannot be declared le-
gally dead without a body until four
years have passed. In the meantime,
their families receive nothing. I be-
lieve that provisions must be made
for the families of those missing and
in danger of death, as their situation
is analogous to the families of those
who suffer permanent total disabil-
ity in the sense that they complete-
ly lose the income of the presumed
deceased, but are not entitled to any
death benefits. This is a matter that
I shall study in the hopes of pro-
posing a bill that will help alleviate
the suffering of the families of those
who go missing in the line of duty.
For now, all I can do is join
my prayers with those of others, for
the souls of the departed, and the
succour and comfort of those left
behind.

Join Us And Be A
from page 14 dent, illness or death, in exchange
The Unholy of an amount which shall be re-
tained or deducted from the mon-
AllIANCE...

Part Of Our Team!

illness or disability can then be in-
terpreted as total and permanent
and entitled to 100% compensa-
tion, depending on the whim and
caprice of the seafarer. Such should
not be countenanced as such is not
the intent of the framers of our
contractual provisions.”
Miguel A. V. Rocha, exec-
utive vice president and chief op-
erating officer of C.F. Sharp had
said they will ask the board to re-
view its decision.
In view of the recent
NCMB decision, this prompted
Mr. Ramirez to press lawmakers to
immediately pass a law to prevent
abuses in the maritime sector.
Under the Senate bill, it
shall be unlawful for any person to
engage in soliciting, personally or
through an agent, from a seafarer
or any other worker or their heirs,
the pursuit of any claim against an
employer for the recovery of mon-
etary claim or benefit, including
legal interest, arising from acci-
etary claim or benefit granted to
or awarded to the seafarer or other
worker or heirs thereof.
Any lawyer who appears
Please Visit Our Office at:
as counsel for the seafarer or other
worker or their heirs, in any case
TUTELA MARINE INC.
before the National Labor Rela-
tions Commission or any labor
4th Floor, Zen Building, 647 J. Nakpil Street
arbiter, the NCMB, the POEA, the Malate, Manila
Department of Labor and Employ- (Near AMOSUP Mariner’s Home)
ment or its regional offices, or oth-
er quasi-judicial bodies handling
labor disputes, shall be entitled to
an attorney’s fees not exceeding
ten percent (10%) of the compen-
sation or benefit awarded to the
seafarer or other worker or heirs
thereof. This fee shall not be pay-
able before the actual payment of
the compensation or benefit. Any
stipulation to the contrary shall be
null and void.
Fines ranging from
P50,000 to P100,000, imprison-
ment of up to two years or both
penalties at the discretion of the
court will be imposed to any per-
son in violation of the proposal.
 16 TINIG NG MARINO
C/ENGR. RODOLFO B. VIRTUDAZO
Outstanding Seafarer of the Year, NSD, 1998
Most Outstanding Marine Engineer Officer, PRC, 1999
Technical Superintendent ABACUS Ship Management Limited
I
n Christianity, the Annuncia-
tion is the revelation to Mary,
the mother of Jesus by the
archangel Gabriel that she would
conceive a child to be born the
Son of God. The Christian church-
es celebrate this with the feast of
Annunciation on March 25, which
is nine months before the feast of
the Nativity of Jesus, or Christmas.
The date of the Annunciation was
also the New Year in many plac-
es, including England (where it is
called Lady Day) and the Ameri-
can colonies. The traditional loca-
Advent And Annunciation
tion of the Annunciation is in the
town of Nazareth, Israel, where is
currently located the Church of
the Annunciation.
The Feast of the Annunci-
ation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(25 March), also called in old
calendars: FESTUM INCARNA-
TIONIS, INITIUM REDEMP-
TIONIS CONCEPTIO CHRISTI,
ANNUNTIATIO CHRISTI, AN-
NUNTIATIO DOMINICA. In
the Orient, where the part which
Mary took in the Redemption
is celebrated by a special feast,
VAST HORIZON
26 December, the Annunciation
is a feast of Christ; in the Latin
Church, it is a feast of Mary. It
probably originated shortly before
or after the council of Ephesus (c.
431). At the time of the Synod of
Laodicea (372) it was not known;
St. Proclus, Bishop of Constan-
tinople (d. 446), however, seems to
mention it in one of his homilies.
He says, that the feast of the com-
ing of Our Lord and Savior, when
He vested Himself with the nature
of man (quo hominum genus in-
dutus), was celebrated during the
entire fifth century. This homily,
however, may not be genuine, or
the words may be understood of
the feast of Christmas.
So we tell the children
that Advent means arrival, com-
ing, and emphasize that it stands
first of all for the approach of the
promised Messiah, and second-
ly for the return of the ascended
Christ at the end of the world.
Both thoughts are expressed in
the liturgy of the Advent and
Christmas season, including the
feast of the Epiphany, which not
only celebrates the revelation of
the divinity of Christ...but also
the final revelation of his King-
ship in the last judgment.” The
first spiritual preparation of the
family centers about a full un-
derstanding of Holy Mass, of the
three comings of our Lord: as the
child at Bethlehem, as the Judge
at the end of the world, and in
sanctifying grace each day, pro-
vided we stay away from sin,
and remain always ready to of-
fer Him the thanksgiving which
is the Mass and to incorporate
ourselves into Him at Holy Com-
munion. At the end of this prepa-
ration, or at the Sunday dinner,
MARCH - APRIL 2015
the father of the family begins the
family prayer with the blessing of
the wreath, and the oration for the
First Sunday. In the light of the
single candle the children lift up
their voices in an Advent song.
A teacher, mother or fa-
ther with a little imagination may
introduce the children to a little
archeology. The youngsters could
be told how, long, long ago people
lived in Asia, and how with suc-
ceeding ages and civilizations and
new peoples, cities became cov-
ered with dust, and other people
built cities upon the foundations
of the old. The stational church of
today is the Basilica of the Holy
Cross of Jerusalem, which always
meant to the Romans their own
city of Jerusalem. This most an-
cient city was that of the Jews,
where Our Lord Himself began
His divine mission of salvation.
The Jerusalem of Christianity, the
Holy Church, has supplanted this
city with the new Jerusalem of the
law of charity. Today the Savior is
to come into the Church, into the
Jerusalem of the Christians. Upon
the rock of the Church is built the
heavenly Jerusalem which shall be
the permanent home of the bless-
ed. But the Savior wishes also to
come into a fourth Jerusalem, that
of our souls and it is especially
important that we decorate and
adorn this last Jerusalem for the
coming of the Redeemer.
At the Epiphany the
Church announces a message of
great joy: “Be lighted, O Jerusa-
lem, for the glory of the Lord is
risen upon thee.” This is the pur-
pose of all Christmas decorations
continued on page 42
from page 4
ON THE HELM
provisions, as all seafarers are now re-
quired to complete a minimum ap-
proved sea-going service and to have
completed an approved education
and training program before they
qualify for the next higher certificates
of competence.
The introduction of the able
seafarer deck and able seafarer en-
gine into the STCW Convention un-
der the 2010 amendments involved
substantial reductions in sea time
from the requirements of ILO Con-
vention 74. The competency tables
were revised to reflect modern ship
requirements and the demands of
today’s vessels.
2. The alternative method –
refers to STCW certificates issued to
enable the holder to perform differ-
ent functions that are not necessar-
ily within the same department. The
certificate will specify the functions
and the level of responsibility. A can-
didate for alternative certification
will need to qualify in all these func-
tions at a determined level of respon-
sibility in one department (deck/en-
gine) before being able to qualify for
other functions (at the same level or
responsibility) in a different depart-
ment. The purpose of alternative cer-
tification is to allow for shipboard or-
ganization to be in line with modern
technological developments and to
open a new career path for seafarers.
Under the convention, ship Owners
are not allowed to use alternative
certification as a means of reducing
the number of crew on board and in-
creasing everybody else’s work load
or to undermine the integrity of the
profession by assigning combined
deck and engine room watch keep-
ing duties to a single certificate hold-
er during a watch. Be it known that
very few parties have elected to issue
certificates this way.
General requirements for Officers:
To know the exact require-
ments and standards of competence
for each certificate, you must consult
Chapters II (masters and deck depart-
ment), III (engine department), IV
(radio personnel, V (training require-
ments for personnel on certain types
of ship), VI ( emergency, occupation-
al safety, medical care and survival
functions ) of the STCW Convention.
These chapters must be read in con-
junction with the respective section
of Part A of the STCW Code.
New requirements of the amended
2010 STCW:
All ships must have a quali-
fied Security Officer delegated by the
Company and the Master of the ship,
who is responsible for ensuring that
all crew are familiarized and trained
in security matters for that vessel.
Likewise, the revised con-
vention has introduced Bridge Re-
source Management and Engine
Resource Management requirement
for senior officers; and leadership
and management skills within their
certificate. Companies are respon-
sible for providing training in these
areas where seafarers do not have
appropriate training. Where a com-
pany requires to carry an electro –
technical officer (ETO), they should
comply with the new competency
requirements under Chapter III/6.
General requirements for Ratings:
Ratings fall under three gen-
eral categories; those forming part of
a watch (deck/engine), those who are
not assigned watch keeping duties, and
those undergoing training. A rating is
required to meet the minimum stand-
ards of medical fitness, minimum age,
competence, and seagoing service
time. Ratings who are not assigned
watch keeping duties or those still un-
dergoing training are not required to
hold watch keeping certificates. Rat-
ings forming part of a watch (deck/
engine) need to be specifically certi-
fied for this function. Certificates for
ratings forming part of a watch are not
subject to revalidation. Other certifi-
cates are subject to refresher training.
Basic Safety training for ratings:
Ratings serving on any type
of ship who are designated with safe-
ty, security and pollution prevention
responsibilities in the operation of
ships, need to complete the basic
safety training. This requirement ap-
plies practically to all ratings serving
on merchant ships as well as to rat-
ings undergoing training. Basic safe-
ty training should be documented
as having taken place within five (5)
years of a rating’s being assigned to
safety and pollution prevention duties.
An approved training course must be
completed or an evidence must be
provided that the required standards
of competence in these functions
within the previous five years were
fulfilled /achieved i.e., record of drills
or letters from a training center.
 18 TINIG NG MARINO
FRANCISCO J. COLAYCO
Chairman, Colayco Foundation for Education
Entrepreneur, Venture Developer and Financial Advisor
D
ahil sa pagbisita ng Santo
Papa Francis na hinihikayat
tayong lahat na maging sim-
ple, naisip kong ulitin sa mga susunod
na linggo ang mga artikulong sinulat
ko tungkol dito. Maraming libro at
website ang nagtuturo kung paano
gawing simple ang buhay. Isa rito
ang website na Zen Habits (tingnan
sa http://zenhabits.net/simple-liv-
ing-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simpli-
fy-your-life ). Hindi maitatanggi na
kapag ginawang mas simple ang bu-
hay, mababawasan din ang gastos.
Gusto kong ipakita ang mga ideya ng
Zen Habits mula sa pananaw ng pera.
Bawat tao ay may sariling in-
terpretasyon kung ano ang simpleng
buhay. Ayon sa diksyunaryo, ang kahu-
lugan ng “simple” ay “madaling main-
tidihan o maisagawa.” Kung gayon, ang
simpleng buhay ay ang pagpili ng mga
bagay na madaling maisagawa, at hin-
di kumplikado. Nangangahulugan din
ito ng pagpili lamang sa mga bagay na
pinahahalagahan mo, at pagkakaroon
ng oras na gawin kung ano ang gusto
mong gawin.
Pero, mas madali itong sabi-
hin kaysa gawin. Para doon sa may
pera, mahirap na talikuran ang mga
nakasanayang karangyaan.
Para naman doon sa walang
masyadong pera o naghihikaos, paano
magiging mas simple pa ang buhay
kung kapus-na-kapos na nga sila? Gay-
on pa man, hindi matatawang na sim-
ple ang kanilang buhay dahil stressed
na stressed sila para matustusan ang
mga pangangailangan. Napakakump-
likado ng buhay nila. Ang pinakama-
halaga ay maabot ang balanseng buhay
sa pamamagitan ng:
- Pag-intindi kung ano ba ang
pinakamahalaga para sa iyo.
- Pagkakaroon ng tapang at determi-
nasyon na talikuran ang mga bagay
na hindi pinakamahalaga sa iyo.
“Tip No.1. Ilista ang 4-5 na
pinakaimportanteng bagay para sa
iyo. Ano ang pinakaimportante sa iyo?
Ano pinakapinahahalagahan mo? Ano
MARCH - APRIL 2015
PISOBILITIES
Gawing Simple ang Buhay
ang 4-5 na bagay na pinakagusto mong Kung personal na pananalapi huwag nang pagkaabalahan ang mga
gawin sa buhay mo? Dito magsisimu- na ang pag-uusapan, pinapayo kong iyon. Pagtuunan lamang ng pansin ang
lang maging simple ang buhay. Kapag piliin ang tamang trabaho para sa iyo mga bagay na mahalaga. Baguhin kung
nagtakda ng mga prioridad sa buhay, kung ikaw man ay empleyado. Kung paano ginagamit ang iyong araw.”
nagiging mas maluwang ang iyong bu- entrepreneur ka naman, kailangan Maliban na lamang kung
hay para sa mga bagay na pinakama- mong mahanap ang tamang aktibidad napakayaman mo na, siguradong
halaga sa iyo.” o negosyo para sa iyo. Empleyado ka kailangan mo ng extra income. Mar-
Kung ia-aapply ito sa iyong man o entrepreneur, magtatagumpay aming nag-iisip na hindi na nila
pinansiyal na buhay, makikita mo ang ka lamang kung talagang masaya ka sa kayang magsideline dahil wala na
kahalagahan ng paggawa ng iyong ginagawa mo. Kahit na mahalaga ang silang oras. Kung pag-aaralan nang
Statement of Assets and Liabilities pera, ang balanseng buhay ang tutulo- husto ang iyong oras, at isasaayos ang
(SAL). Makikita sa SAL ang lahat ng ng sa iyo na magpatuloy. iyong listahan ng mga bagay na dap-
iyong pag-aari (ASSETS), pati na rin Paano mo ginag- at gawin, mas mauunawaan mo kung
ang lahat ng mga obligasyon na dapat amit ang isang araw? Ano ang mga paano magagamit nang mas mainam
bayaran (LIABILITIES). Ang diper- ginagawa mo, mula sa paggising hang- ang oras mo. Saka mo makikita ang
ensiya ang siyang NET WORTH mo. gang sa pagtulog? Gumawa ng lista at oras na pwede mong gamitin para sa
Kung alam mo kung saan ka naroroon alamin kung tugma ba ang mga iyon
ngayon, mas madaling makita kung sa iyong mga priyoridad. Kung hindi, continued on page 46
saan ka makakarating sa hinaharap.
Kung ikaw ang tatanungin,
ano ang 4-5 na pinakamahalagang
bagay na kayang bilhin ng pera?
Ito ang iyong mga layuning pinan-
siyal, at maaaring kasama rito ang
iyong inaasam na bahay, sasakyan,
edukasyon ng mga anak, bakasyon,
at iba pa. Ngunit siguraduhing is-
ali ang layunin na “Makapagretiro
(kapag hindi na talagang nagtratra-
baho) pero kaya pa ring sustentuhan
ang piniling lifestyle.”
Kapag naunawaan mo na
ang mga ito, kaya mo nang i-com-
pute kung magkano ang kailangan
mong ipunin para maabot ang iyong
mga layunin.
“Tip. No. 2: Pag-aralan ang
mga pinagkakaabalahan o commit-
ments mo. Tingnan mo ang lahat ng
nangyayari sa buhay mo. Tingnan ang
lahat, kasama dito ang iyong gawain sa
tahanan, mga pang-sibikong gawain,
mga obligasyon sa anak, mga side busi-
nesses, at ibang proyekto. Pagmuni-mu-
nihan kung alin sa mga ito ang tunay na
makahulugan para sa iyo, alin sa mga ito
ang totoong gusto mong gawin. Alin sa
mga ito ang tugma sa 4-5 na pinakama-
halagang bagay na inilista mo? Huwag
nang pagkaabalahan pa iyong mga hin-
di naman tugma sa 4-5 na pinakama-
halagang bagay para sa iyo.”
MARCH - APRIL 2015
NSM Pulls the Lever on Raising the
Global Mindset of Filipino Seafarers
Oh , East is East and West is West,
and never the twain shall meet,
Till Earth and Sky stand presently at
God’s great Judgement seat;
But there is neither East nor West,
Border, nor Breed, nor Birth,
When two strong men stand face to
face, though they come from the
ends of the earth!
-Rudyard Kipling ,1889.
I
n this era, we witness the reality of this
ballad as globalization sets in. Asians
and European work together, and
the ship is one of a common work-
place. Proof of this is NET Ship Manage-
ment Inc. and their foreign principals.
During their officers and crew confer-
ence held in Manila last March, more
than 200 Filipino seafarers from all over
the Philippines attended the workshop
and interacted with their Western
(Scandinavian) principals.
The theme of the confer-
ence referred to as “Global Mindset
for the Filipino Seafarers, “ aimed for
a better cultural understanding of Fil-
ipinos or Asians, from the view of the
western principals, and vice versa.
And what is the global mindset all
about that they were referring to?
BREAKING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
“The world is small, and we
need to adjust and adapt, to work
and get closer together on cultural
vbasis,” according to Torben Ander-
sen of Uni Tankers when interviewed
by Tinig ng Marino. It is working with a
mindset. It is not all about doing what
needs to be done and being obedi-
ent. We have our own opinion, and
we need to be outspoken. to have
self-confidence and maintain individ-
uality,” he said, referring to the crew.
Christer Ekstrom of Wisby
Ship Management shared the same
opinion on cultural issues and global
mindset, “We are here to get inspired
on how the Filipino culture affects
us. He believed in the core values of
the Filipinos being Christian people,
however, with the pros there are
cons that need to be balanced.
His observations on the Fil-
ipino culture included the popular
“Filipino time,” which he referred to
as “any time” or perhaps mañana
procrastination, known as the mana-
na habit too. “We must be ready a
day before,” he said. If we have a
commitment, give your best ever. Al-
ways be ready, and be prepared for
the future.” He advised the seafarers
to update their documents and not
to wait for expiration, “ Be smart. act
right away. There will be lots of reve-
lations,” Ekstrom hinted. On a more
personal note, he was particular
about the way seafarers handle their
money. He was suggesting the crew
to save and manage their finances.
Petra Sandsjo of Thun Ship-
ping, encouraged cooperation
among nationalities, having mixed
crew-Polish,Ukrainian,Latvian, Swed-
ish, Indonesian, Filipinos and more.
“That is why I am here.. to learn.
Despite having a little background
about the Filipino crew, she had
some positive impressions, such as
friendliness, hospitality, loyalty and
skills in English language, But she
preferred the crew to be firm to
stand and speak up. “ Sometimes,
they keep to themselves, and do
not complain. And if they do not un-
derstand , ask again and do not say
‘yes’, when it is ‘no’,” she conveyed.
Mr. Kenneth Thoren of NSM
said likewise. “Our deck officers are
well educated, yet we want them to
be more assertive, not to be intimi-
dated and be honest and confident
in expressing opinions. It is okay to
say ‘No’,” he said.
NSM President Dr. Rosalia
Tapia Caballero, a Clinical Psy-
chologist, has produced several tai-
lor-made assessment and workshop
for their crew. On this occasion, she
focused on the productive and
counterproductve behaviors af-
fecting the organization. With quiz-
zes and role-playing, they identified
the positive and negative effects of
each behavior. “This activity is for
everyone to have a balance-work
attitude, and to achieve a degree
TINIG NG MARINO
of assertiveness, without being ag-
gressive,” she said.
The Principals also spent
time with the families of the seafar-
ers when they attended the Meet-
ing with the NET Families who are
living in Cagayan De Oro, Bukidnon,
Butuan, and Davao. The family get
together happened in Mallberry
Suites in CDO on March 14, 2015.
PAY BACK TIME TO THE RETIREES
NSM coincided the award-
ing of loyalty recognition to its crew
with 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service
to the company, as NSM and the for-
mer Micronesia Manpower Resources
Corp. celebrates its 25 years in the
business. There were 43 recipients for
the 10-year loyalty award, 28 in the 15
year-service, 43 who has been with
NSM for two decades and 41 who are
celebrating their silver anniversary in
the company.
NSM , true to its one com-
pany and one family tenet, made
one inspiring act on inviting ten of
their retired seafarers-to be given a
surprise- a recognition for their hard-
work and dedication.
Captain Luis Tapia, EVP for
Operations, was excited to present
the distinction.” I look forward to this,
doing something we have never
done before in our conferences, es-
pecially to the gentlemen very close
to our hearts.- our retirees- sorry to say
retirees, “ he said jokingly, putting em-
phasis to them as his idol.
“We owed a lot to these gen-
tlemen. They are a part of the initial
group of seafarers who were asked to
do a special mission to work in foreign
vessels… which you are now enjoying-
a beneficial result of their efforts be-
cause they were able to successfully
do their job and gain the confidence of
the foreign shipowners. Capt Tapia ad-
viced the young seafarers not to waste
the efforts done by the retirees. He en-
couraged them to continue what they
have started. “ Love your career as you
love your family. Be loyal to the people
who helped you and your family for a
19
better future,” his parting words.
According to Dr.Cabal-
lero,NET Ship Management Inc., be-
ing one family of seafarers, and in
honor of their great grandfather and
father, they consider every seafarer
in their company as their own kin too.
“We pay tribute to our retirees, even
in a small way like this, they are re-
membered, the same way that any-
one of us, when we get older, we are
not forgotten and being set aside.”
Ms. June Medel , NSM Train-
ing Directress also imparted that NSM
is in constant communication with
their retirees, and support is always
available. NSM is truly one big family
as they are composed of generations
of seafarers. “We have sons, grand-
sons and relatives of our former and
active seafarers,” she mentioned.
With the presence of con-
cerned government agency rep-
resentatives, Director Nini Lanto of
the Philippine Overseas Employment
Agency (POEA), Admin. Rebecca
Calzado of the Overseas Welfare Ad-
ministration (OWWA), Chiefmate Mi-
chael John Esplago, STCW-MARINA)
and Jose Raul ”Butch” V. Lamug of
Associated Marine Officers’ And Sea-
men’s Union Of The Philippines (AMO-
SUP) several important issues were
discussed during the opening of the
two-day conference, shedding light to
the concerns of the local and interna-
tional maritime industry professionals.
The topics included were
STCW Circulars and Development
in MARINA by C/O M. Esplago,Re-
claiming Your Health, S Lofgren
(SP/F Furetank Shipping),Health and
Exercises A. Anacin of Tinity/Cocol-
ife, Safety Culture Onboard by H.
Kallson (Thun Ship),Optimization De-
mands for Seafarers Capt. G. Modin
(Wisby), Relationship of Personali-
ty with Job Performance by J. Me-
del (NSM), Updates on EMSA audit,
Coaching and Leadership Onboard
by Capt. L. Fly of Unitankers, Ethics in
the workplace by P. Barkman (Sirius
Shipping) , NET for Visayas Part II by
G. Tolentino and J. Martinez (NSM).
# NSM Conference 2015
 20 TINIG NG MARINO MARCH - APRIL 2015

PAULO VILLAVICENCIO
Correspondent, Maritime Piracy
Humanitarian Response Philippines
(MPHRP)

MPHRP Aftercare: Helping Rebuild Survivors’ Lives

Ronel Esclares (3rd from left), with MV Eglantine survivors and Jun Pablo (right) of Jun Pablo (left) of MPHRP Philippines during his aftercare visitation to Ronel Eslares
MPHRP Philippines, in their aftercare free psycho-trauma counseling session in Manila. (right) and Ronel’s wife, Mary Gee (middle) with their one-year old baby.

A
s the Maritime Piracy Hu-
manitarian Response Pro-
gramme deals with the hu-
manitarian aspects of piracy from
preparation through first emergen-
cy response to aftercare, the last
phase has undoubtedly been the
organization’s challenge. Assisting
survivors and their families in the
recovery and rehabilitation period
at home is more important than
welcoming them at the airport and
making sure that they go to their
homes safe and secure.
The trauma of piracy in a
survivor’s life never vanishes but it
wanes in years. Eventually, he will
have a rebuilt life to continue ful-
filling his familial responsibilities.
However, the rebuilding process is
tough. Piracy survivors face serious
problems with their family as their
mental health and financial securi-
ty are majorly affected. Apparently,
most of their cases go “from the hell
of captivity into the hell of release.”
MPHRP’s visitations and
phone follow-ups, free psycho-trau-
ma counseling, financial aid for
children’s education and support for
other basic family needs are what
MPHRP offers as part of its care
continuum to all survivors and fam-
ilies affected by piracy. A recipient
for years, Ronel Esclares, an MV Eg-
lantine crew survivor, has expressed
his utmost appreciation for the help
he has been receiving from MPHRP
in a recent conversation with him.
Having frequent mood
swings and having been very tem-
peramental at home months after
his release, Ronel has benefited
from a number of free psycho-trau-
ma counseling sessions, with oth-
er MV Eglantine crew survivors,
through MPHRP partnerships with
psycho-trauma experts in Manila.
While MPHRP provided their fare
during their counseling session
days, Ronel also attended briefings
and meetings with Regional Direc-
tor of MPHRP Philippines/South-
east Asia Rancho Villavicencio.
His financial power to sus-
tain his family, in time, dwindled
as his daughter stopped school-
ing while he was debt-bound to
a 6-month house rent. MPHRP
shouldered some of his daughter’s
university school supply fees and
applied her for a scholarship but due
to age requirement, the application
was not approved. Ronel was giv-
en no choice but to send her to the
province in his in-laws. On a lighter
note, Ronel was granted a 6-month
worth financial aid from MPHRP, to
pay his house rent debt.
Very few survivors decide
to go back on board due to trauma.
Instead, they look for another job
ashore as what Ronel did. Getting
re-employed has been a struggle for
him that after years of job hunting
and application, employers would
not hire him due to salary appre-
hension; he has been unemployed
for 3 years now.
Currently enduring, he
sometimes sells military pants to
friends and his wife, Mary Gee has
started working in a call center.
Through his occasional business,
small savings and Mary Gee’s sala-
ry, they are continuously picking up
their lives to survive. MPHRP con-
ducts visitations and follow-ups to
the Esclares family to check on them
and their present condition.
Ending the chat, Ronel
thanked MPHRP for its unwaver-
ing assistance to him and his family:
“Ako’y nagpapasalamat sa MPHRP
dahil naging mabuti sila sa amin.
Sinusuportahan at tinutulungan nila
kami. Lagi talaga silang nasa likod
namin. (I am thankful to MPHRP
for they have been kind to us. They
always support and help us. They
are truly there for us always.)”
To All Seafarers and Families
The MPHRP is still in con-
stant search for seafarers and fami-
lies affected by maritime piracy. We
want to meet and assist you. Our
office in Manila International Sea-
farers’ Centre in Port Area is open
weekdays for assistance. Feel free
to contact Jun Pablo at junpablo@
mphrp.org or at 0921 356 6088.
Visit our website at www.mphrp.
org for more information of our
services.
 MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 21

Piracy drops but crew kidnapping at sea rises;

Asia replaces Somalia as hot spot
by Chrystal Ventura
Kidnappings in Gulf of Guinea
Meanwhile, in the Gulf
of Guinea, there are mixed
developments. The good
news is that the incidences of
piracy in this area dropped by
18 percent compared to 2013
statistics. The bad news is that
the proportion of 2014 inci-
dences that resulted in crew
kidnapping was higher than
the previous year’s report.
Regional data for the Gulf
of Guinea reveal that crews
onry and tactics used, evi-
dence points to kidnapping
as the motive for the attacks.
The IMB notes that many fur-
ther attacks went unreported.
Maritime intelligence
company Dryad Maritime
warns that kidnapping at sea
will likely increase in 2015 give
the shipping companies’ and
owners’ willingness to negoti-
ate with criminal gangs for the
safe return of crew.
Convicted Somali pirates to

A
fter a few years of no-
tably lower incidences
of piracy in the world’s
seas, it becomes apparent
that there is absolutely no
room for complacency. While
attacks in the Gulf of Aden
and Indian Ocean are at an
all-time low since the pirate
scourge that began in 2008,
recent reports also indicate
a concentration of pirate
threats in Asia. The Interna-
tional Maritime Bureau’s (IMB)
2014 report reveals that Asia
has become the new hot spot
for maritime crime.
The 21 percent in-
crease in maritime crime that
occurred in Asian waters is
even more alarming in the
context of a 44 percent drop
in worldwide incidences. The
intergovernmental anti-piracy
group revealed that for 2014,
there were a total of 245 cas-
es of actual and attempted
acts of piracy worldwide; 183,
or 75 percent, of these cas-
es occurred in Asian waters,
particularly in the Southeast
Asian region. This is the high-
est record for Asia since 2006,
the year when the Regional
Cooperation Agreement on
Combating Piracy and Armed
Robbery against Ships in Asia
(ReCAAP) started compiling
global incidence reports.
The bulk of Asian inci-
dences were due to a rise on
tanker hijackings. Attacks in
Asia are mainly low-level cas- were taken captive from 14 receive compensation
es of theft from ships at ports vessels; two of these attacks
and anchorages. Last year, occurred inside Nigeria’s ter- Meanwhile, the issue
there were no less than 12 ritorial waters while the rest of dealing with piracy remains
tankers that had their gasoil were further offshore. complex on so many levels.
cargoes siphoned and stolen. There were also 14 un- Just last December, the Euro-
Still, the danger to crew can- successful attacks within the pean Court of Human Rights
not be discounted, as in the Nigerian exclusive economic
case of an engineer who died zone (EEZ). Given the weap- continued on page 61
after being shot by pirates in a
vessel seizure in Singapore last
December.
Experts say that the
heightened security measures
being observed by ships ply-
ing the Gulf of Aden and Indi-
an Ocean such as the use of
armed guards, naval force as-
sistance, and non-lethal ship
defenses like barbed wires
and high-pressure hoses have
certainly helped deter pirate
attacks. However, maritime
security experts warn that the
same measures are not neces-
sarily applicable to the Asian
situation. Piracy incidences in
West Africa and Somalia often
involve violent hijackings and
kidnappings, which warrant
the use of threat and force to
subdue criminal elements.
In Asia where pirates
are mostly interested in cargo
thefts and shipboard robbery,
armed guards could actually
incite an escalation in the lev-
el of violence. ReCAAP’s pro-
posal is to extend naval and
coast guard patrol from the
Malacca Strait into the South
China Sea.
 22 TINIG NG MARINO
Splash Philippines, Inc.
Riding the Winds of Change for 2015
F
or the staff and crew
of Splash Philippines,
Inc. (SPI), 2015 is shap-
ing out to be a year of high
aspirations. Last March 19,
SPI officially inaugurated its
spanking new offices, after
24 years at their old address
in Velco Center, Port Area
Manila. After a hectic few
months spent packing and
getting organized, SPI is fi-
nally ready to begin a new
chapter in its new offices
at the First Gilmore Building
along historic Roxas Boule-
vard.
The simple ribbon
cutting ceremony revealed
a contemporary interior
that features glass parti-
tions and chrome fixtures.
The new site, according to
VP and Finance Manag-
er Essex M. Bernal, are al-
most twice the size of their
former offices. “I suppose
that this is a long overdue
move, after all. Imagine, in
1991 when we started in a
500-square meter space,
there were only 7 of us of-
ficers. Back then, our man-
ning company was only
handling 19 vessels. Here
we are 23 years later and
now there are about 45
staff members and more
ships coming under our
belt. It obviously got very
crowded.
We now have much
better training facilities—
we have almost an entire
floor dedicated for that
purpose. One of our main
targets for 2015 is to really
drive quality within our sea-
farers. Right now, we have
about 2000 personnel de-
ployed at sea, and we cer-
tainly hope to be recruiting
even more. Focusing on
training is one way to main-
tain our people’s compet-
itive edge, especially now
that there are a lot of new
regulations and stricter
standards for the maritime
industry”. Bernal explains.
This opinion is sec-
onded by President and
CEO Lorenzo Estrada II, who
mentions that while the old
offices certainly had some
sentimental value for those
who have been with the
company from the begin-
ning, it was about time for
MARCH - APRIL 2015
change: “We moved part-
ly in consideration of our
employees and seafarers.
It’s time for them to have
a healthier and safer work
environment and that was
one of the criteria that we
really considered when we
were looking for a new of-
fice site.
The past five months had
been hectic, to tell you the
truth. The decision to move
to another location was
actually decided on just
last November and then
we found the building last
December. It’s not easy to
pack everything you have
accumulated for more
than two decades but we
are getting there. For 2015,
we plan to get settled first
 MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 23
and then we’ll see about
further expansion. The two-
year outlook is to get our
fleet to 100, but of course,
we don’t want to be too
hasty. Above everything
else, we have to make sure
that the quality and com-
petency is always there.”
In his lighthearted
speech, Estrada acknowl-
edged the seafarers as the
lifeblood of the company
and gave sincere thanks to
the staff’s contribution and
support. The staff looked on
proudly as their CEO laugh-
ingly recalled the hard
work that went into getting
settled in, grateful that the
long hours and the inevita-
ble adjustments are now
a thing of the past. There
were agreeing murmurs
and nods all around as SPI
principal Mr. Shun Imada
mentioned that the new
SPI quarters are certainly a
far cry from the dark and
rather tight spaces in the
former office. His short ad-
dress ended with an em-
phatic statement: “You are
all my family.”
The brief programme
ended with a coin shower
for good luck and prosper-
ity. SPI employees gamely
scrambled to collect the
loose change as it tinkled
musically on the smooth
marble floors. Everybody
then trooped downstairs
for departmental photos
before heading off to the
celebratory lunch.
As SPI wholehearted-
ly pushes towards expan-
sion, the manning company
is always in the lookout for
capable talents for deploy-
ment. Interested applicants
can get in touch at the
new SPI address: 2F and 3F
First Gilmore Building, No. 11
Roxas Boulevard corner Sta.
Monica St., Pasay City 1300.
-Chrystal Ventura
MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 25

Hepatitis-B: a Major threat to OFWs

Discrimination against worker positive with hepa-B virus remains a frustration
among Filipinos who wish to work overseas. While we have a local Non- Dis-
criminatory employment policy, refusal for deployment abroad is discretion
of foreign employers. This deprives a huge number of Filipinos with hepa-B
the opportunity to earn better and that leaves them more anxious about their
disease.
Hepatitis-B is the most common cause of liver cancer. The foundation
Institute for Hepa-B and Virus research reported 2 billion Hepa-B cases world-
wide and from which 1 million die each year in the Philippines, it is the second
leading cause of cancer that continues to take the lives of millions of Filipinos.
According to the World Health Organization, 60% of Philippines populations are
HBV positive of which 1-% are chronic or has progressed to liver cancer.
It is discomforting to know that 2 in every 15 Filipinos are Hepa-B
positive. This silent virus does not show early symptoms even people who
have had shots of Hepa-B vaccines could still get infected for years without
them knowing it. This has been the primary reason why
a huge number of denied from foreign deploy-
ment.
In the recent years statistical data remain
disturbing and have weakened the resolve of thou-
sands of Filipinos from the loss of opportunity to earn
abroad and with the apprehension of having Hepa-B
infection which is believed to be incurable by synthetic
drugs.
Hepa-B Free w/ The World’s Finest KRG
KRG approved by BFAD promotes retraction of damaged liver tissues and enhanc-
es recovery from impaired liver functions. This claim is backed by clinically tests
and attested by renowned scientist here and abroad. What more, patients who
have recovered from Hepa-B are continuously spreading the good news about this
once incurable disease now found its cure with KRG.
Free consultation and lectures on the management of Hepa-B virus will be
conducted by Ms. Digna Lizada or Dra. Ulep. For more information on the
benefits of herbs, visit Rm. 601 MBI Bldg., Plaza Sta. Cruz, Manila with contact
nos. T. 400-3488, 736-7732 or 0928-5019508 for details. Its Approved by BFAD.
 26 TINIG NG MARINO MARCH - APRIL 2015

Nigerian Cadets under Scholarship in Philippines Risk

Expulsion over Non-payment of School Fees

S
cores of Nigerian Cadets cur- about the same
rently on Federal government number study
scholarship in two maritime at Lyceum
Universities in Philippines are now University.
at the risk of expulsion from the A c -
schools following non-payment of cording to
their accumulated school fees and source, trouble
sundry allowances. started when
The students were among some students
those on scholarship under the were earlier re-
National Seafarers Development located to an-
Programme (NSDP), as part of the other univer-
core mandate of the Nigerian Mar- sity because of
itime Administration and Safety weather fore-
Agency (NIMASA) in capacity cast that there
development for the industry. may be likely
According to sources, the students outbreak of a
who are on scholarships to study typhoon in the that the agency initially slashed tal number of beneficiaries of the
naval architecture, marine engi- region. the allowance by 50 per cent until scholarship sent to Europe, Egypt
neering and nautical sciences at Following this, it was re-
it stopped the payment of the al- and The Philippines in two years is
the University of Cebu and Lyce- vealed that the school authority
lowance and tuitions. slightly over 2,500 with the agency
um University, are now stranded informed NIMASA of the devel-
The source added that planning to increase the figure to
in the Asian country waiting for opment and advised that their
some of the students were now 10,000 by year 2020.
government’s intervention. feeding allowance should be in-
doing casual jobs to sustain them- Indications are that efforts
It was learnt that 58 of them were creased. selves, while majority of them are to develop the Maritime Academy
at the UPHS, 350 in Cebu while However, it was alleged
now at the mercy of hunger and of Nigeria (MAN),Oron in Akwa
frustration. Ibom State, Nigeria’s maritime in-
NIMASA had stitution to global standard appear
WANTED spent N20 billion to train to have suffered good result.
by leading shipping company about 2,500 cadets in var- Similarly, the Nigeria Mar-
ious maritime institutions itime University’s admission for
TRAINING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFICER in Egypt, United King- 2014/15 academic session is five
Duties/Responsibilities include: dom and The Philippines. months backward to the take off
1. ISO 9000 - MLC 2006 Certification Nevertheless, it date. The University was estab-
2. Crew Pre-departure training/seminar was revealed that the lished recently and sited at Okeren-
agency has reneged on koko in Delta State by NIMASA.
3. Checking of proper documentation as per STCW
the arrangement to remit Reacting , the Deputy Di-
4. Monitor crew retention the fees to the cadets and rector/Head Public Relations NI-
5. Oversee officer developing program their feeding allowances MASA, Mr Isichei Osamgbi said
6. Oversee cooks training program and onboard to the various universi- no student was sent out of class-
monitoring program for victualing ties and the students re- room in Philippines.
spectively. In a press statement, he
Candidate must have background to undertake above task. Two separate said “to put the records straight,
emails sent by our corre- the school fees and other allow-
Please apply in person or email to: spondent to the author- ances of the NSDP beneficiaries in
ities of the two private all the institutions of their studies
FRIENDLY MARITIME SERVICES, INC. universities to confirm is not only budgeted for, but are
U908 Antel Global Corporate Center the status of the students also paid up to date with all the
#3 Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, were yet to receive re- students in the various institutions
sponse as at press time. undergoing regular trainings un-
Pasig City 1605
Under the pro- interrupted
email: friendmar@astern.com.ph gramme so far, the to- Source: nigeriancurrent.com
MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 27
 28 TINIG NG MARINO
#NoTo550 Coalition: Automation of P550 terminal fee
an Affront to Seafarer, OFW Rights
I
n the interests of OFW mi-
grant workers, the #Noto550
Coalition is refusing to con-
cede defeat in connection
with the airport terminal fee
integration scheme, at least
until the Manila Internation-
al Airport Authority (MIAA)
finds a way to implement it
without causing undue bur-
den for OFWs. The Coalition
called on the Department of
Transportation and Commu-
nication (DTC) and MIAA to
heed the senate resolution
to halt the implementation of
Memorandum Circular (MC)
No.8 Series of 2014 because
of its limited ability to distin-
guish between exempt and
non-exempt passengers at
point of sale, which requires
even OFWs to pay the IPSC.
The MIAA went ahead
with the scheduled rollout
of the policy last February 1,
despite months of public pro-
tests, an ongoing case be-
fore the Pasay City Region-
by Chrystal Ventura
al Trial Court – Branch 108,
and a pending inquiry by the
Senate Committee on Pub-
lic Services. Coalition mem-
bers pointed out that the act
showed defiance of the two
branches of government.
The Coalition has
found support in a recent
resolution initiated by Sena-
tors Cynthia Villar, Aquilino
“Koko” Pimentel III, Nancy
Binay and Senate Majority
Leader Alan Cayetano. Pro-
posed Senate Resolution No.
1179 strongly urges MIAA to
recall the integration scheme
“until after the appropriate
computer system that will
automatically exempt OFWs
as well as other locally-rec-
ognized exempt passengers
from paying the IPSC or air-
port terminal fee” can be put
in place. Sixteen more sena-
tors signed the resolution.
During the senate
committee probe led by
Senator Villar, an informa-
tion technology expert from
Microsoft Philippines testified
that it is possible to design a
software program that will
allow for online verification
of IPSC-exempt status. Philip-
pine Overseas Employment
Administration (POEA) un-
dersecretary Hans Leo Cac-
dac also reiterated that his
administration is very willing
to share their OFW database
with airlines to facilitate the
creation of such automated
program.
Anticipating objec-
tions over expense, Senator
Villar pointed out that the
significant contribution of
OFWs to the strength of the
Philippine economy should
more than justify the cost of
developing the computer
application that enables the
automatic honoring of IP-
SC-exemptions.
Three days after
MIAA implemented the air-
port terminal fee integration
scheme, hundreds of OFWs
and their families joined
#NoTo550 Coalition march to
Mendiola to protest MIAA’s
unconstitutional disregard
for OFW rights. The protesters
carried placards that asked
the government to respect
the law, and to have some
compassion for the migrant
worker population who have
unflaggingly strengthened
the country’s economic
standing.
MARCH - APRIL 2015
In their respective
press releases, the Coalition
pointed out that MIAA’s MC
No.8 is a shortsighted policy
that violates the OFWs rights
to terminal fee exemption
as declared in Section 35
of Republic Act 8042, other-
wise known as the amended
Migrant Worker and Over-
seas Filipinos Act. Section 35,
amended by Republic Act
10022, exempts OFWs from
paying airport or terminal
fee, travel tax, and docu-
mentary tax.
The said MC No. 8
contains the implementing
guidelines for the integration
of international passenger
service charge (IPSC) into
airline tickets at point of sale,
directing airline carriers and
their agents to collect the
current fee of Php550 from
all departing passengers,
regardless of IPSC-exemp-
tion status. This means that
everyone who purchases
an international plane ticket
that enplanes from Manila
will be automatically paying
the terminal fee on top of the
price of their airfare. OFWs
and other locally-exempt
passengers can apply for a
reimbursement of the IPSC
at refund counters located
after immigration counters at
the airports, or at the MIAA
Administration Building itself.
continued on page 57
 30 TINIG NG MARINO
Crew and Family Gathering
Binds Them Together
H
ow do you best describe a bread-
winner such as the seafarers who
have to leave the family behind
for many months or years and be brave
enough to face the most difficult chal-
lenges of the high seas?
“You leave home to seek your
fortune and, when you get it, you go
home and share it with your family.”
Such is an apt quote from Anita Baker,
an American singer-songwriter, to define
a seafarer’s role. Without discounting
his profession, he is a responsible family
man who must earn a living to support
his own kin and even other relatives. This
is a typical setting of a Filipino close-knit
relationship either by affinity or consan-
guinity or both.
And as Barbara Bush, a wife and
a mother of former US Presidents, public-
ly said, “Togetherness is a very important
ingredient to family”. With the same sen-
timents, Allasia Newships Management
and VH Safety Management Overseas
S.A. give utmost importance to hold
some gatherings with their crew and
their families. They know it is payback
time on these occasions.
Among the best affairs for the
Filipinos to spend time with family is the
Christmas season. That is why the two ship
managers merged last year to sponsor a
MARCH - APRIL 2015
grand party for their crew held at Midas
Hotel, attended by almost 600 people.
Epsilon Manila was the year’s host man-
ning agency. Wives and children had the
chance to meet the employers of the pil-
lar of the household, interact with families
of other crew members, promote good-
will and group support and know, under-
stand and appreciate the job of the man
who provides for their needs, and cele-
brate victories together.
In this event, the management
took the opportunity and acknowl-
edged the family members of their
seafarers; recognized the outstanding
contributions and performances of their
crew; reported on the stability of the
fleet in terms of number of vessels and
demand for qualified crew; and assured
continuous employment, comprehen-
sive salary package, hands-on trainings
and overseas trainings. Also, announced
was the continuous expansion of the
fleet with an upcoming additional ves-
sels and share other good news. Cap-
tain Levy Capayas, managing director
of Epsilon Manila took the time to remark
on the concerted efforts of everybody,
being part of one large family such as
ALASSIA/SAFETY/EPSILON Manila.
Lots of good news indeed as
ALASSIA has a newbuilding vessel last
January and is expecting another de-
livery this March. Four years ago, it
started from zero to now three vessels.
SAFETY started with four, now having 14
on its roster of Panamax-size, Capesize
and Handy-size bulk carriers.
In adherence to their concept of a
family, the welfare of not only their crew,
but also their families is in their priorities
MARCH - APRIL 2015
Captain Dennis Alea, crew manager of
Alassia and Safety, revealed some of the
benefits that their crew and families are
availing such as timely remittance of al-
lotment, interest free cash advance or
loans, and health insurance coverage for
their seafarers and families. They also pro-
vide welcome bonus, standby bonus, loy-
alty bonus and return to company bonus.
Gratefully, he announced that their com-
pany has ZERO insurance claims for 2014
living up to the company’s name SAFETY,
with 340 men onboard, and about 1000
crew members in total.
And speaking of openhanded-
ness, give-aways and exciting prizes
were raffled off to all the attendees and
nobody went home empty handed.
Mr. Anastasios Peppas, deputy crew
manager, Safety Management Over-
seas S.A., made a surprised awarding
of Plaque of Appreciation to their crew
who done 11 years of sea service for
their loyalty. With Alassia, USD 250 each
was drawn out of their pockets for lucky
40 seafarers, onboard or onshore, in the
spirit of giving and fun on Christmas.
The latest addition to the perks
for the crew and their families is the ap-
TINIG NG MARINO 31
proved promotion of Chief Mate to Mas-
ter based on their set of criteria, for the
realization of career path and growth.
Moreover, they plan to hire cadets for
the officers’ programs and will tie up with
various academic institutions.
As for the shore-based staff in
Manila, they are enjoying an “exclu-
sive office” they refer to as “an office
within an office.” Due to the increasing
number of vessels, they needed a larg-
er space to accommodate the influx of
crew and clients.
Allasia Newships Management
Incorporated was founded in 2009. The
company offers the full spectrum of ship-
management services to owners of ves-
sels that transport dry bulk commodities
on a worldwide basis
On the other hand Safety Man-
agement Overseas was incorporated
in 1994. It has entered into a new man-
agement contract to provide exclusive
technical, administrative and commer-
cial services to Safe Bulkers Inc., a com-
pany listed in the New York Stock Ex-
change during its Initial Public Offering in
May 2008, under the symbol “SB”.
-Mia Lapis
32 MARCH - APRIL 2015

Marriage made in Heaven

J
eremiah Nelson Ramirez, the only son of United Filipino Sea-
farers Nelson P. Ramirez, and the Lovely Irish Manlupig ex-
changed vows in an intimate seaside ceremony at the Mon-
tevista Beach Resort in Sariaya, Quezon last February 21.
The wedding marked the end of a seven-year courtship be-
tween the bride and the groom, who have been going steady since
2008. With both families having long accepted the couple into their
respective hearts, the occasion had the atmosphere of a happy
reunion. Surrounded by family and friends, the wedding was held
against a backdrop of golden afternoon sunlight, perfectly comple-
menting the laid back resort vibe.
The groom, Jerzon, shares that he and Ishi were high school
batchmates in their hometown in Tagbilaran, Bohol. Back then, they
were assigned to different class sections and belonged to different
circles of friends. During those busy high school years, the two never
had the chance to get to know each other.
After graduating from high school, Jerzon enrolled for college
at the Misamis Institute of Technology while Ishi attended Paman-
tasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. By then, the social media network
Friendster was all the hype; through a mutual friend, Jerzon and Ishi
reconnected and became friends through their college years. This
friendship stayed strictly online for several more years, as it wasn’t
until both had graduated by 2006 that the two would get a chance
to meet, thanks to the Ramirez family’s transfer of residency from
Bohol to Manila.
Fast forward to several years later and the couple gladly
marched down a sandy aisle. Jerzon confides that their wedding ven-
ue, Monte Vista Beach Resort, was a place where they both shared
fond summer memories. A few years back, he recalls, the Ramirez
family hosted a summer outing for UFS staff where everybody had
a good time. The venue made an impression for its relaxing and fun
atmosphere; so much so that when the time came to choose a loca-
tion for their wedding, Monte Vista came readily to mind.
The couple shares that they’ve always dreamed of a beach
wedding from the time that they’ve realized that they want to
spend the rest of their lives together. Both describe themselves as
avid travelers, thus, most of their best vacations together have been
on beaches all over the country. Truly, a beach wedding was in-
deed the perfect setting for making a lifelong commitment.
Thanks to the complete amenities and a helpful staff in the
person of Ms. Lorna de los Reyes, the couple was able to carry out
their vision for what they wanted their wedding to be.
Jerzon reveals: “We opted to go with a do-it-yourself style
for a practical yet simple and beautiful result because we already
knew what we wanted and we had a clear sense of what we envi-
sioned for our big day. We didn’t want to hire a wedding coordina-
tor that would cost us a regretful amount of money only to run the
risk of not getting what we wanted in the end. We carefully consid-
ered the ambience, and we wanted to make most of the beach
as our backdrop so we decided to have the whole event from the

JERZON . ISHI

ceremony to the reception done along the shore.
“We went with a shabby chic theme rather than
go super formal to give the day an easygoing charm that
would make our guests feel welcome to interact with each
other. Luckily, the wedding ceremony and reception wholly
turned out like it was carefully planned. We both enjoyed
every part of it because we spent our most special day with
our relatives and close friends.”
Now well into their honeymoon, the couple only has
this to say: “First and foremost we would like to thank God for
blessing us with each other and making our dream possible.
We also thank relatives and friends who went to our wed-
ding, especially the owner of the Monte Vista Beach Resort.
We are also deeply grateful to our principal sponsors, name-
ly Atty. Nicasio Conti; Atty. Erwin Pobre; Capt. Rene Magla-
sang; Capt. Ramon Santos III; C/E Procis Aquino; Mr. Rom-
mel Ynion; Judge Teresita Soriaso; Atty. Teresita Lora; Mrs.
Myrna Virtudazo; Mrs. Elvira Castillo; Ms. Cynthia Joaquin;
Mrs. Rosanitta Ruffy; and Mrs. Priscy Ann Carilimdiliman.
TINIG NG MARINO 33
As the groom is a seafarer himself, the couple’s
choice of venue was perhaps even more auspicious than
they realized; towering over the festivities is the impressive
Newsim Ark, a concrete training ship that is the pride of the
New Simulator Centre of the Philippines, Inc. (NEWSIM). The
Ark is the land-docked equivalent of a 12,0000 dwt cargo
ship, complete with true-to-life details and millions’ worth of
simulation equipment. Owned by the same family of the
Monte Vista Resort, the world-class training facility is nestled
within the 17-hectare beach property, enabling NEWSIM
trainees who come to Sariaya to unwind and relax in be-
tween modules. Many actually choose to bring their fami-
lies along to stay in the resort, bringing a literal meaning to
the phrase ‘mixing business with pleasure’.
Since 2001, NEWSIM has been offering top of the line
simulator-based training courses, with even the Profession-
al Regulations Commission (PRC) using it as an assessment
center for marine deck and engineer officers.
-Chrystal Ventura
 34 TINIG NG MARINO
PAMI is on Full Gear for MET Excellence
F
our decades of dedica-
tion in the promotion and
development of maritime
education, training and certi-
fication brought forth a mile-
stone in the global maritime
industry: with the Philippine
shore-based professionals
and skilled manpower rank-
ing top in the world‘s shipping
and commerce,; Filipino sea-
farers’ knowledge, compe-
tency and special qualities,
and in being competitive.
The Philippine Associ-
ation of Maritime Institutions,
often called PAMI has had its
ups and downs, sways and
swings like a ship under tor-
rential rain during those years,
and every officer and mem-
ber had to build a safety net
to beat the challenges.
PAMI is facing a new
set of challenges that the of-
ficers and members are pre-
paring for on their assembly
during its 40th Annual Con-
vention and Election of Of-
ficers of the Philippine Asso-
ciation of Maritime Institution
held on February 20 and 21,
2015 in the Visayas Maritime
Academy Global College in
Sum-ag, Bacolod, Negros Oc-
cidental, with the theme: Full
Speed Ahead for Excellence
in MET (Maritime Education
and Training.)
The event was highlight-
ed by the keynote address of
Hon. Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., MA-
RINA administrator, on com-
pliance with the STCW con-
vention. Administrator Mejia
reported that “in the last three
years, the tide has turned, the
state of affairs in the maritime
education and training sector
is finally beginning to stabilize,
the looming threat of the im-
mediate withdrawal of recog-
nition of Philippine certificates
has been staked off, at least
for the time being, and I em-
phasize that only the immedi-
ate threat has been staked off,
because we are still very much
in the danger zone. However
our movement is now inexora-
bly away from ground zero of
this danger zone.”
He called on the im-
portance of the support of
PAMI members in the current
reorganization and reclassifi-
cation of MET, saying “Quality
knowledge and competence
must be learned, acquired,
and demonstrated in the first
instance during the education
and training program for of-
ficers in charge of the naviga-
tional or engineering watch
not at the licensing exams
of COC assessment stages.
Again this is according to the
global language of STCW”
Quoting IMO secre-
tary general Koji Sekimizu,he
explained further that “MET in-
stitutions share in the responsi-
bilities of international govern-
ance. Seafaring is international
and global. It is not regional. It
is not national, MET institutions
cannot simply invoke national
conditions or cirumstances for
laws and statutes.
Right after the Philip-
pines rectified STCW, the con-
vention became part of the
law of the land as a country
and as an administration. As
MET institutions, we are duty
bound under the Vienna con-
vention of the law of treaties to
give full and complete effect
to the standards of the STCW.”
He emphasized that the
primary language of the MET is
a much more global and inter-
national language and that
language is STCW. It is STCW,
as the world through the Inter-
national Maritime Organiza-
tion (IMO) that developed it.
That is what the exercise being
led by Marina and CHEd that is
all about translating and align-
ing our MET system with that
global MET language known
as STCW. Without that our mar-
itime education and training
and ship manning sector will
not survive the harsh reality of
world shipping.
Other major topics dis-
cussed were “CHED Policy Di-
rection for MHEI’s“by Dra. Ma.
Cynthia Bautista, CHED com-
missioner, ANGKLA Party List;
“Update on Maritime Legis-
lation” by Engr. Alfredo Hab-
oc,, president, PAMTCI/co-
chairman-Phl-MET; “Preparing
K+12 by Merle Jimenez-San
Pedro, VP, Luzon, PAMTCI /
Phl-MET officer; “Proposed
Maritime Human Resource
Development Roadmap” by
Atty. Brenda Pimentel, Philip-
MARCH - APRIL 2015
pine Maritime Research Stud-
ies and Services Inc; open fo-
rum; closing remarks by Engr.
Felix Oca, EVP, PAMI, and
presentation of “Emergency
Evolution Aboard Ship” by
VMA Global College.
On its second day,
activities included the Gen-
eral Membership Meeting,
President’s Report by Dr. Eliz-
abeth Salabas, PAMI presi-
dent, Treasurer’s Report by
Dr. Leticia Salas, PAMI treas-
urer. “Institutionalizing PHIM-
LA / Organizing Committee
for PAMI Journal by Engr. Felix
Oca, current core president/
PHIMLA; PAMI-National Swim-
ming League by Ms. Susan
Papa, president of the Philip-
pine Swimming League; and
PCG-Oriented NSTP (CWTS)
by Dr. Elizabeth O. Salabas.
Election of PAMI BOT and Of-
ficers for 2015-2016.
According to PAMI
president, Dr. Elizabeth
Salabas, at first, she was
anxious over the huge re-
sponsibilities placed on her
shoulder. “That was because
the position to lead the only
umbrella organization of
maritime schools in the coun-
try came at a time when the
atmosphere reeked of uncer-
tainties and the issue on EMSA
hung like a deadly knife over
our heads,“ she said in her
speech.
But the clamour of ser-
vice to the organization in
which she has been a part of
 MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 35
ISO 9001:2008 Certified
D’AMICO SHIP ISHIMA
PHILIPPINES, INC.

OUR EVER EXPANDING FLEET OF BULK CARRIERS NEEDING TOP 4 FILIPINO

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Email: iscpi.crew@damicoishima.com

for 16 years as a regular mem-
ber, then as director, and then
as secretary general under
several presidents for the long-
est time she could remember
was too strong. She knew it
was time to pay forward.
The lady counter-
part of the small David who
toppled Goliath, the giant
in a folklore, did her gentle
maneuvers and cross sailings
to level up maritime educa-
tion and training (MET).
“Sailing full speed
ahead for excellence in
MET” so goes our Convention
theme that genuinely reflects
our continuing commitment,
unfazed by intervening crises,
towards quality maritime ed-
ucation and training at par
with the rest of the world, Dr.
Salabas expressed.
“As the industry’s pro-
viders for basic maritime ed-
ucation and training for our
seafarers, we continue to
thrive and will remain to be
undaunted in the face of
global issues including the re-
cent EMSA audits of the Philip-
pines that stirred our maritime
institutions into frenzied action
and preparations, she said.
Among her laid out
plans and programs to serve
as policy direction of PAMI
for the next two years include
recommendations to sort out
old lingering issues on Ship-
board Training, STCW compli-
ance, curriculum enhance-
ment, faculty development
and other matters which we
tried to bring with greater
vigor to the attention of con-
cerned government agen-
cies like MARINA and CHED
while forging stronger allianc-
es with the private sector.
Internally, we endea-
vored to expand our reach
towards a united member-
ship by conducting more
meetings and widening infor-
mation disseminating efforts
while getting more involved
in reviewing policy issuances
that directly affect MET.
This year’s convention
with 60 out of 70 active PAMI
schools and with a total of 103
delegates is one of the big-
gest turn-out of participants
to a single event of PAMI set
by the following Board of
Trustees and Officers SY 2014-
2015 headed by its president,
Dr. Elizabeth O. Salabas.
PAMI’s newly-elected
president for the year 2015-2016.
President - Engr. Felix M. Oca
Maritime Academy of Asia
and the Pacific (MAAP)
Executive Vice President -
Dr. Arlene Abuid-Paderanga,
Asian Institute of Maritime
Studies (AIMS)
Secretary-General -
Commo. Dante La. Jimenez,
Mariners Polytechnic
Colleges Foundation
VP-NCR/Southern Luzon-
Dr. Edgardo P. Geguiento,
Malayan Colleges Laguna
VP-North Luzon -
C/E Pedrito T. Dela Cruz,
Northwestern University
VP-Visayas -
Dr. Theresa S. Sarabia,
St. Therese-MTC Colleges
VP-Mindanao,-
Capt. Lorenzo F. Eusebio,
DMMA College of Southern
Philippines
Treasurer -
Dr. Leticia C. Salas,
Saint Joseph Institute of Technology
Auditor-
Mr. Renato E. Martija,
Eastern Visayas State University
Public Relation Officer -
Capt. Jaime M. Macawile,
University of Cagayan Valley
Ex-Officio-
Dr. Elizabeth O. Salabas,
VMA Global College
Trustees:
Engr. Benito P. Chiongbian,
West Bay College
Eric Henry I. Alterado,
MATS College of Technology
Capt. Rodolfo D.Estampador,
Midway Maritime Foundation
Dr. Gerardo Ty,
Concord, Technical Institute
-Mia Lapis
 38 TINIG NG MARINO
It Takes GUTS to
Build a Team
-The POSH Experience-
-Mia Lapis
T
hey say boys will boys, but
these POSH Fleet Services Inc.
and SSM Maritime Services
Inc seafarers are not misbehav-
ing. They are working hard and
playing hard during each crew
conference in Manila, Philippines
three times a year.
A set of 72 senior and
junior officers plus ratings were
seen dancing, running, hunt-
ing around, climbing, travers-
ing, and scooping waters out
of the pool during the first of
the many series of POSH “One
Team” Sea Staff Seminar this
year that took place at the
Heritage Hotel on March
2-10,2014. Yet this is no ex-
traordinary thing but some-
thing every participant looked
forward to, the Team-Build-
ing Workshop. Along with13
foreign officers from Ukraine,
Scotland, Ghana, mainland
China, Mexico, India, Belarus,
Myanmar and Colombia, the
local participants also took dil-
igent effort and cooperation
to overcome the challenges
and to meet its goals.
GUTS or Gearing Up
To Synergy was aptly titled to
the team-building framework
tailor-made for POSH. POSH is
very keen on preserving its cul-
ture of One Team by cooper-
ation and responsibility.
“While the economy
is getting low, we still believe,
that this (Team-Building) is
very important to us. After tir-
ing classroom lectures, these
activities are very good to al-
low us to unwind. In soft skills
training, they work together as
a team and look out for each
other The day when the mar-
ket is good, we are better and
stronger,” said Division Direc-
tor, Sim Hee Ping.
The GUTS training is a
whole-day activity that start-
ed with the presentation of
the team-building framework
-- the Marine Zumba way -- a
team aerobics exercises This is
followed by Toxic Waste Chal-
lenge, an activity creating a
good atmosphere for learning
and participation, and Land
Mines, a challenge focused
on building trust.
In improving communi-
cation and collaboration, the
participants took the Spider
Web Challenge and Caterpillar
Traverse, and further, to achieve
commitment are the Leaking
Drums and Scavenger Hunt.
Most of the participants
were first-timers and have ex-
pressed delight over the experi-
ence. Filipino AB Santiago Gre-
gorio said that he was happy
and has learned many things
in the training. Chief Engr. Lowis
Kwan from Ghana seconded,
“I’ve learned a lot and i will
share this to my family, We need
teamwork to achieve goals
and not by individual. I will car-
ry all what we have learned for
those who were not privileged
to be here.”
Chief Engr. Thame Soe
from Myanmar and Scot-
tish Captain Alan Beattie ex-
pressed in unison the one
team, one spirit experience
they gained from the activity.
Notably, Chief Engr. R.
Gurumurthy from India said,
“Do not hurry up, take time, so
as not to lose a lot.” On the
other hand, Colombian mas-
ter mariner Diego Torrez noted
that the company is indeed
crew-oriented.
The activity ended up
with debriefing and team score
tally. A winner among the group
was announced. The Php 20
thousand cash prize was gained
by a seven, all-Filipino team
composed of 2/0 Lawrence
C. Tabaldo, 3/0 Jose Ernesto A.
Teorica, Master Dante A. Trazo,
C/E Lawrence P. Leureza, Sr E/
Cdt. Warren S. Quinita, Sr. Deck
Cadet Dave A. Dalloran and AB
Errol R. Rebancos.
Mr. JH Chan, on his
closing address, summed up
the main objective of the
training saying, “You will bring
(the lessons) with you and to
the ship. Even if five percent
of the training is carried on,
the ship is much safer.” He re-
minded everyone of reflective
learning from other’s mistakes.
“Accident can happen any-
time. It is always good to learn
and prevent that it will hap-
pen to you,” he added.
“For all to mingle
around to know each other,
the better rapport. We trust
each other, work with each
other, one team closer to the
management to tell you which
direction and what is happen-
ing to the group. The compa-
ny, what it is doing, what we
are facing in the coming two
MARCH - APRIL 2015
years, Chan mentioned.
Colombian Captain
Torrez spoke in front of the class
to talk about overwhelming his
experience. “It is my first time to
participate and be in the Phil-
ippines. I have many Filipino
friends. Thank you for the wel-
coming. The cooperation, we
will bring to our post, our heart
and mind. When things get
rough, we go together and
build a stronger POSH.’
Captain Basil Unite
who was requested for a short
remark expressed his joy in
gaining more friends. “Some
people we know by name,
now we are face to face. It
will take a long time for some
friends to meet, and after the
seminar, we go to our post,
face challenging times but we
can face together.”
The room was filled with
tired bodies but energized
spirit and the real REST and
RECREATION took place when
the party began. Food, drinks,
dance and karaoke awaited
them as the long day faded.
A better and stronger
POSH Team is ready for a bet-
ter and bigger POSH fleet.
 MARCH - APRIL 2015
International Officers and
Crew Trainings Handy at
Protect Marine
W
orld class quality train-
ing for a small price,
anyone? That is how
the shipowners saw the advan-
tage of sending their interna-
tional officers for training cours-
es at Protect Marine Deck and
Engine Officers of the Phil. Inc.
Last month, a batch of
24 officers from Asia, Europe
and South America under
POSH Fleet Services Inc. at-
tended the Bridge Resource
Management (BRM) course,
a requirement by the Port
State Control and flag-states.
“Our latest batch of
foreign trainees happened to
attend a crew conference,
so it is just timing to take the
course here,” said Engr. An-
tonino R. Gascon Jr., its pres-
ident/general manager. BRM
is required by U.S. 33 CFR
157.415 and is recommend-
ed by Section B-VIII/2 of the
STCW95 Code.
“With the full imple-
mentation of STCW in 2017,
If we do not start now, then
it will be too late for us Engr.
Gascon added. “If we do not
start now, then it will be too
late for us, As for training, ship-
owners require their officers
and crew at least one-year
validity of their certificates.
At PROTECT, Bridge Re-
source Management Course
Outline entails Introduction to
BRM and BRM Concept, BRM
Learning Objectives, Man-
aging Bridge Resources by
Culture, Bridge Safety Ori-
entation, Bridge Operation-
al Management Human Er-
ror and Stress Management,
Emergency and Contingen-
cy, Hazardous Navigation
and BRM Case Studies.
Proper communication
and delegation of tasks in a
vessel means safety, accord-
ing to one consultant/trainer.
There are six mini-bridges that
are used during role playing
in simulation. The three-day
course consists of bridge fa-
TINIG NG MARINO
miliarization, bridge scenari-
os, and final assessment. BRM
implementation includes Pas-
sage Planning, Passage Plan
Briefing, Bridge Team Train-
ing, Master’s Standing Orders,
Master/Pilot Exchange and
End of Voyage Debriefing.
Bridge Resource Man-
agement Course is required
to be taken every five years as
refresher course and is man-
dated by STCW 2010 Manila
Amendments. As most ma-
rine casualties are caused by
human errors, BRM promotes
situational awareness and
prompt accurate response
to every situation to ensure a
smooth and safe voyage.
For six years, PROTECT
has been the regular train-
ing center of foreign officers
and crew of POSH Fleet Ser-
vices Inc. which conducts
their crew seminars as well in
Manila, three times a year.
The trainees are financed by
the principals, who, “even
39
on down economy, saves as
much for the training and the
welfare of their crew,” Engr.
Gascon told Tinig ng Marino.
On a very positive
note, he mentioned that the
principal has 21 new ships
awaiting for at least 21 new
sets of crew. Such exciting
news offers a very big future
for the aspirants.
PROTECT, a Quality
Management System (ISO
9001:2008) certified, offers a
training regime that is struc-
tured according to mandato-
ry requirements and planned
processes, and geared to-
wards the Acquisition of Skills
and the Final Achievement
of Competence in the work-
place both afloat and shore
personnel of each customer.
PROTECT has its main branch
in Manila, with one in down-
town Cebu and a world-class
outdoor training facility in the
city of Carcar, Cebu.
-Mia Lapis
 40 TINIG NG MARINO MARCH - APRIL 2015

HEALTH TIPS
ELPIDIO C. NOLASCO, MD, FPCS, PACS
General & Cancer Surgeon, Laparoscopic Surgeon
President & Medical Director, Nolasco International Medical & Diagnostic Clinic

Kidney Stones

K
idney stones (renal lithi-
asis, nephrolithiasis) are
small, hard mineral depos-
its that form inside your kidneys.
The stones are made of mineral
and acid salts.
Kidney stones have many
causes and can affect any part of
your urinary tract — from your
kidneys to your bladder. Often,
stones form when the urine be-
comes concentrated, allowing
minerals to crystallize and stick
together
Passing kidney stones can
be quite painful, but the stones
usually cause no permanent dam-

Wilhelmsen-Smith Bell Manning, Inc.

• Manila Office: 38th and 39th Floors, Petron Megaplaza Building, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Philippines 1200
age. Depending on your situation,
you may need nothing more than
to take pain medication and drink
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• Cebu Office: 2nd Floor, Unit 201 Keppel Center, Samar Loop cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu Business Park, Cebu City lots of water to pass a kidney stone.
Telephone No.: (032) 254-0368
Website : www.wilhelmsen.com • Email: BSB-MNL-RECRUITMENT@wilhelmsen.com • BSB.MNL-01.SMITHBELL@wilhelmsen.com
Your doctor may recommend pre-
ventive treatment to reduce your
we are in searCh for risk of recurrent kidney stones if
you’re at increased risk of develop-
Professionals. Like you. ing them again.
Treatment for kidney
Immediately Hiring for our rapidly expanding FLEET of
stones usually depends on their
YOUNG & NEW Capesize/Handymax/Panamax BULK
CARRIERS:
size and what they are made of, as
• Master well as whether they are causing
• Chief Mate pain or obstructing the urinary
• Chief engineer tract. Kidney stones may be treat-
• seCond engineer ed by a general practitioner or by
• eleCtriCian with Cargo Crane experienCe a urologist. A person with a larg-
er stone, or one that blocks urine
flow and causes great pain, may
need more urgent treatment.
ABOUT WSM Extracorporeal Shock
wave lithotripsy is used to crush
W ilhelmsen Ship Management is part of Wilhelmsen Maritime Services of the world’s largest independent ship managers. Wilhelmsen
Ship Management manage vessels from six offices around the world with a crewing network of 11,000 seafarers recruited from our the kidney stone. The procedure
20 offices in 13 countries. With a portfolio of approximately 460 vessels, Wilhelmsen Ship Management provides technical management is performed by a urologist on an
services for all segments LNG/LPG carriers; Ro-ro and PCC/PCTC vessels; Cruise, Bulk Carriers, Seismic and Offshore vessels.
Other Key Services include lay up services, dry docking services, new building supervision, marine insurance crew management, pre- outpatient basis and anesthesia is
purchase inspection, green ship recycling and Inventory of Hazardous Material(IHM) services. used. In shock wave lithotripsy,
For more details on WSM’s business activities and fleet please log on to www.wilhelmsen.com/shipmanagement the person lies on a table or, less
commonly, in a tub of water above
the lithotripter. The lithotripter
ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR DECK AND ENGINE generates shock waves that pass
OFFICERS / ENGINEERS / RATINGS / GALLEY PERSONNELS
We are manning vessels such as PCC, PCTC, RORO, Product/Oil/ Chemical/ LPG/LNG-Tanker, Seismic through the person’s body to break
Bulk Carrier (Capesize), Container vessel, Offshore with DP the kidney stone into smaller piec-
• Competitive salary packages and benefits • Comprehensive Health Insurance for Seafarers and dependents es to pass more readily through
• Sponsored training and in-house courses
• Long-term career development
• Prompt payment of Allotment
• Many vessels with Full Filipino Crew
the urinary tract.
If stones become lodged
in the urinary tract or cause com-
154 YEARS of SHAPING plications, it may be removed by

the MARITIME INDUSTRY 169

YEARS
endoscopic removal of stones
through ureteroscopic guidance
and stone basket extraction, and
1846-2015
rarely, surgery may be needed.
 42 TINIG NG MARINO
from page 16
VAST HORIZON
today, in order to receive the visit
of the Great King we must prepare
ourselves in the Jerusalem of our
souls. The Church tells us today
to “awaken our hearts in order to
prepare the ways for Thy unique
Son, that we may serve Him with
purified heart”. The proper of the
entire Mass of the Second Sun-
day in Advent centers about this
preparation, which takes place
in the Church and in the souls of
all Christians: “Rise up and stand
upon the heights, O Jerusalem,
and see the joy which comes from
Your God!”
THE THIRD SUNDAY
IN ADVENT
This Sunday introduces us
into the second half of the season
of Advent, and at the opening of
Matins our anxiety and joy is given
impetus: “The Lord is already near.
Come, let us adore Him!” The en-
tire week is one of the richest of
the entire year of grace, for during
this week fall the magnificent Em-
ber Days and the beginning of the
“O antiphons.”
All of us are children this
Sunday, for we are unable to restrain
our impatience at the coming of the
Savior. Our joy urges us to celebrate
in the great basilica of St. Peter, so
that all mankind may share it with
us. The penitential violet of Advent
is changed to rose, and at the Gos-
pel even the Precursor announces
to the city that “He is in our midst.”
Christ the Lord is even today pres-
ent through grace, as He will be with
us forever in glory.
EMBER DAYS AND THE
FOURTH SUNDAY IN
ADVENT
The Ember Days mark
a very pronounced advance in
preparation for Christmas. We
were told that the King shall come.
Jerusalem is made ready, and the
ways are made straight. By grace
He is in our midst. Today the
Church teaches us that the King
will first arrive in human form:
He will assume the humble gar-
ment of our human nature. The
Masses of the Ember Days and of
the Fourth Sunday of Advent pres-
ent us with the antecedents of the
birth and coming of the Savior.
Mother and father may
easily explain the merits of “giving
up” things for God and neighbor
in thanksgiving; how to become
courteous and thoughtful of oth-
ers; how always to give good ex-
ample; how to avoid “fights” and
quarrels; how to share toys and
gifts as well as self with the other
children.
These gifts for the poor
become even more sacred by be-
ing offered before the altar of God.
Another quality of sacredness is
added if we acquaint the children
MARCH - APRIL 2015
with the simple and beautiful bless-
ings of many of those objects in the
“Roman Ritual.” After the Offerto-
ry and the blessings, the children
should indeed have their share in
the distribution of the gifts. Parents
should help and guide them in dis-
cretion and charity.
Nevertheless, in the midst
of the hustle and bustle, Advent
gives us peace, calm, patience, and
hope. Advent offers us a chance to
practice thinking about other peo-
ple. Advent can be a great time to
consider gifts from the heart and
not necessarily from the mall.
The seasons of Advent and
Christmas will remind you of two
important journeys: Mary and Jo-
seph’s to Bethlehem and the Magi’s
(three kings) to visit Mary and Jo-
seph after Jesus’s birth. Their jour-
neys remind us that God is always
with us, always guiding us, and
always caring about us. God’s be-
ing with you is the most important
thing you can take with you on
your Advent journey.
 MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 45

Methanol, the Next Generation of Maritime Fuel

Engr. Ryan Anthony R. Mercene, MBA

F
inding the best environ- and biodiesel
mental and economical production. It
alternative for a sustaina- is used in the
ble and successful maritime production of
transport industry is the con- other chem-
cern of everyone. Can meth- icals, a labo-
anol, the highly toxic sub- ratory solvent,
stance unlike ethanol be the and in produc-
key to the next generation of ing plastic, ply-
maritime fuel? Let us find out. wood, paint,
CH3OH, the chemical and explosive.
formula for methanol is often It is usually used
shortened as MeOH. It is also as a denatur-
known as methyl alcohol, ant additive
wood spirit, wood alcohol be- for ethanol be-
ing a byproduct of the wood cause of its tox-
destructive distillation. It is the icity in humans.
simplest alcohol which is a Methylated
polar liquid at room temper- spirit is the result
ature. It has a distinctive color of denatured or adulterated natural gas. Similarly, it can be with sprint cars and monster
and is light, colorless, and ethanol with the addition of stored in tanks just like that of trucks, and other track series.
a volatile flammable liquid. methanol. oil products needing neither It is a primary fuel ingredient
Nowadays, the catalytic in- Mobil developed the cryogenic nor pressure tanks. in power plants primarily for
dustrial process produces the methanol to gasoline pro- It is less expensive to convert radio control. There is a cata-
modern methanol primarily cess in early 1970s for trans- to methanol than to convert lytic reaction when the meth-
from hydrogen, carbon diox- portation fuel replacing die- to LNG. There are conversion anol vapor is ignited when
ide, and carbon monoxide. sel. Dimethyl Ether (DME) is a kits from diesel engines direct- an engine uses a platinum
The word methanol originated chemical derivative of meth- ly to dual fuel engines. Small filament glow plug. Internal
from the Greek word “methy” anol being used in aerosol chemical carriers for metha- combustion engines and free
which means wine and spray propellant. DME mixed nol are bunker barges rather flight airplanes are fuelled by
“hylē” which means wood. with LPG is used for cooking. than small gas carriers used methanol. More power is pro-
The International Conference Methanol-based marine fuels for LNG. duced when gasoline, nitrous
on Chemical Nomenclature greatly reduce cost. Pure methanol is used
shortened the word from Methanol comes from by drag racers together continued on page 47
methylene to methanol in
1892. The ancient Egyptians
already utilized methanol in
their embalming process.
Dizziness, headache,
and central nervous system
depression are only some
of the symptoms of its intox-
ication. Being a poisonous
substance, it can cause per-
manent blindness, coma, or
even death because of its
depressant properties when
it enters the body via absorp-
tion through the skin, inges-
tion, or even inhalation. Anti-
dotes ethanol or fomepizole
can be used as a treatment
for methanol poisoning.
There are several uses
of methanol. It is utilized as a
fuel, a solvent, an antifreeze,
from page 18
PISOBILITIES
mga sideline na magbibigay sa iyo ng
ekstrang kita.
“Tip No. 4: Gawing mas
simple ang trabaho. Ang isang araw
sa trabaho ay puno ng hindi mau-
bos-ubos na lista ng dapat gawin.
Kung susubukan mong ubusin ang
mga nakalistang trabaho, hindi mo
magagawa lahat, at hindi mo rin ma-
gagawa nang tama ang mga mahahal-
agang trabaho. Pagtuunan lamang ng
pansin ang mga mahahalagang tra-
baho at huwang nang pagkaabalahan
ang iba.”
Base sa aking karanasan,
alam kong hindi sapat ang 24 oras para
matapos lahat ng dapat gawin sa isang
araw. Laging may trabahong maiiwan
para bukas. Malaking tulong kung may
listahan ka ng lahat ng dapat mong ta-
pusin at lagyan ang mga iyon ng nume-
ro base sa kanilang kahalagahan. Una-
hing gawin ang mga may pinakamataas
na priyoridad. Maituturing na isang
mahalagang priyoridad ang pagtata-
bi ng iyong ipon para sa araw na iyon
bago ka pa man gumastos. Kung kada
linggo o buwan ka nag-iipon, siguruhing
itabi ang ipon sa simula pa lamang ng
linggo o buwan.
“Tip no. 5: Gawing simple
ang mga gawaing bahay. Isipin la-
hat ng mga ginagawa mo sa bahay.
Minsan ang mga gawaing bahay ay
kasing dami ng gawain sa trabaho.
Paano mo pa matatapos pareho?
Kaya pagtuunan lamang ang mga
pinakaimportante, at maghanap ng
paraan para hindi na pagkaabalahan
ang ibang gawain. I-automate ang
ilang gawain, alisin ang ilan, ibahagi
ng iba sa mga kasambahay, o kaya’y
kumuha ng katulong.”
Kapag mas kaunti ang gamit
sa bahay, mas makakatipid. Kahit na
kaunti lamang gamit sa bahay, pero
may iilan na hindi naman ginagamit,
nagpapagulo lang ang mga iyon sa
bahay. Hindi palibhasa marami kang
gamit ay mayaman ka na. Isipin mo,
kung mas kaunti ang gamit mo, mas
kaunti ang aalagaan at lilinisan mo.
Dahil dito, makakatipid ka ng oras,
pati na rin ng mga panlinis. Maaari
kang tumira sa mas maliit na bahay
at makakatipid ka pa sa renta. Kapag
mas maliit ang tinitirahan, mas
kaunti ang espasyo kaya mapipigilan
kang bumili ng mga bagay na hindi
mo kailangan. Baka nga pwede ka
pang kumita kung ibebenta mo ang
mga bagay na hindi mo kailangan.
Mas available ang katulong sa
Pilipinas kaysa sa ibang bansa, kaya nga’t
marami sa atin ang may katulong. Mahal
din magkaroon ng katulong. Kailangan
silang pasuwelduhin, at bukod pa ri-
yan, may dagdag na gastos pa sa pagka-
in, tubig, kuryente, at iba pa. Baka nga
biyaya pa ang hindi pagkakaroon ng
katulong dahil maaaring ipagawa ang
mga gawain sa mga kapamilya nang sa
gayon ay makatipid. Kung nabubuhay
ka nang mag-isa, isipin na kapag ikaw
mismo ang naglinis ng tirahan mo, pa-
rang binayad mo sa sarili ang suweldo
na ibabayad mo sana sa katulong. Kung
madali naman sa iyong makahanap ng
extra income na mas mataas kaysa sa
gastos ng paghire ng katulong, konsid-
erahin ito sa pagdedesisyon kung kuku-
ha ng katulong o hindi.
“Tip No. 6: Matutong tu-
manggi. Isa itong mahalagang ka-
tangian ng mga taong nais mapasim-
ple ang kanilang buhay. Kung hindi
ka marunong tumanggi, magiging
masyadong madami ang trabaho mo.”
Dapat matutong tumanggi sa
mga gawain, pero hindi diyan natata-
pos ang usapan. Napakaimportanteng
matuto ring tumanggi sa mga kai-
bigan at kapamilya kung magdudulot
sila ng dagdag na gastos sa iyo. Kapag
natutuhan ito, malaki ang matitip-
id mo. Minsan, napapasubo tayong
lumabas kasama ang barkada kahit
wala namang budget para sa gimik.
O kaya naman, pinipilit tayong mag-
padala ng pera sa probinsya kahit na
duda tayo kung gagamitin ang pera
sa makabuluhang paraan. Dapat
pag-isipan kung papayag o tatanggi
ba sa mga ganitong pagkakaton.
Babalik tayo sa ibang tips sa
mga susunod na isyu.
Upang lalong gumanda at
gumaan ang iyong buhay pinansyal,
kailangan mong pagaralan at palagu-
in ang kaalaman mo tungkol sa mga
iba’t bang oportunidad na pwedeng
makatulong sa iyo. Isang paraan ay
ang pagsali sa aming mga seminar
kapag ikaw ay nasa Maynila. Alamin
ang schedule ng aming mga seminar
sa pamamagitan ng pagbisita sa www.
colaycofoundation.com o mag-email
sa training@colaycofoundaion.com.
Ang isa pang paraan ay ang
pagbabasa ng aming mga libro. Ma-
bibili mo ito sa www.lazada.com.ph
o kaya’y sa mga National Bookstore
outlets. Maaari mo din kami tawagan
sa 6373731/41.
Kung ikaw ay interesadong
sumali sa business kasama ng iba
pang mga kapwang Pilipino na kapa-
reho mo ng layunin sa pag-i-invest at
pag-iipon, bumisita sa www.kskcoop.
com at alamin kung anong oportuni-
dad ang pinakaangkop sayo.
 MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 47
from page 45

Methanol, the Next Gen-

eration of Maritime Fuel

oxide, and methanol are

mixed together which is
normally done by mud
racers.
Stena has an
overall 120 fleet of ships
owned by group based
in Sweden. It has an ap-
proximate turnover of $
9 billion and possesses
a tremendous number
of 20,000 employees.
Methanol stands to be
a good alternative for
ferries and short sea
shipping. It plays a huge
commodity of 55 million
tons per year and is in-
dustrially used in various
processes worldwide. In
terms of distribution, it
can be transported via
regular product tankers
and is essentially pro-
duced from natural gas
and biofuel. Neither high
pressure nor cryogenic
storage is required when
in liquid state at room
temperature both on-
board and ashore.
Conversion to
dual fuel engines is defi-
nitely much easier than
with that of LNG for the
existing vessels which
plays an excellent solu-
tion as far as engine
technology and ad- uer, it has a green energy of quality, it comes in three particularly tankers carrying
justment to the ship are con- source which includes CCU classes namely: other kinds of substances.
cerned. In terms of NOx & (Carbon Capture and Use). Methanol has other
SOx and PM, there are similar As far as rules and regulations 1) Extremely pure qualities several benefits being an al-
positive reductions. Similarly, are concerned, the IMO IGF for semiconductor manu- ternative fuel for conventional
GHG in exhaust gases but no – code and Class rules (LR & facture transportation. It offers down-
methane slip reductions are DnV) govern the use of this 2) Analytical quality graded production costs be-
held positive. In connection toxic substance. 3) “Synthesis” quality cause it is far cheaper that
to the usage of methanol are For safety, self-ignition other types of fuel. It has an
the cylinder heads, fuel oil methanol is set at +465 C, Synthesis quality corre- improved safety because it
pipes, ventilation systems, fuel flashpoint at + 11 C, low flash- sponds to normal commercial is not very risky compared to
injectors, fuel pumps, inerting point fuel like LNG. The infra- methanol certified. gasoline. Furthermore, it can
systems. structure and safety are both The classification also be manufactured from sever-
The methanol sub- similar to that of petrol as well comes in accordingly into al feed stocks which are car-
stance is environmentally fit as ethanol. ASTM purity grades A and AA. bon-based including coal. It
and cost beneficial because The availability of Certain impurities such as ac- therefore no doubt that reli-
of the fact that it is biode- methanol is commercially etone are quite difficult to sep- ance to this substance as an
gradable. Apart from being acclaimed in different puri- arate via distillation. Expect alternative fuel is indeed one
produced primarily from ty grades particularly for the some form of contamination that can be beneficial to the
feedstock such as black liq- very fine chemicals. In terms when delivered through ships maritime sector.
 MARCH - APRIL 2015
Channel 9
NEW TIME SLOT OF TINIG NG - Destiny
MARINO on TV is
Channel 58 - Sky
every Saturday Channel 92 - Cignal
6:15 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Channel 37 - UHF
Don't fail to watch the UNDISPUTED Maritime Television Show, two-time “Anak TV
Seal Awardee" TINIG NG MARINO at UNTV every Saturday at 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.,
Channel 37 on UHF, Channel 9 on Destiny Cable , Channel 58 on Sky Cable, Channel
92 on Cignal, Channel 58 on Digibox and millions all over the world may watch via
livestreaming on www.untvweb.com.
Noto550 Coalition member Mr. Jun Bertis of Global Alliance Consultancy Inc. and Mr.
Lito Soriano of LBS Recruitment Solutions talk on their plight against the implementa-
tion of MIAA of 550 terminal fee to all OFW and Seafarers.
Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho, head of Seafarers Department of Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan
Law firm stressing the legal rights of Filipino seafarers when claiming their benefits to
their companies.
Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG) representatives Mr. Eric Elloso and Ms.
Mary Grace Eugenio talk on the programs and services of the agency for the OFWs and
Filipino Seafarers.
TINIG NG MARINO 49
Notice to Mariners
TINIG NG MARINO on UNTV will be having a new format. We will include in our
episode the greetings of seafarers who are currently on board. We are inviting you
to post a video clip to my facebook account and pages or send through my email
address npr.ufs@gmail.com or ufs_07@yahoo.com. Do it this way.
(1) Batiin ninyo ang ating programa sa telebisyon, ang TINIG NG MARINO gayundin
ang aking co-host na si Ms. Annie Rentoy at si Kuya Daniel Razon bilang chair-
man ng UNTV Station na nagbigay sa atin ng programa.
(2) Banggitin ninyo ang pangalan ng inyong barko at kung saan kayo sa mga oras
na yan.
(3) Banggitin ninyo ang mga crew ng inyong barko.
(4) Batiin din ninyo ang inyong mga pamilya dito sa Pilipinas.
IMPORTANT: Ingatan po na huwag gumamit ng masasamang
linguahe. Ang dalawang mapipiling greetings ay
isasama agad namin sa aming next episode.
Ang ibang mga video ay sa mga susunod na episode.
BSM Crew Service Center Director Capt. Armando Santosidad proudly sharing the
achievements and milestone of the company that pave the way for them to become
the Outstanding Manning Agency of the 10th Tinig ng Marino Awards.
Social Security System (SSS) Department Manager II Ms. Joy Villacorta explaining to
NPR and co-host Annie Rentoy the OFW coverage program of the agency and numer-
ous benefits of its member.
Protect Marine Deck and Engine Officer of the Philippines Vice President Ms. Joy Gascon
expressing her gratitude to the 10th Tinig ng Marino Awards for being adjudge as Out-
standing Training Center of the South.
 50 TINIG NG MARINO
MARINA forbids Sulpicio from plying domestic waters
T
he Maritime Industry Au-
thority (MARINA) has
ordered shipping opera-
tor Sulpicio Lines now renamed
as Philippines Span Asia Carrier
Corporation to immediately cease
by Dennis Gadil
operations and stop plying the do-
mestic routes.
In an unprecendented de-
cision, the MARINA also ordered
the grounding of all the cargo-pas-
senger vessels of Sulpicio.
The decision was connect-
ed to the sinking of Sulpicio-owned
MV Princess of the Stars in 2008,
which killed at least 437 of its pas-
sengers.
United Filipino
Seafarers (UFS) president
Nelson Ramirez has ear-
lier pressed MARINA to
revoke Sulpicio’s franchise
and forbid any of its ships
from sailing.
Ramirez has said Sulpicio
has had a history of acci-
dents, mostly caused by in-
competent crew.
“One of the re-
quirements set by the Ma-
rina was for the Sulpicio
Lines to have an insurance
protection for the passen-
gers,” Ramirez recalled,
referring to the sinking of
MV Princess of the Stars in
2008, killing 437 of its pas-
sengers. On September 18, 1998, 70
“They should no
longer be allowed to sail,
even with a new name. They
should not be given a fran-
chise after these accidents
and deaths,” he added.
Even Sen. Aquilino Pi-
mentel had wanted the
Senate to investigate an-
other sea mishap involving
Sulpicio, which is the M/V
St. Thomas Aquinas and
Sulpicio Express 7, which
killed at least 97 people.
Pimentel had said
he will file a resolution call-
MARCH - APRIL 2015
MV Princess of the Stars
ing for an inquiry into the disaster
amid calls from theUFS president
Nelson Ramirez for the Maritime
Industry Authority to revoke
Sulpicio’s franchise and forbid any
of its ships from sailing.
Kabataan Party-list Rep.
Tery Ridon, who earlier vowed to
file a motion at the House of Repre-
sentives for an investigation of the
accident, said the franchise should
be ended immediately.
“Sulpicio’s franchise
should be canceled. They can-
not hide behind the corporate
veil of a supposed new corpora-
tion,” he said.
Sulpicio Lines has been in-
volved in at least five maritime acci-
dents, the first of which is the sink-
ing of M/V Doña Paz on December
20, 1987, killing 4,375 people.
A year later, the M/V Doña
Marilyn also sank, killing 77 peo-
ple.
passengers of MV Princess of the
Orient died when the boat sank at
the height of a typhoon.
On the other hand, 437
fatalities were recorded when MV
Princess of the Stars sank on June
21, 2008. Marina suspended Sulpi-
cio’s franchise. The company later
changed its name to Philippines
Span Asia Carrier Corporation.
By reckoning of the mar-
itime industry, Sulpicio’s dead-
ly ships have killed at least 5,000
people, in which the biggest death
toll came from the M/V Dona Paz
tragedy.
MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 53

PMMA Batch ‘67 gets together at Fair Shipping Office. From left: Capt. Ernesto Fidelino, Adm.
Fidel Dinioso, Capt. Virgilio Sanches, Adm. Domingo Estera , Capt. Rey Casareo, Capt. Min, NPR,
Capt. W. Solda, Capt. Julios dela Cruz and Capt. Ramon Torres from USA.

UFS president delivering his opposition against MIAA general manager

Angel Hondrado on the implementation of MIAA Php 550 Terminal Fee to
all OFWs.

NPR’s one on one interview with Marissa del Sen. Nancy Binay listens to the sentiments of NPR
Mar of Buhay OFW program in AKSYON TV. on their plight against the Php550 Terminal Fee

NPR and UFS Boys together with the families and survivors of MV Prin-
cess of the Stars after the hearing at Manila RTC.

No to 550 Coalition hands in its position paper to Press Secretary Sonny Coloma against the
implementation of the MIAA Php500 IPSC to all OFWs and Seafarers at Malacañan after their
protest rally at Mendiola.

NPR speaking at the Senate Hearing on No to Php 550 terminal fee of

MIAA chaired by Sen. Cynthia Villar.

Plaque of Recognition is awarded to United Filipino Seafarers by PAG-IBIG Mutual Funds for its
NPR shares a light moment during the Committee of Transportation meeting on behalf significant contribution to the agency in supporting its program and helping increase aware-
of Congw. Emmeline Y. Aglipay-Villar of DIWA Partylist at the House of Representatives. ness of the PAG-IBIG membership benefits and services to OFWs.
54 TINIG NG MARINO MARCH - APRIL 2015

THE Horror STORY

Slowly
vanishing
TRIBE on THE
seven seas
Based on the POEA records, there is a de-
crease of 13, 268 seafarers deployed for
the year 2014. The alarming decrease in
deployment can be blamed only in the long
delay in the processing of the seafarer’s
-13,268 certificates especially the COP and other
documents from MARINA because this phe-
nomenon did not even happen during the
world economic crisis in 2007. If this trend
continues, Filipino seafarers may vanish on
the map of world maritime trade.

The maritime
industry is waiting
for this marina
dream building
After the unveiling of the marker of the long
awaited building last June 25, 2014, nobody
knows as to when the ground-breaking
starts. The construction has not started yet but
it is already marred with controversies. Sur-
prisingly, the second highest bidder bagged
the contract and the 3rd, 4th and 5th lowest
bidder were disqualified. TINIG is waiting for
the case to be filed by the aggrieved party
like what happened to the SIRB that reached
the Office of the Ombudsman.

the final verdict

is yet to come for
SOME MARITIME schools
Only 23 schools offering BSMT and BSMARE have
made it to the list. We received some news that JRM-
SU wrote a letter to the MARINA administrator because
their school was not evaluated by the national asses-
sors. ZSMIT is also complaining because it got a pass-
ing grade during the assessment but it is not included in
this list. We hope that this slight hitches will be resolved
as early as possible to prevent further damage.
MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 55

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC NOTICE OF REWARD

DECKMASTER MARINE SOFTWARES, INC. is A Reward of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P50,000.00) will
be given to anyone whose information will lead to the
the registered copyright owner of LoadMan apprehension of any person who sells or distributes
and BridgeMan computer software programs. pirated LoadMan and/or BridgeMan Programs.

A Reward of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P50,000.00) will

Persons who purchase, sell or distribute be given to anyone whose information will lead to the
unauthorized or pirated copies of said apprehension of any person who uses pirated
computer software programs can and will be LoadMan and/or BridgeMan Programs.

criminally prosecuted in accordance with The information received shall be treated with utmost
Article 217 of the Intellectual Property Code of confidentiality.
the Philippines.
Please Contact:

Deckmaster Marine
Mobile: 0917 591 6901
ALCUDIA LAW OFFICE Landline: 788 9124
Counsel for Deckmaster Marine E-mail: enelcarter@gmail.com
56 TINIG NG MARINO MARCH - APRIL 2015

Dare the difference!

W
The 2 Philippine Seafarer Congress
nd - OCTOBER 2012
SEPTEMBER TINIG NG MARINO 1
p32

hat is the big difference between Tinig ng Marino and

other maritime newspapers?

It’s helluva lot of a difference. In terms of volume and Vol. XVIII No.5 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2012 http:www.ufs.com.ph PHP 20.00

readership reach, Tinig ng Marino can stand and challenge all Philippines ratifies Danita
Paner

Maritime Labour
Alternative

other maritime papers including the glossy ones as to which is

Princess

widely circulated or attained an optimum pass-on readership. Convention Story on page 3

TURN TO PAGE 40

As the biggest and the widest in circulation, it can take

any challenge by counting the number of copies that Tinig has
printed for each issue. It also reaches the various corners of
the world where Filipino seafarers set sail and confront the
high seas.

Over the years, Tinig has been consistent on the issues it

has fought for, particularly on its advocacy to inform the public Season’s Greetings
about the real things that is happening in the industry.

It has fearlessly published what other maritime papers

have failed to do. As it exposes anomalies, it also publishes Vol. XVIII No.6 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2012 http:www.ufs.com.ph PHP 20.00

the good things about this dynamic sector. Seafarers hail Story on page 3

congress a success
Most of Tinig articles are even exclusive because we are
there where the action is -- as one of the players in the industry.
TIN PATRIMONIO
A real
sweetheart
Being the official publication of the United Filipino Seafarers,
ENTERTAINMENT ►PAGE 42

TNM Exclusive:

Tinig ng Marino has been influential in the the many changes Unholy
Alliance 4

occurring in the country’s maritime industry. The evidence can

►PAGE 22

be easily verified by browsing the UFS website.

It need not engage in cutthroat competition by bringing

advertisement rate down and employing sexy marketing
managers. Tinig clients knew they get their money’s worth.

It would be unfair to compare Tinig ng Marino to other

maritime newspapers just as if one were comparing a choice
between Rolls Royce and a Kia Pride.
 MARCH - APRIL 2015 TINIG NG MARINO 57
from page 28

#NoTo550 Coalition:
Automation of P550...
Various documents will need
to be presented and surren-
dered in order to qualify for
the refund. Coalition mem-
bers point out that the incon-
venience of such a process
will likely deter many OFWs
from even trying to get their
money back.
Prior to the MC No.
8 rollout, non-IPSC-exempt
passengers at the NAIA air-
ports needed to line up at
designated collection coun- Kongsberg Maritime
ters to pay the Php550 ter-
minal fee after checking
- market leading supplier of high quality simulator systems
in with their respective air-
lines. Exempt passengers,
of course, skipped this step
and proceeded directly to
boarding. By delegating the
collection of the terminal fee
to international air carriers,
the process was reversed.
Non-exempt passengers no
longer needed to accom-
plish the second step but IP-
SC-exempt passengers are
required to take further steps
to refund their money. The
problem with this solution,
however, is that it simply shifts
the burden of inconvenience
on the shoulders of the OFWs
due to the apparent lack of
foresight on MIAA’s part.
The coalition is com-
posed of more than 30
organizations including:
United Filipino Seafarers, Phil-
ippine Migrants Rights Watch,
Catholic Bishops Conference
of the Philippines-Episcopal
Commission for the Pastoral
Care of Migrants and Itiner-
ant People, , the Blas F. Ople pino, Ang Bagong Bayani SanMan (HongKong), and address the congestion in all
Policy Center, Trade Union OFW Labor Party, Filipino OFWs in Afghanistan. Ninoy Aquino International
Congress of the Philippines, Lifeline, Kapisanan ng mga The airport terminal Airport (NAIA) Terminals with
LBS Recruitment, Inc, Fed- Kamag-anak ng Migranteng fee integration scheme, ironi- the increasing volume of pas-
erated Association of Man- Manggagawang Pilipino, cally, is MIAA administration’s sengers through the adop-
power Exporters, Inc, OFW Patnubay Riyadh, Ang Nars initiative to “remove the un- tion of immediate measures
Family Party-List, Pinoy Ex- Party-List, Office of Sena- necessary barriers to travel to dramatically trim down
pats/OFW Blog Awards, Fili- tor Cynthia Villar, Task Force and simplify travel regula- the processing time of pas-
pino Migrant Workers Group, OFWs Italy, Global Asia Alli- tions.” In the general state- sengers, thereby promoting
OFW Movement, Daughters ance, Philippine Recruitment ment section of the MC No. 8, smoother, seamless, con-
of Charity Migrants Desk, Ka- Agencies Accredited to Sau- MIAA administration explains: venient, safe and hassle-free
balikat ng Migranteng Pili- di Arabia, and Pinoy Tayo “There is an urgent need to travel experience.”
 58 TINIG NG MARINO MARCH - APRIL 2015
by Alvin
Patrimonio Back-to-Back
Golf Tournament
MSCI Gentlemen’s Cup Golf
Tournament 2015
A
group of 75 golf
enthusiasts mem-
bers of Marin Sport
Club Inc. (MSCI) trooped
at the green of Club Intra-
muros last February 22,
2015 to compete for the
annual golf tournament
in honor of all February
Birthday Celebrants name-
ly Capt. Jess Morales, Capt.
Jolie Pelayo, Capt. Burt Sa-
bay, Capt. Arman Morales,
CE Procis Aquino, Tony Low Gross Champion - Capt. Jones Tulod Class C Runner Up - Engr. Ernan Rodio
Espinosa, Ernan Rodio, Low Net Champion - CE Robert Jose Navarro Ladies Champion - Ms. Joy L Amacio
Guilbert Llamado, Nestor Class A Champion - Mr. Joey Hernandez Ladies Runner Up - Ms. Evadne Argonza Bautista
Alilin and Ernie Galang in Class A Runner Up - Mr. Rick Loyola Most Accurate Drive - Capt. Wally Rivas
cooperation with PMMA Class B Champion - Mr. Benru Regalado Longest Putt - CE Chito Majabague
Alumni Homecoming host Class B Runner Up - CE Joey Del Pilar Nearest to the Pin - Capt. Jose Vega
class 2015. Class C Champion - Capt. Orlando Palenzuela Longest Drive - Mr. Ernie Galang

Marin Sports Club Inc. members, February Birthday Celebrants

Capt. Jones Tulod CE Robert Jose Navarro

 MARCH - APRIL 2015
The Rising Tide of Obesity Among Seafarers
S
tarvation among seamen is
becoming rampant while
others are growing fatter be-
cause of food abundance onboard
vessels. However, excess of any-
thing may lead to certain prob-
lems. Such is the case with a cer-
tain Bosun who acquired health
problems because of plenty of food
served. This is truly ironic because
the human body longs for proper
nourishment with healthy food.
Obesity is a safety issue at
sea. Several studies were conduct-
ed with male seafarers in order to
determine the outcome of a max-
imum Body Mass Index (BMI).
One’s lifestyle in eating habits
determines the acquisition of re-
lated diseases brought about by
excessive food intake. Being over-
weight brings several problems
for seamen desiring to be hired by
companies and agencies. There
is mandatory pre-employment
health examination conducted
during the process of job applica-
Engr. Ryan Anthony R. Mercene, MBA
tion which includes the calcula-
tion of BMI as well as determining
the height and weight of the crew
applicants.
Approximately 2.8 million
adults die annually because of obe-
sity in various parts of the world.
It has become a major problem
which has resulted in cardiovascu-
lar disorders. Crew members can
half-jokingly admit the fact that
the ship’s cook is “the most im-
TINIG NG MARINO 59
mal weight is ranges from 20 to 25
for the BMI, moderate overweight
from 25 to 30 and obesity from 30
and above. As male seafarers be-
come older, the BMI values pro-
gressively increase as well.
Dr. Rob Verbist, Ship Pro-
ject Manager once said that, “Sea-
farers are among the most isolated
groups of workers in the world in
relation to access to medical care,
both in emergency situations and
for primary healthcare.” Although
certain health risks are involved in
a state of obesity pertaining to the
portant person onboard” accord- acquisition of several diseases, it
ing to a survey conducted by the still is considered to be a modifia-
UK-based Seafarers International ble factor.
Research Centre (SIRC). The issue for obesity arises
Basically, obesity pertains when overweight seamen find it
to excessive body fats which have hard to carry out safety tasks espe-
accumulated in time because of cially in cases of emergencies par-
overeating, lack of proper diet and ticularly when using the ladders,
exercise. It is a medical condition stepping on a lifeboat or life raft,
that may have a negative impact and the use of escape routes. It is
on a person’s health. Its negative important for seafarers to always
effect has the tendency to reduce maintain proper physical fitness
life expectancy. in order to counter risky situations
The World that impedes safety and protec-
Health Or- tion. Several accidents and injuries
ganisation have already been reported similar
(WHO) de- to that of the construction and
fines obesity manufacturing industries.
and over- The “Consultation an
weight as an Obesity” was published in 1997
abnormal by WHO presenting the classifi-
and exces- cation of overweight and obesity.
sive fat ac- This consistent system was tagged
cumulation as BMI and has been used world-
that presents wide. BMI is equal to the weight in
risks to a per- kilograms divided by the square of
son’s health the height in meters. Furthermore,
while the the BMI associated with work abil-
Health and ity and age as per the study made
Social Care by made by Bridger and Bennett.
Foundation Please see table below for the
of Turkey WHO classification of overweight
defines them and obesity, according to BMI:
as increased Classification of over-
body fat. weight according to body mass
Based on index (BMI) [Resource: WHO,
a study con- 1997: 9]
sisting of
several sea- continued on page 61
farers, nor-
60 TINIG NG MARINO MARCH - APRIL 2015

Online
Mabuhay UFS at Tinig ng
Marino mula sa mga Officers and
Crew of MV Ecomar g.o ng Bright
Maritime sa Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
outer anchorage.
Standing L-R: Oiler Teodoro
Veluz, 3E Reynaldo Cadubla, CE
Freddie de la Cruz, D/B Ian Rey Re-
cososa, A/B Tequin Alingig, M/M
Jaygir Malabago, 2E Adan Mabale,
A/B Junyl Carnice, O/S John Paul
Valdez, Bosun Raymond Rocacor-
ba; seated L-R; O/S Micahel Jara-
ta, C/Ck Ernesto Nicolas, D/C John
Mark Sefil, C/M Fidel Tamelin,E/C
El-j Aguirre, Elect. Juanito Vergara.
4/E Ronald Quirequire

To all the crew of PA, MV”KEN KON”

headed by Capt. Rudyard Villaruel
(4th from left ) ! For saving the life of
the longshoreman!!! At port of New
Orleans, USA, good job gentlemen!
We are all very proud of you!!!!

-Mae Siason

Masarap magbarko basta ayos

ang samahan at nagkakaisa. I’m
proud be a part of Berge Matter-
horn crew. Batch 2014 - 2015
 MARCH - APRIL 2015
from page 59
The rising Tides of Obesity...
Classification BMI Risk of co-
morbidities
Underweight < 18.5 Low
Normal range 18.5–24.9 Average
Overweight 25–29.9 Increased
Obesity class I 30.0–34.9 Moderate
Obesity class II 35.0–39.9 Severe
Obesity class III ≥ 40. Very severe
Heart disease, diabetes,
and mortality are some of the ev-
idence arising from the adverse
result of increased weight among
seamen. Excess weight also brings
about the possibility of the oc-
currence of arthritis on the knees
and hips even for younger people
which may later on require surgi-
cal treatment.
Other risks which arise
from being overweight are the fol-
lowing:
• There is a growing tendency to be
injured from acute illness onboard
• The protective clothing and life-
saving equipment may not fit onto
the body of the seaman
• There is impediment from evac-
uation from the vessel in case of
emergency and firefighting
• Entering and leaving restricted spac-
es becomes frustrating and difficulty
arises particularly during rescue.
Musculoskeletal disease,
prone to injury, limitations of the
heart and lung function are all
caused by obesity bringing physi-
cal incapacity for seafarers. It is a
major risk factor for certain medi-
cal conditions which greatly affect
fitness. The cooking standards and
food quality should be taken care
of all the time. Furthermore, it
threatens the ship operations safe-
ty apart from health.
The nutritional status,
lifestyle, fitness, and proper diet
have to go hand in hand in or-
der to fight obesity. Admission to
some maritime schools looks into
the weight and height of the stu-
dent for some countries. Research
TINIG NG MARINO
shows that some obese seamen are
less likely to get the job and have
lesser chance for promotion.
Obesity leads to long term
risks which have the capacity in
moving towards medical emer-
gencies at sea or even early termi-
nation of work. Each vessel differs
in work places onboard depending
on its type, such as tankers, cruise
ships, cargo vessels, container
ships, etc. The availability of facili-
ties for leisure such as ample space
for exercise, provision of nutri-
tious food, and many others have
to be present in order to achieve
a healthy body for each and every
crew onboard.
Awareness related to the
dangers of being overweight must
be put in place. Physical exercise
onboard, regular gym work-out
goes hand in hand with proper
balanced diet. A convenient am-
biance for sport related and team-
building activities may become the
forefront of the quality of lifestyle
of our valued seafarers.
61
from page 21
Piracy drops but crew
kidnapping at sea rises...
(ECHR) has ordered France
to pay thousands of euros in
compensation to convicted
Somali pirates for violations
against their rights to freedom
and security. The said pirates
were captured by the French
military on the Somali coast for
hijacking two French yachts
on separate attacks in 2008.
They were detained for several
days before being brought to
France. The ECHR judged that
they deserved compensa-
tion for being held for 48 hours
more after arriving in France
instead, of being immediately
brought before a French court.
All of the pirates, who
were eventually found to be
guilty and then convicted, will
receive thousands of euros
each. One will be awarded
as much as €9,000. The IMB
has criticized such discussion,
warning about the message
that is being sent to other
pirates. The group also wor-
ries about its implications of
shipping and seafarer safety.
An IMB spokesman explains:
“There are practical difficulties
with respect to the gathering
of evidence and transporting
of alleged perpetrators when
a crime is committed at sea,
thousands of miles from there
the court proceedings take
place. We hope this does not
discourage European navies
from taking the required ac-
tions necessary to keep piracy
suppressed along these vital
international trade routes.”
The Maritime Piracy
Humanitarian Response Pro-
gramme (MPHRP) is likewise
disapproving of the ECHR
decision. Roy Paul, MPHRP di-
rector, stated that the pirates’
claim to rights to freedom and
security as an insult to the sea-
farers, whose own rights were
violated when the pirates
chose to attack. Paul declares
that in his opinion, the pirates
gave up any such rights when
they set sail to attack innocent
seafarers who were simply do-
ing their essential work.
 62 TINIG NG MARINO MARCH - APRIL 2015

this guy is in love with you pare

Juan at Pedro in Pag-ibig o Kaibigan
Juan: Pare hiniwalayan na ako ng girlfriend ko.
Pedro: Bakit Pare, anong nangyari?
Juan: Pinapili nga kasi ako kung pag-ibig o kaibigan.
Pedro: Eh ano bang pinili mo?
Juan: Pag-ibig Pare, I LOVE YOU PARE!!!!

pamboboso
Anak: Inay, sinisilip ng
kaklase ko yung
Wanted!!! mercy killing panty ko!!
Atty; Inday! Pwede mo bang i-de- Kriminal 1: Pare, sigurado ka bang Inay: Bastos yun ah!
scribe dito sa korte ang dito dadaan yung papatayin Ano ginawa mo?
taong nang-rape sayo? natin? Anak: Inalis ko at itina-
Inday: Maitim, panot, tagyawa- kriminal 2: Oo, nagtataka nga ako. go ko yung pan-
tin, pango ang ilong, mabaho, Isang oras na tayo dito wala ty ko sa bag,
bungal at supot. pa rin siya! Sana naman walang para di na niya
Suspek: Sige! Mang-asar ka pa!! nangyaring masama sa kanya. makita!
Ang pangalan ko NO CHOICE makuntento ka

Boy: Napuyat ako kagabi. Lalake: Hon, anong ulam natin? Babae: Kung ikaw lang naman ang makakasama ko
Girl: Bakit naman? Babae: Andyan sa mesa, pumili ka. mas mabuti pa ata magpakasal na lang
Boy: Nanaginip ka kasi, tapos nagsasalita ka, Lalake: Hon, sardinas lang ang andito. ako sa demonyo!
puro pangalan ng mga lalake mo sinasabe mo! Ano bang pagpipilian ko? Lalake: Weeh!! Bawal kaya magpakasal sa
Girl: Pa’no ka napuyat? Babae: Pumili ka kung kakain ka, o kamag-anak!!!
Boy: Kakahintay sa pangalan ko... magrereklamo ka! (ngeek!)
mr.translator YES FATHER!
Teacher: Juan, Pakitranslate anf
mga salitang ito. Anak: Dad my boyfriend na
Juan: Kayang-kaya ko yan mam. po ako
Teacher: Lets help one another. Dad: Mabait at religious
Juan: Tayo’y magtulungan. ba sya anak?
Teacher: Let’s strive together. Anak: Yes Dad, napaka-reli-
Juan: Tayo’y magsikap. gious nya.
Teacher: Because in union there is Dad: Eh ano traboho nya?
strength. Anak: Actually pari po sya.
Juan: Dahil sa sibuyas may titigas!