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6/2018 Volume 14 Issue 5

PTC Signs Partnership with Panama Maritime Authority

Making Waves of Change One Brick at a TimeFollowing the official launch of PTC’s ecobrick project “Plastic-Free Starts with Me” last March, PTC Group employees have made ecobricking a part of their everyday lives: stuffing all their non-biodegradable waste into plastic bottles with the intent of reducing the trash that goes into the oceans and collecting building blocks to make simple, modular structures for PTC’s Brigada Eskwela beneficiary school.

As part of the campaign, employees joined the “Bottle It Up Challenge” and banded together to come up with the most number of ecobricks in terms of weight per floor, department or business unit. Completing 124 ecobricks weighing a total of 78.12 kilograms, PTC’s 9th floor units: Accounting, BPCC/Audit, Treasury and the Office of the Chairman, won the challenge. They were followed by the 8th Floor with 109 ecobricks weighing 58.7 kgs and ACM Homes with 57 kgs.

Collectively, PTC Ecobrick Warriors were able to complete a total of 441 ecobricks amounting to 267.75 kgs. of plastic waste that will be kept out of the oceans and repurposed. The finished ecobricks were used to construct a total of 21 stools for more than 500 students of Bucal II Elementary School in Maragondon, Cavite, PTC’s Brigada Eskwela beneficiary school this year. During the back-to-school maintenance activity held last May 29, PTC volunteers also cleaned up classrooms and school grounds, and repainted the school walkways.

Another batch of PTC volunteers took part in a clean-up activity held on May 30 at the San Antonio Village Elementary School in Makati City where they painted the clinic, corridor walls and classroom doors. PTC’s commitment to a plastic-free world continues beyond these activities as more ecobrick-related initiatives are rolled out in the coming months.

Ambassador Salinas at the Usapang STCW ForumIMO Maritime Ambassador Carlos Salinas graced the “Usapang STCW Forum,” hosted by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), as a resource speaker to help enlighten maritime stakeholders from the government, private sector, and academic institutions on the IMO Ambassador Scheme and through it, encourage the country, as a member state of the IMO, to align with IMO’s vision and strategic direction to promote “better shipping for a better future.” The forum was held last May 25, 2018 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

“Usapang STCW” is an initiative by the MARINA designed to provide the government and the private sector with an avenue to engage on discussions regarding their shared goals for the maritime industry. The forum also serves as a platform to launch the agency’s latest programs such as the MARINA online appointment system and mobile application. According to MARINA Administrator Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, the system is designed to process online applications of STCW certificates and SIRB and will be made operational to the public by June 25.

The PTC Group signed an agreement with the Panama Maritime Authority through the Embassy of Panama, Manila, creating a scholarship program for Panamanian cadets at the Mapúa-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training and paving the way for other future collaborations in the area of maritime education and training (MET) between PTC and the Republic of Panama.

The agreement was signed last May 20, 2018 at the Raffles Hotel in Makati by Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas, PTC founder and IMO Maritime Ambassador, H.E. Jorge Barakay Pitty, Minister and Administrator of the Maritime Administration of Panama, and H.E. Rolando Anibal Guevara Alvarado, Ambassador and Consul General of the Embassy of Panama. Witnessing the signing were PTC CEO Gerardo A. Borromeo, PTC Director Christina S. Manzano and Dra. Magdalena Carrera, Director of Seafarers, Panama Maritime Authority.

PTC Renews MLC CertificationPhilippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. has successfully passed its periodic MLC 2006 External Audit, attesting to the company’s continued commitment to upholding and protecting the rights and welfare of its Global Maritime Professionals. The audit was conducted on May 3, 2018 by DNV-GL auditor Antonio Leosala who noted zero non-conformities and observations during their assessment.

PTC Crewing Offices Recognized Followingthe Principal Survey PTC’s crewing offices were honored by the PTC Crewing Quality Assurance Department through a simple awarding ceremony held last May 17 during the Monthly Crewing Managers’ Meeting at the Legaspi Room of First Maritime Place. The recognition was given as a result of the 2017 Principal Survey conducted during the first quarter of the year which aims to effectively measure customer satisfaction and identify opportunities for enhanced cooperation and synergy.

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Ambassador Salinas Rolls Out IMO Maritime Ambassador SchemeTo enhance the image of shipping and lead the youth towards unique opportunities that will allow them to explore the seas and move the world, IMO Maritime Ambassador Carlos Salinas carried out the following initiatives this month to further spread the IMO Maritime Ambassador Scheme (IMAS) in the country through value-driven engagement with key industry institutions:

• A courtesy visit to Ambassador Erik Førner of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Taguig City to initiate a maritime collaboration between Norway and the Philippines thru the IMO Ambassador Scheme by means of programs that will help reach new target audiences and inspire a new generation of maritime seafarers and professionals. (May 11, 2018)

• A meeting with Philippine Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator, General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, to present the IMAS, emphasizing the need for maritime professionals to be given proper tools and avenues to pursue careers at sea through constant consultation and linkage between industry and concerned government institutions. (May 17, 2018)

• The hosting of a visit by MARINA Deputy Director Atty. Joy Ban-eg to PTC and to PHILCAMSAT’s world-class training facility at First Maritime Place in Makati, during which time he expressed his keen readiness to closely collaborate with MARINA to enhance the sustainable growth of shipping and seafaring in the Philippines through the provision of globally- competitive continuous education and training. (May 18, 2018)

• Presentation of the IMAS to the Greek Embassy Head of Mission, Ambassador Kaimenakis Nicolaos in Makati City to drive collaborative efforts, centered on promoting shipping and the maritime career, between Greece and the Philippines. (May 18, 2018)

• A meeting with Dr. Amelia Biglete, CESO III Director IV- Office of Planning, Research & Knowledge Management and Eleanor Fernandez, Division for Programs and International Conventions Chief, Office of Programs and Standards Developments in Quezon City, to familiarize the Commission on Higher Education with the IMAS while highlighting the institution’s role in maintaining the competitiveness of the country’s maritime tertiary education standards - a vital component in paving maritime career pathways. (May 22, 2018)

• Participation in the International Shipping Stakeholders Round Table Discussion hosted by the National Coast Watch Council Secretariat at the Malacañang Palace alongside the Association of International Shipping Lines Inc., Filipino Ship Owners Association and the Philippine Ports Authority to discuss the local shipping industry’s state and the policy and programs needed for the Philippines to become the leading maritime nation globally. (May 29, 2018)

• A meeting with Professor Hilton Stanilad, World Maritime University (WMU) Adjunct Professor of Maritime Law and a Seafarers’ Rights Advocate, and Atty. Jabeth Sena Jepath Dacanay, WMU Master of Science in Maritime Affairs graduate, at the First Maritime Place to discuss advocacies which aim to protect the interests of the seafarer and guarantees fair, undiscriminating and respectful individual treatment. (May 31, 2018)

LifeLinks Receives ISO 9001:2015 CertificationLifeLinks International Resources Inc. has recently been granted ISO 9001:2015 certification for its management system following an audit conducted by Ms. Marthina Ramos and Ms. Kharen Tan-Concepcion of TÜV Rheinland Philippines, Inc. on LifeLinks’ Davao office last May 7 and Makati head office last May 11. The certification is valid for three years, subject to annual periodic audits, and covers LifeLinks’ Makati, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao offices.

PTC-MilCom Signs Partnership with Bulacan State UniversityPTC Mil-Com Aviation Training Center Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bulacan State University (BulSU) to provide the Flight Attendant workshop course to its Tourism Management students. The MOU was signed by PTC Mil-Com General Manager Dino Z. Santos and Dean Gloria Lulu of the College of Home Economics at the University’s Malolos campus last May 25. Joining them were BulSU’s Mylin Damian and Aimee Madlangbayan along with PTC Mil-Com’s Monique Callo.

Constellation Travels Launches WebsiteConstellation Travels Inc. (CTI) now brings a world of destinations conveniently and instantly to its travel partners with the launch of its website at http://constellationtravels.com.ph. Through the website, CTI customers can now easily and securely book and pay for domestic and international flights on any airline using their very own computers or smart phones. The website also features CTI’s tour packages to the most exciting local and overseas destinations as well as more information about their comprehensive and customizable services for both individual travelers and corporate clients.

Northern Star Brings Caltex Fuel Your School to Northern LuzonCaltex Fuel Your School, the multi-awarded fuel-to-donate program that has helped thousands of teachers and millions of students in public high schools, is now going to selected areas in Northern Luzon through the Caltex service stations of Northern Star Energy Corporation. This was announced during the MOA signing ceremony between Chevron Philippines, Inc. (CPI), Northern Star Energy Corporation (Northern Star), and the American Chamber Foundation Philippines (ACF) last April 5, 2018. Northern Star and Chevron will donate one peso for every liter of fuel purchased in the 26 participating Northern Star Caltex stations in La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Benguet, and Mt. Province from June 1 to July 31, 2018.

“We are very excited about Caltex Fuel Your School. We value education as a company and believe that a well-educated community will drive growth that will help sustain the local economy. Our retailers will be glad to work with their community to help our public high schools,” stated Juan Miguel Delgado, Chief Operating Officer of Northern Star.Caltex Fuel Your School aims to raise three million pesos for highest-need public high schools in the region selected by the Department of Education. Northern Star is donating P 1.5 million directly to the project and leveraging their retail network in the region. ACF will screen the projects and purchase equipment based on the schools’ project proposals. “By supporting highest-need public high schools, Caltex contributes to honing competitive graduates who will positively impact our economy. Supporting education and improving learning of students inspires us to grow bigger as a business,” said Louie Zhang, Country Chairman of Chevron Philippines Inc.

This is the fourth edition of Caltex Fuel Your School, after successful runs in Metro Manila, Davao, and Bicol where a total of P 11 million pesos was raised and used to buy digital microscopes, multi-media projectors, laptops, calculators, telescopes, laboratory equipment and other learning materials.

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Northern Star Brands Convenience OfferNorthern Star Energy Corporation has launched its Convenience Hub brand that positions the company not just as an award-winning multi-branded petroleum marketer, but a player in convenience retailing as well. The brand was unveiled at the newly-renovated Caltex Baguio station located at Upper Session Road in Benguet along with the public launch of Fuel Your School, a major Corporate Social Responsibility Program conducted by Northern Star in coovperation with Chevron Philippines, Inc., American Chamber Foundation Philippines, Inc. and the Department of Education. “We want to emphasize that the retail sites in our network are not just service stations, they are destinations where motorists can get so much more than just fuel,” said Juan Miguel T. Delgado, Northern Star Chief Operating Officer.

The Convenience Hub concept integrates the Company’s total retail offer as a Branded Marketer of Chevron Philippines, Inc. in Regions 1, 2 and CAR. Northern Star’s retail operations cover more than 50 Caltex Service stations in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Aurora, as well as, selected outlets in Benguet, Zambales and Metro Manila. Depending on the size and location of the retail sites, Convenience Hubs may contain any or all of the following: convenience stores, auto service centers, cafes, quick service restaurants, pharmacies, quick payment or financial services – in addition to the core fuel offer.

Sharing Stories Over a Cup of TeaPTC’s Family and Crew Relations (FCR) hosted an afternoon tea session for the wives of Grindrod officers and crew last May 23, 2018 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The intimate session headed by FCR Manager Normie Hernandez gave the wives an opportunity to share with their fellow allottees their thoughts on how to achieve peace at home and within their community. This was followed by a discussion on depression and the importance of mental health and overall wellness. Attendees were also given updates on PTC and government services extended to seafarers.

PTC at the SONAME-PRS Golf CupIn celebration of the 10th anniversary the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Inc. (SONAME) and the 29th founding anniversary of the Philippine Register of Shipping (PRS), the two groups held its second joint tournament dubbed as the “SONAME-PRS Golf Cup” last April 27, 2018 at the Aoki Course, Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club in Cavite City.

Triumphing at the cup were PTC’s very own Commodore Honorio Casalme, Senior Crewing Manager, who was named as this tournament’s Low Gross Champion and Marcus Leslie Suntay, Business Development Manager, who came in as First Runner Up at the Class B Division. The event was attended by 32 golf players with Cong. Jesulito A. Manalo of ANGKLA Partylist gracing the ceremonial tee off along with Engr. Sammuel T. Lim, Chairman of SONAME, Mr. Roberto A. Umali, Chairman of PRS and Mr. Augusto Arreza Jr., Executive Director of Filipino Shipowners Association. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to support the groups’ projects and initiatives promoting maritime safety in the country.

PTC GMP Wins Inter-Vessel Cooking Competition PTC proudly congratulates Exmar Chief Cook Ariel Iresare of LPG/C Touraine for winning the inter-vessel holiday recipes cooking competition organized by Exmar’s catering training partner in late 2017. Participants of the competition included cooks and galley crews from vessels all over the world who submitted a recipe of a festive plated main dish with poultry. With his innovative take on an Italian classic, Chief Cook Iresare’s entry of Chicken Lasagna Rolls was appointed as the winning recipe by the competition’s esteemed panel of judges. Aside from winning a tablet, C/Ck Iresare’s creation will be featured in a recipe book to be shared with other culinary professionals.

With such notable culinary talents, C/Ck Iresare’s career at Exmar surprisingly did not start at the kitchen but on deck as a painter. After being assigned as a messman in his next contract, C/Ck Iresare’s tasks included assisting the chief cook where Exmar saw his potential to further expand his role in the kitchen. Honing his skills through training and continuous learning, he was eventually promoted to 2nd Cook and finally as Chief Cook, a position he has held over the past 10 years. Recently, he has also begun to transform his passion for cooking into an entrepreneurial project by starting to build the foundation for his own catering business.

“I was surprised to learn that I had won the cooking competition, but it is my pleasure to compete and share my knowledge as a cook,” shared C/Ck Iresare. “For me cooking is like an art. You need imagination and an artistic mind to make an exceptional dish that attracts the eye and results in both craving and satisfaction. I am grateful for the recognition.”

PTC-MilCom Introduces FA for a Day WorkshopPTC Mil-Com Aviation Training Center Inc. is pleased to introduce its “FA for a Day Workshop,” a one-day training program designed for aspiring flight attendants (FA) scheduled this June 30, 2018. At an introductory price of Php 2,500, the workshop will include an individual assessment of each trainee and sessions on Landing the Job and Cabin Crew FAQs. Participants will also get to simulate an Inflight Beverage Service using Mil-Com’s Airbus Cabin Trainer.

Interested participants may call (02) 8415551 / 0917-3101874 or visit PTC Mil-Com at Broadlands Place, No. 3 NAIA Rd corner P. Mayuga St., Tambo, Paranaque City for more details.

Constellation Travels Appointed as Designated Travel Agency by Korean EmbassyConstellation Travels, Inc. has been appointed by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines as one of its designated travel agencies to officially accept Visa Applications on their behalf beginning July 1, 2018. The move was made by the Embassy to provide a more convenient visa application process to Filipinos who wish to travel to Korea as temporary visitors. CTI is one of only 35 travel agencies nationwide to be chosen by the Embassy to process Korean visa applications.

From July 1, 2018, walk-in applicants for temporary visitor’s visa will no longer be accepted at the Korean Embassy. However, walk-in applications for spouses and children of Korean citizens, holders of visa issuance numbers, government employees with official business trips, and those with urgent humanitarian reasons for travel to Korea will be accepted. For more details, you may contact CTI at (02) 798 1111 loc 3110/3111 or cti.visa@constelltravel.com.ph.

Lighthouse Ship Management (LHSM) conducted its annual Crew Conference last May 31 to June 1, 2018 at the Legaspi Room of First Maritime Place in Makati. The 2-day seminar was opened by LHSM Director Capt. Pol Winston Haboc and PTC Chief Operating Officer Edgar Milla, followed by a talk on the Current Shipping Situation and Market Updates by Mr. Fujio Miura, Director of J. Maritime Co. Ltd. Other topics discussed included the Importance of Crew Training and Continuing Education, ECDIS Matters, ISM CODE/ MLC / STCW Refresher and the LHSM Career Enhancement Program.

Grindrod Shipping held its 7th Officers & Crew Conference at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel from May 23 to 24, 2018. Opening the conference was Capt. Hilton Stroebel, Marine Manager of Grindrod Shipping followed by discussions on Fleet Human Resource, Training Programs, Ship to Shore Interaction and Fleet Safety Concerns. Participants also took part in a workshop covering Cargo Work, MARPOL Compliance and Bunkering among others. The two-day event was capped by a fun and memorable fellowship dinner.

Aegean Shipping held its very first crew conference in the Philippines last May 23 to 25, 2018 at First Maritime Place in Makati. Joining the officers and crew for the two-day affair was Aegean’s Capt. Dimitrios A. Stamoudis, Compliance Manager, and Capt. Giannis Polychronopoulos, Crew Manager.

Crew Conferences