CRC held a round table discussion on the theme “The Maritime Industry’s Role in the Promotion of Integral Human Development” at the University of Asia and the Pacific on March 10, 2014.
The Maritime industry continues to play a vital role in the country’s economic development. But while the seafarers are out in the sea for many months, who takes care of their families? Is the topic ‘family’ integrated in the curriculum of Maritime HEIs and Training? What are the activities of private shipping industries (local and international) that promote the welfare of the family? What are the implications of these initiatives to the maritime industry, nation building and integral human development? These are the basic questions that CRC addressed by bringing together the key stake holders in the global maritime and shipping industry, education and training.
Dr. Bernardo Villegas welcomed the guests to UA&P, after which, the speakers, who were not only brilliant minds, but people who have spent significant years in the maritime industry, presented on various topics. Mr. Gerardo A. Borromeo, CEO of Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) spoke about “Reintegration of the Seafarers as a Strategy for Nation Building.” Ms. Ma. Socorro Oca, publisher of SeafarerAsia, tackled “Care for the Family of Seafarers: Implications to the Maritime Industry.” Ms. Doris Magsaysay Ho talked about “Maritime Associations: Their Role in Strengthening the Filipino Family.”
Ret. Vice Admiral Eduardo Santos, President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, and the Exec. Vice President of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) gave his reaction to the presentations. Dep. Exec. Dir. of STCWO Office, Atty. Jabeth Dacanay, presented on “Maritime Administrations’ Role in Strengthening the Filipino Family.” Finally, Ms. Josephine Francisco, Group Chief Quality Officer (CQO) and President of the Ship Management Division of TDG companies, talked about “The Integration of Human Development in the Maritime Education and Training Curricula.” Capt. Emmanuel Regio, current President of the Filipino Association of Mariners’ Employment (FAME) gave the Closing Remarks.
An open forum followed the presentations, in which guests from different agencies and institutions participated: Mr. Ric Casco of International Organization for Migration, Fr. Valentin Mendoza of Scalabrini Migration Center, Fr. Paolo Prigol of Apostleship of the Sea, Dir. Albert Valenciano of OWWA, Dir. Violeta Munoz of NRCO, Ms. Athena Balleza of BPI, Ms. Ruby Badoy of MARINA, Capt. Rudolfo Aspillaga of Masters and Mates, Atty. Herman Pascua of APSU, Chief Engr. Alfredo Haboc of PAMTCI, Dr. Angelica Baylon of MAAP, Dr. Dungo of UA&P, Dr. April Alcazar of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig and Congressman Roman Romulo.
Text by Dr. Veronica Ramirez
