Three Filipino seafarers have excelled in the global shipping industry during the International Diplomatic Conference of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Manila last week.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded three Filipino seafarers who have excelled in the global shipping industry during the International Diplomatic Conference of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Manila last week.
According to DOLE news, the historic event marked the first time The Outstanding Filipino Seafarers Awards (TOFSA) were conferred.
The awarding ceremonies were held as the Philippines hosted IMO proceedings, which will pave the way for new and updated global standards for seafaring in the 21st century.
Labor Chief Marianito D Roque emphasized that TOFSA honors all Filipino seafarers by recognizing particular seamen who have served as models through their outstanding skills, competence, and qualities, contributing to the growth and development of the Philippine maritime industry.
Roque congratulated the first TOFSA awardees: Demosthenes C Quiñones, Master Mariner Abelardo M Pacheco, and Master Mariner Ricardo M Salunar.
Filipino seafarers have consistently demonstrated competency and proficiency in the international maritime sector and for this reason, the Philippines has become the largest and most viable source of shipping crew around the world and the most professional, reputable, adaptable, and capable individuals working in vessels of foreign flags, Roque said.
TOFSA cited seafarer Demosthenes C Quiñones, an Electrician Officer by rank, for greatly enhancing the image of the Filipino seafarers through his consistent exemplary work performance, proving equal to the challenge of rendering services on board the Frankfurt Exchange Express, a challenging vessel which other engine ratings, officers, engineers and electricians avoided due to the high expectations from its crew.
Master Mariner Abelardo M Pacheco was cited for having displayed bravery at sea by offering his own life for the sake of his crew during their abduction by Somali pirates in November 2008, [in which] throughout their more than five months ordeal, he maintained the morale of his crew and through his professionalism and strong faith in God, [went as far] as earning the trust, compassion, and cooperation of their abductors resulting ultimately in their release from captivity.
Master Mariner Ricardo M Salunar was cited as a model par exemplar for other Filipino seafarers in maintaining presence of mind and taking decisive action during a life-threatening calamity, successfully performing emergency un-berthing operations immediately following the Chile earthquake last February, thus safeguarding the lives of his crew, and preventing possible serious damage to his vessel and its cargo, as well as to the onshore facilities.
The IMO declared 2010 as the Year of the Seafarers.
Source: Shiptalk
