Posted on Manila Times
By GENIVI FACTAO
The Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (Amosup) sees a wide prospect for Filipina seafarers filling in the shortage of officers in the world merchant fleet.
Dr. Conrado F. Oca, Amosup Chairman said Amosup is pushing for more Filipina seafarers to be deployed in international vessels. He recognized the strength of Filipina seafarers, especially those who already become officers.
He named Capt. Jasmin Labarda, as one of Filipino seafarers who already manned international ships. Labarda is currently the chairman of Amosup Women. The newly-installed Amosup Women co-chairperson for Luzon is
Capt. Maria Kristina Javellana and Co-Chairperson (Visayas) is Chief Engr. Nina da Silva.
Dr. Oca said the women seafarers will take over the world and the youth is the future of seafaring industry.
“As woman seafarer, don’t be discouraged because of the environment, instead you should be challenged. The youth is the future of the seafaring industry. While you are a student, work hard, inculcate all the knowledge that you can acquire. Your brain is like a sponge. While young, explore the world,” Dr. Oca said during the assembly of Amosup women and youth committees on Friday.
Vice Admiral Eduardo Santos, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) President said they were talking to Norwegian cruise ship owner to employ Filipinas.
He said recently, he had a luncheon meeting with the president of a cruise company abroad and next month, he will be talking to the president of another company.
“We were pushing for ladies to be hired as crew member of cruise ships and many others (shipping companies) are coming. We see now the fruits of my efforts,” Santos said.
MAAP has more chances of creating maritime officers since the cadets were being groomed to become one. There is no doubt that Amosup will ensure the supply of high quality seafarers.
Amosup has stepped up its recruitment of competent Filipino officers, as the global maritime community is still reeling for officer shortage.
The Baltic and International Maritime Council (Bimco) report showed there is a current shortfall of 16,500 officers and it has been estimated that the world will need 92,000 officers by 2020 and 147,500 more by 2025.
Currently, there were about 367,000 Filipino seafarers deployed all over the world.
Amosup Women’s Committee or Amosup Women is a group for women maritime workers. It came into being as its mother organization, the Amosup, acknowledged the rising number of women in the maritime work force.
Camille Abadicio, Special Projects and Communications Officer of Amosup said the women’s committee will tackle issues, challenges and concerns among women seafarers and will promote women empowerment through education, training and opening more doors of opportunities beneficial to all members
Currently, there were 5,000 women out of 10,000 members of Amosup.
“Our aim is to make the Philippines, as the top choice of women seafarers in the international shipping industry,” Abadicio said.