The Philippine government aims to establish the country as the “Maritime
Capital of the World” by providing the global maritime industry with worldclass Filipino seafarers. This was shared by Transportation Secretary Jaime
Bautista at the CrewConnect Global session on “An essential update from the
Government of the Philippines” facilitated by PTC CEO Gerardo Borromeo
last November 22 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Secretary Bautista said the
Department of Transportation
(DOTr) is determined to address
current challenges faced by the
maritime industry for the
country to achieve such a
reputation. “Our goal at the
Department of Transportation is
to entrench the position of the
Philippines as the Maritime
Capital of the World by
supplying the “seafarers of
choice” for the global maritime
industry,” he added.

Mr. Borromeo also took part in the
discussion on “The Just Maritime
Transition: What to look out for as we
strive for a more sustainable industry”
where he was joined by Sturla
Henriksen, Special Advisor of the
United National Global Compact; Helio
Vicente, Senior Manager of the
International Chamber of Shipping;
and Jacqueline Smith, Maritime
Coordinator of the International
Transport workers’ Federation.

Ms. Karen Avelino,
PTC Executive Director of
Business Development for
Shipping & Senior Vice President
of Cruise Operations took part in
the panel discussion on “Looming
Labour Shortage: Checking in
with Crew Supply for the Cruise
Industry” on November 23, Day 2
of the Conference.

Capping the conference was the CrewConnect Awards and Gala Dinner
on the evening of November 24. Recognized as finalists for the
CrewConnect Global Awards were PTC’s Project RISE for the Welfare
and Corporate Social Responsibility category while PHILCAMSAT’s
Bridge Program was shortlisted for the Industry Solutions Award.

The 3-day conference which took place from November 22 to 24 brought
together leading shipowners, ship management companies, crewing
agents, training academies, and maritime authorities to discuss the most
pressing issues facing the global crewing industry today.

To welcome the delegates of CrewConnect Global 2022, PTC hosted a welcome
dinner on November 21 at the Palacio de Memoria in Parañaque City.