A delegation from the Johns Hopkins University (JHU), consisting of mid-career students from the Master of Arts in Global Policy (MAGP) program, visited PTC on the first day of their Global Residency in the Philippines. Led by Professor Siniša Vuković, the visit conducted last October 14, 2024, was part of a broader initiative to meet with key stakeholders across government, the private sector, NGOs, and academic institutions in the Philippines to learn about the country’s political culture, socio-economic challenges, security concerns, and international relations.

The JHU delegation was welcomed by PTC executives from across the Group. PTC Group CEO Gerardo Borromeo provided insights into the company’s role in shaping the maritime sector and the social infrastructure it has built over the past 45 years. He highlighted the importance of the maritime industry to global trade, the significance of the Philippines and Filipino maritime professionals in global shipping, and PTC’s initiatives across the industries it serves.

Denise Alampay, PTC’s Sustainability Manager, elaborated on the company’s sustainability efforts, emphasizing the Group’s commitment to people, planet, and prosperity. Capt. Pol Haboc, Head of PHILCAMSAT, discussed PTC’s approach to the Maritime Just Transition and how the company is preparing seafarers for the future demands of a decarbonized shipping industry.

During the visit, the students also engaged in an interactive Q&A session, moderated by Leslie Suntay, Head of Strategy (Shipping) at PTC. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the economic role of the Indo-Pacific region, issues of social discrimination, cybersecurity concerns, and the connection between food security and conflict.

The visit concluded with a tour of PHILCAMSAT, followed by a dinner at Mainsail, where students and PTC representatives continued their discussions in a more informal setting. Overall, the visit provided the JHU students with an in-depth look at the Philippine maritime sector and PTC’s forward-thinking approach to navigating the challenges of an increasingly complex global environment.