The PTC Group reaffirmed its leadership and commitment to shaping a sustainable and inclusive maritime future through its active participation in the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2025, held from November 11 to 13 at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City. The annual conference convened government officials, maritime leaders, and global stakeholders to address key issues surrounding workforce sustainability, regulatory reforms, and the evolving needs of today’s seafarers.

Mr. Gerardo Borromeo, PTC CEO and Vice President of the Philippine Shipowners Association, set the tone for the discussions as he facilitated the Philippines Government Address: State of the Industry, delivered by Assistant Secretary for Maritime Affairs Villamor Ventura S. Plan. The address reaffirmed the Philippines’ pivotal role in the global maritime landscape and underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing seafarer welfare and competency.

On November 11, Chief Mark Philip “MAKOi” Laurilla, PHILCAMSAT Training Manager, joined the session “Seafarers Connect Episode 1: A Day in the Life of a Seafarer,” sharing valuable insights on how rest hours and shore leave directly influence safety, performance, and job satisfaction at sea. This discussion offered a human-centered perspective on seafaring, drawing from real-life experiences to advocate for better work-life balance for crew members.

The following day, Capt. Pol Winston Haboc, Vice President of PHILCAMSAT, contributed his expertise to the panel “Training Technology: Back to Basics,” which connected training providers, crewing agencies, ship operators, and equipment manufacturers in a discussion on balancing innovation with the need to strengthen fundamental competencies. As technology continues to transform maritime operations, the panel emphasized the importance of ensuring that seafarers remain well-equipped and adaptable to change.

On November 13, Mr. Homer Silvestre, PTC Group General Manager, delivered an insightful presentation titled “Wellbeing at Sea is a Shared Journey – Between Seafarer and Management.” His talk emphasized the need for collaborative, sustainable approaches to health and wellness, urging maritime leaders to empower seafarers to take greater ownership of their physical and mental well-being while management builds supportive systems and resources to sustain long-term resilience.

Later that day, Ms. Karen Avelino, PTC Executive Director of Business Development and Senior Vice President of the Cruise Division, joined the impactful panel “Moving the Needle | My Harassment-Free Ship – What Does It Take?” The session explored key welfare issues affecting life on board, including isolation, cultural barriers, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. Ms. Avelino highlighted the industry’s collective responsibility to create safer and more inclusive workplaces for all seafarers, underscoring the need to foster dignity, respect, and belonging across all vessels and ranks.

Through its strong presence at the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2025, the PTC Group once again demonstrated its steadfast advocacy for collaboration, competency, inclusivity, and compassion—working hand in hand with global partners to elevate the standards of maritime training, safety, and seafarer welfare across the world.