As a way of honoring and thanking its 50,000-strong membership, the Union mounted an event celebrating its 50th year anniversary last November 11, 2010. The event, entitled “AMOSUP@50: Looking Back, Sailing Forward”, gathered over 2,000 members and VIPs at the Clamshell in Intramuros for an afternoon and evening of celebration.
From left to right: Hilde Gunn Avloyp , General Secretary, Norwegian Union of Marine Engineers (NUME), Administrator Jose A. Capistrano, Jr, Intramuros Administration (I.A), Dean Summers, ITF Australian Coordinator and Dr. Conrado F. Oca, President, AMOSUP PTGWO-ITF
The afternoon proceedings saw thousands of members in attendance, lining up for the photo exhibit highlighting the different Union projects that benefit members and other fun activities inside the Clamshell. Several mini-programs scheduled at hour-long intervals hosted by celebrities, Mr. Foo and Ruffa Me, and featuring guest performers provided lively entertainment to members who braved the afternoon monsoon rains to join and celebrate the Union’s milestone.
The day’s event was capped with an evening program hosted by celebrities, Dominic Ochoa and Julia Clarete, and attended by representatives from the local government, industry partners and friends. After welcome remarks delivered by Vice Admiral Eduardo Ma. R. Santos, Vice President of AMOSUP PTGWO-ITF, social partners including Hiroyuki Maekawa, Vice President of the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA) and Jorgen Vatne, Deputy Director General of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) spoke about the Union, its admirable efforts to continuously elevate seafarers’ skills and its special relationship with international partners that has greatly benefited the Philippine seafaring industry.
On the other hand, Hon. Jennifer Jardin-Manalili, Administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration spoke about the Union, its long-standing partnership with the government and its valuable contributions to the betterment of the Philippine maritime industry for the past 50 years. Also on hand was Chief Officer Clemente Gavino who gave a stirring testimonial as a Union member for the past 28 years. The evening program culminated with the speech of AMOSUP Executive Vice President, Dr. Conrado Antonio Oca, capped by a toast to the Union’s next 50 years.
