President Dr Conrado F Oca said the union is committed to working with its social partners “to successfully carry out the objectives and programs of the MIDP which will benefit our seafarers”
AMOSUP expressed its support for the implementation of the government’s updated Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP).
President Dr Conrado F Oca, said the MIDP 2028’s objective of developing “future-ready seafarers are something that we, as a maritime community, strongly support especially now that we are witnessing tremendous transformations in the global maritime industry.”
AMOSUP’s Executive Vice President, Vice Admiral Eduardo Ma. R. Santos (AFP, Ret.) shared Dr Oca’s message on his behalf at the maritime industry summit held at the Manila Hotel on 28th February. In his message, Dr Oca said that Filipino seafarers are the best in the world,” stressing that “shipowners have always held our seafarers in high regard because of their excellence, discipline, dedication and passion in the work they do.”
The Maritime Industry Authority and the Department of Transport hosted the industry summit where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr was the guest speaker.
“Our seafarers, both women and men, are the most in demand labour force in the world’s fleets today, and we want to keep it that way,” said Dr Oca, emphasising that this will hold the country’s reputation as the “home of world-class seafarers.”
The AMOSUP president remarked that such is a goal that industry stakeholders share, but that this requires the “collective commitment, willpower, and strategic action.”
“We at AMOSUP are committed to working with you – our government, the private sector, and our social partners – to successfully carry out the objectives and programs of the MIDP, which will benefit our seafarers in the years to come.”
In the dawn of decarbonisation, automation, and digitalisation in shipping, Dr Oca said the union is dedicated to “ensuring that Filipino seafarers are not left behind- that our maritime labour force is well-equipped, highly skilled, and globally competitive.”
But we can only do this if we work collaboratively and sail forward as one, he said.
“There is strength in numbers,” added Dr Oca, quoting AMOSUP founder, Captain Gregorio Oca, who was a strong advocate of tripartism- of unity amidst differences, barriers and diversity.
Dr Oca believes the captain’s wisdom “holds true for us to successfully move onward
towards a strong, resilient and sustainable Philippine maritime industry,” SF