By: Frances Israel
The year 2024 has been a transformative one for the AMOSUP Data Privacy Team, showcasing their commitment to advancing data privacy compliance and practical implementation across all branches of the organization. Building on the momentum from the successful Data Privacy Summit held at the AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospital in Manila last July, the team launched an ambitious nationwide initiative to engage directly with AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospitals and Clinics. This initiative aimed to provide a deeper understanding of each branch’s operational challenges and to reinforce data privacy compliance in a hands-on and collaborative manner.
Led by the Data Privacy Team—comprising Atty. Henry Zamora, Data Protection Officer of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines and of AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospitals and Clinics; Mr. Nixon Forteza, Network Administrator and Data Protection Officer of Mariners’ Home Inc.; Ms. Kristine Meryl Auquico, Human Resources Officer and Data Protection Officer of Fil-Nor Gain; and Ms. Frances Ann Israel, Communication Officer and Compliance Officer for Privacy of Seamen’s Hospital- Manila—the tour emphasized that data privacy is not merely about compliance but about embedding privacy-conscious practices into everyday operations.
Atty. Zamora underscored this point during the visits: “Data privacy is not just about ticking boxes or submitting reports to meet compliance requirements. It is about integrating privacy as a practice in everything we do. This means empowering every employee to take ownership of data protection in their day-to-day roles, ensuring it becomes a natural part of our organizational culture.”
The nationwide initiative began with Iloilo on October 10-11, 2024, as the first stop. From there, the team visited Gig Oca Robles Seamen’s Hospital in Davao on October 26-27, 2024, followed by Seamen’s Hospital Cebu on November 21-22, 2024, and concluded at AMOSUP Bacolod Extension Facility on November 27-28, 2024.
The tour combined policy updates, quick compliance audits, and interactive workshops that engaged employees across all branches. These sessions focused on the latest updates to the Data Privacy Act policies while also offering employees a safe space to address challenges, share insights, and present creative strategies for compliance. While the topic of data privacy is serious and technical, the workshops brought employees together in a lighthearted yet productive manner, allowing for a mix of learning and collaboration.
This initiative highlighted a key point—compliance with the Data Privacy Act extends beyond checklists and audits. It involves creating a culture where employees are empowered to understand data protection in practice. This mindset shift was a consistent focus during their workshops and discussions.
The AMOSUP Data Privacy Team remains steadfast in their mission to prioritize accountability, collaboration, and practical application of data privacy policies. Their nationwide effort ensures that the AMOSUP community continues to lead by example, maintaining trust, transparency, and a commitment to the safety and protection of sensitive information. As this nationwide journey continues, AMOSUP’s Data Privacy Team will keep fostering collaboration and promoting understanding of the practical and proactive elements of data privacy across all its hospitals and clinics.
The AMOSUP Data Privacy Team with the committed and passionate Department Heads and Focal Personnel for Privacy of AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospital-Iloilo.
In Gig Oca Robles Seamen’s Hospital- Davao, with the vibrant and energetic Department Heads leading the way.
With the proactive Department Heads of AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospital-Cebu.
With the youthful and dynamic team driving excellence at AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospital-Bacolod.