By: Andy Dalisay
“It’s always all about tripartism, social dialogue, and stakeholder partnership.”
These words, once shared with former POEA Administrator Hans Cacdac by the late Capt. Gregorio Oca, continue to resonate deeply across the maritime sector. At the 65th anniversary celebration of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), Secretary Cacdac—now head of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)—reaffirmed the enduring power and significance of this tripartite framework in shaping the lives of Filipino seafarers.
From its inception, AMOSUP has stood as a collective voice for maritime labor, championing fair wages, decent working conditions and the dignity of every mariner. “AMOSUP charted a course toward a more equitable, skilled, and resilient maritime sector,” Cacdac noted, underscoring the union’s foundational role in the Philippines’ emergence as a global seafaring nation.
Over six and a half decades, AMOSUP has not only anchored the livelihoods of countless Filipino mariners but also helped steer national maritime policy. Cacdac credited the union’s consistent engagement in social dialogue and policy deliberation—from the crafting of POEA and DMW rules to the implementation of the Maritime Labor Convention and the Magna Carta for Seafarers. “The story of AMOSUP is inseparable from the Philippines’ maritime governance,” he emphasized.
A key highlight of his address was the DMW’s ongoing collaboration with AMOSUP on the accreditation of third-party doctors for seafarer compensation claims. Cacdac revealed that 12 doctors have been vetted for inclusion in this pioneering pool, which will be endorsed to the Department of Health for formal recognition. This initiative, he said, aligns with the compensation provisions of the Magna Carta and reflects the government’s commitment to practical, enforceable and internationally aligned regulations.
Training and skills development also featured prominently in Cacdac’s piece. He praised AMOSUP’s alignment with national goals to maintain a globally competitive maritime workforce, citing joint efforts with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on advanced certification programs and training center accreditation.
In a heartfelt pledge, Cacdac assured seafarers that the DMW and AMOSUP would remain steadfast allies in times of need. “We will never back down, dear seafarers… we promise AMOSUP, that we will be with you,” he declared.
As a key member of the Maritime Industry Tripartite Council—one of Capt. Oca’s enduring legacies—AMOSUP continues to shape the future of maritime labor. Under the stewardship of Dr. Conrado Oca, the union remains a vital force in discussions on crew qualifications, safety protocols, welfare guarantees and the modernization of maritime training.
Cacdac closed his tribute with a message of solidarity and resolve: “Your 65-year journey is a testament to resilience, solidarity and the unwavering belief in labor rights and professional excellence. With the enduring partnership between AMOSUP and the government, I am confident we will meet the challenges ahead with courage, innovation, and shared purpose.”SF