The Associated Marine Officers’ Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) held two Inauguration Ceremonies for their latest facilities under their Sailor’s Home Program.
On May 20, 2024 at 1000 hours, the VIPs and guests proceeded to Mariners’ Home Annex IV located at no. 1839 A. Vasquez Street, Malate, Manila for the first of the Inauguration Ceremonies. Dr. Conrado Oca, President of AMOSUP led the Cutting of Ribbon. With him were Mr. Mitsuharu Matsuura, President of the All-Japan Seamen's Union (JSU), Mr. Toshihito Inoue, Chairman of the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) and the Guest of Honor, Mr. Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The dignitaries then held the Unveiling of the Marker and was given a tour of the facilities after.
Everybody then proceeded to the next venue, the Mariners’ Home Annex V which is located at no. 1263 General Luna Street, Ermita, Manila where the honorable Mayor of Manila, Dr. Maria Sheilah "Honey" Lacuna-Pangan awaited them. Mr. Ericson Marquez, Corporate Secretary of the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCC) also joined the dignitaries in the Cutting of the Ribbon and the Unveiling of the Marker rites.
Rev. Fr. Joselito Irlanders led the Invocation and the blessing of the facility. The guests then went to the Mess Hall where the Inaugural Ceremony was held. In her inaugural address, Mayor Lacuna-Pangan congratulated and thanked AMOSUP for providing a beautiful, clean, and very cheap lodging facility for the Filipino seafarers who comprise about 63% of the world’s mariners. Dr. Oca welcomed the guests and explained the vision of AMOSUP and their undying support for the Filipino seafarers. At the end of his introductory remarks, he rallied everyone with his cheer, “Mabuhay ang Pilipinong mandaragat!”
Mr. Matsuura shared his words of encouragement and assured that JSU will continue to work in solidarity and in cooperation with AMOSUP. He stressed that JSU will continue to be proactive in enhancing the welfare of Filipino seafarers and their families, on board Japanese merchant fleets.
Mr. Inoue congratulated those engaged in the expansion of Mariners' Homes. With these two facilities, he believes the expansion is of great benefit to seafarers who need accommodation while they are in Manila. He promised that IMMAJ will continue to be committed to contributing to the efforts of their Union partners in every possible way. In closing he assures AMOSUP that IMMAJ will encourage the shipowners and their crew to use Mariners' homes as they are affordable, descent, safe, and comfortable accommodations.
Mr. Marquez extended the congratulations of PJMCC to JSU, ITF and AMOSUP and all those responsible for completing the Mariners' Homes Annex IV and V. Now, the seafarers have many alternatives and better choices for clean, affordable, secured, and comfortable lodging while they are in Manila to document themselves for departure. He ended by thanking their social partners for always prioritizing the welfare of the Filipino seafarers.
In his keynote address, the ITF General Secretary, Mr. Stephen Cotton reminded everyone of the vision of AMOSUP Founder Capt. Gregorio Oca, and how AMOSUP has grown today. He is amazed at how the relationship of the different sectors have worked together in improving the welfare of the Filipino seafarers, “We have a collective passion, a collective determination to ensure that whichever part of the industry you represent, whether you represent the unions or if you represent the shipowners, we strive to address the challenges. Whether we call ourselves friendly enemies, best friends forever or what have you, I would describe our relationships are based on mutual trust and respect.” Lastly, he called on Dr. Oca and the people behind AMOSUP where he invited them to stand up and be recognized. “I think we should give them a massive round of applause because of their brilliance. I am so privileged to work with you, Mabuhay!”
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