Showing posts with label maritime events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maritime events. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Maritime School Assessment Program (MSAP) General Information

SCSIT  Students participating in MSAP 2011
Since I’m working on the Maritime industry, I just want to share this information to those who are searching some details about the Maritime School Assessment Program (MSAP). Exam results for MSAP 2011 will be released by PJMCC.

General Information

1. The Maritime School Assessment Program (MSAP) is a nationwide standard academic assessment test for regular second year students taking up Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) or Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE).

2. The program is wholly supported by the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) in Tokyo, Japan and is implemented by the Manila-based Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCCC). IMMAJ is an association of 96 Japanese ship owners. It counts among it’s members some of the largest shipping companies in the world such as Mitsui-OSK Lines, NYK Lines and K-line. IMMAJ employs up to 30,000 Filipino seafarers at any one time. PJMCC is the association of 65 Filipino manning companies that provide seafarers to vessel’s owned and controlled by the IMMAJ members.


3. MSAP has the following goals and objectives:


a. to assess the performance of BSMT and BSMarE students presently enrolled in maritime schools via a standard academic test which covers English, Mathematics and fundamental Deck/Engine Technical subjects.

b. to benchmark Philippine Maritime Schools against industry set-standards of academic performance for maritime students based on the examination results.

c. to assist maritime schools identify their strengths and areas of improvement based on the performance of students who took the examination.

d. to assist maritime schools in terms of faculty upgrading to ensure quality of instruction hence improve the quality of graduates coming from their institutions.

e. to give maritime schools a level-playing field in terms of recruitment/employment opportunities for their students/graduates.

f. to reward deserving students with Cadetship slots reference MSAP-related programs implemented in partnership with the government and other industry associations belonging to the Joint Manning Group (JMG)

4. All regular second year BSMT and BSMarE students currently enrolled on the second semester of SY 2010-2011, of MSAP-participating maritime schools are required to take the examination.

5. Benefits of the MSAP are as follows:

a. Three (3) months accredited shipboard training onboard the T/S Kapitan Felix Oca with a month stipend of USD60.00 for 120 MSAP passers who are accepted to the IMMAJ-PJMCC Cadetship Training Program (CTP).

b. Nine (9) months fully subsidized shipboard training on board a Japanese vessel with a monthly stipend of USD235.00 for those who are qualified in item 2 above.

c. Additionally, manning companies, who are the end-users of the graduates from maritime schools, have committed to give preference to MSAP qualifiers when recruiting additional cadets for their ship owner principals.

6. The MSAP is supported by the members of the Philippine Association of Maritime Institution (PAMI) as well as some non-members. Maritime schools who participated in the past exercises have seen the Program’s merit as it gives them required feedback as to the strong points that they have and the areas they should improve on. The MSAP also gives the Maritime School a level playing field in terms of recruitment/employment of the students/graduates.

7. The Government, particularly the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Overseas Workers Welfare Fund (OWWA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), has likewise showed support to the Program.


MSAP 2007 – 2010 Highlights

MSAP 2007


1. Total of 52 schools participated (20 Luzon; 20 Visayas; 12 Mindanao) in the assessment. Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) and the John B. Lacson College Foundation (JBLCF) did not participate in the MSAP 2007.

2. Total of 5,481 students participated out of 8,111 expected to take the exam (based on the roster submitted by schools). This is equivalent to a 68% students participation rate.

3. Breakdown of Deck and Engine student participation is distributed as follows:

Deck:  3,663 out of 5,538 students registered (66%)
Engine   1,818 out of 2,573 students registered (71%)

Student participation in the Engine Department is higher than  that of the Deck Department.

4. Total of 507 students passed the industry’s set standard out of the 5,481 actual exam takers.  Passing rate us only 9% of the total examinees. Breakdown of Deck and Engine passers versus actual takers are presented below:

Deck: 359 out of 3,663 actual takers (10%)
Engine: 148 out of 1,818 actual takers (8%)

Passing rate in the Deck Department is slightly higher than that of the Engine Department.

MSAP 2008

1. Total of 70 schools participated (34 Luzon; 23 Visayas; 13 Mindanao) in the assessment.

There is a 35% increase in the participation of schools from 2007. However, PMMA and JBLCF still did not participate in the exercise.

2. Total of 7,131 students participated our of 10,131 expected to take the exam (based on the roster submitted by schools). This is equivalent to a 70% student participation rate.

Student participation in the MSAP has increased from 68% in 2007 to 70% in 2008.

3. Breakdown of Deck and Engine student participation is distributed as follows:

Deck: 4,370 out of 6,463 students registered (68%)
Engine: 2,761 out of 3,668 students registered (75%)

Student participation in the Engine Department is again higher than that of the Deck Department, reference MSAP 2007.

4. Total of 1,145 students passed the assessment out of 7,131 actual exam takers. Passing rate is only 16% of the total examinees. Breakdown of Deck and Engine passers versus actual takers are presented below:

Deck:  641 out of 4,370 actual takers (15%)
Engine: 504 out of 2,761 actual takers (18%)

For MSAP 2008, passing rate of the Engine Department is higher than the Deck Department  

MSAP 2009

1. Total of 81 schools participated (37 Luzon; 28 Visayas; 16 Mindanao) in the assessment.

There is a 16% increase in the participation of schools from the previous year. However, PMMA still did not participate in the exercise.

2. Total of 11, 443 students participated out of 15, 424 expected to take the exam (based on the roster submitted by schools). This is equivalent to a 74% student participation rate.

Student participation in the MSAP has increased from 70% to 74% in 2009.

3. Breakdown of Deck and Engine student participation is distributed as follows:

Deck: 6,771 out of 9,397 students as per roster (72%)
Engine: 4,672 out of 6,027 students as per roster (78%)

Student participation in the Engine Department is again higher than that of the Deck Department reference MSAP 2008.

4. Total of 4,038 students passed the assessment out of 11,443 actual exam takers. Passing rate is 35% of the total examinees. Breakdown of Deck and Engine passers versus actual takers are presented below:

Deck: 2,554 out of 6,771 actual takers (38%)
Engine: 1,484 out of 4,672 actual takers (32%)

For MSAP 2009, passing rate of the Deck Department is higher than the Engine Department

MSAP 2010

1. Total of 80 schools participated (39 Luzon; 26 Visayas; 15 Mindanao) in the assessments.

The decrease in participation was due to the last minute cancellation of University of Perpetual Help – Biñan and Malayan Colleges to participate and the disqualification of Misamis Institute of Technology due to discrepancies found in the list of students. Likewise, the three (3) campuses of John B.Lacson University in Iloilo and Bacolod did not participate in this year’s exercise. The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) still did not participate in the MSAP.

2. Total of 11, 783 students participated out of 17, 241 expected to take the exam (based on the roster submitted by schools). This is equivalent to a 68% student participation rate.

Student participation in the MSAP has decreased from 74% in 2009 to 68% in 2010.

3. Breakdown of Deck and Engine participation is distributed as follows:

Deck: 6,931 out of 10, 606 students as per roster (65%)
Engine: 4,852 out of 6,635 students as per roster (73%)

Student participation in the Engine Department is again higher than that of the Deck Department reference MSAP 2009.

4. Total of 3, 508 students passed the assessment out of 11, 783 actual exam takers. Passing rate is 30% of the total examinees. Breakdown of Deck & Engine passers versus actual takers are presented below:

Deck 1,791 out of 6,931 actual takers (28%)
Engine: 1,537 out of 4,852 actual takers (32%)

For MSAP 2010, passing rate of the Engine Department is higher than the Deck Department.

MSAP 2011 FACTS AND FIGURES


Participating Schools

Luzon
– Number of Schools: 42
Geographical Coverage
Ilocos/Tuguegarao/ La Union/Pangasinan/Nueva Ecija/Bataan/Pampanga/Bulacan/Metro Manila/Cavite/Laguna/Batangas/Quezon/Marinduque/Sorsogon/Albay/Camarines Norte/Camarines Sur

Visayas – Number of Schools: 28
Geographical Coverage
Aklan/Capiz/Antique/Iloilo/Negros Oriental/Negros Occidental/Cebu/Bohol/Leyte/Biliran

Mindanao – Number of Schools: 15
Geographical Coverage
Zamboanga del Sur/Misamis Occidental/Misamis Oriental/ Davao del Sur/South Cotabato/ Maguindanao/Lanao del Norte/Agusan del Norte/Surigao del Norte

TOTAL SCHOOLS: 85

List of Maritime Schools in the Philippines participating in MSAP 2011

Name of Maritime School their address and contact number in alphabetical order

1. Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines
Bolton Riverside, Ecoland Matina, Davao City 8000
082-303-1341

2. Aklan Polytechnic College   
Quezon Ave. Kalibo, Aklan   
076-268-9383

3. Asian Institute of Maritime Studies   
A. Arnaiz Ave. cor. F. B. Harrison St., Roxas Blvd. Pasay City   
833-5311 local 106

4 Baliwag Maritime Academy   
Km. 54 Cagayan Valley Rd., Sampaloc, San Rafael, Bulacan 3008   
044-766-1263

5. Bicol Merchant Marine College, Inc.
Rizal St. Piot, Sorsogon City   
056-211-2430

6. Capitol University    
Corrales/Osmeña Streets, Extension 9000 Cagayan de Oro City   
08822-71-1977

7. Cebu Technological University     
R.M. Durano Ave., Poblacion, Carmen Cebu
032-429-9898

8. Central Luzon College of Science and Technology - Olongapo    #1 CBMU Road, Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City
047-223-5855

9 Central Luzon College of Science and Technology - San Fernando   
High School Blvd., Lourdes, City of San Fernando, Pampanga    
045-961-2517

10 Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion   
Arzobispo St., Roxas City   
036-621-2192

11 Cristal e-College   
Km. 14, Central Highway, Tawala, Panglao, Bohol 6340   
038-416-0433

12 DMMA College of Southern Philippines   
Tigatto Road, Buhangin, Davao City 8000   
082-241-1350

13 Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College   
16 Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City   
930-5299 local 114

14 Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc.    
182 Wakas, Bocaue, Bulacan   
044-692-4066

15 Eastern Visayas State University   
Salazar St., Quarry District Tacloban City   
053-321-2554

16 Educational Systems Technological Institute   
Murallon, Boac, Marinduque   
042-332-2068

17 FEATI University   
Helios St., Sta. Cruz Manila   
733-8321 local 430

18 Feati University - Palawan State University Campus   
Tiniguiban Heights, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan   
733-8221 local 430

19 Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc.   
Sta. Ana Ave., Davao City   
082-221-9071 local 131

20 Iloilo State College of Fisheries   
Tiwi, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo   
033-361-2417

21 Inter-Global College Foundation, Inc.   
Barangay Bocohan, Lucena City, 4301   
042-373-2535

22 John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation - Bacolod   
Pauline Village, Alijis, Bacolod City    
034-707-7749

23 John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University - Arevalo   
Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City 5000   
033-337-8828

24 John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University - Molo   
M.H. del Pilar St., Molo, Iloilo City 5000   
033-337-3860

25 Jose C. Feliciano College   
Dau Exit, NLEX, Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga   
624-5116

26 Lyceum of Iligan Foundation   
Corpus Christi Village, Tubod, Iligan City   
063-221-1817

27 Lyceum of the Philippines University - LIMA   
Cuta, Batangas City 4200   
043-723-0054

28 Lyceum-Northwestern University   
Tapuac District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan   
075-516-2426

29 Malayan Colleges Mapua-PTC College of Maritime Education & Training
Pulo Diezmo Road, Cabuyao, Laguna   
049-832-4082

30 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation   
University Site, Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City   
042-710-4237

31 Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation - Baras    
Baras, Canaman, Camarines Sur   
054-474-1148

32 Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation - Rawis   
Rawis, Legazpi City   
052-482-0997

33 Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific   
Kamaya Point, Bgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan 2105   
237-3355 local 4024

34 MATS College of Technology   
R. Castillo St., Agdao, Davao City 8000   
082-226-4560

35 Midway Maritime Foundation, Inc.   
0162 Bitas, Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City   
044-463-7020

36 Mindanao Polytechnic College   
Crossing Makar, General Santos City   
083-380-2111

37 Misamis University   
H.T Feleciano St. Ozamiz City 7200   
088-586-0633

38 NAMEI Polytechnic Institute   
123 A. Mabini St., Mandaluyong City    
531-7328

39 Naval State University   
P. Inocentes St. Naval, Biliran City   
053-500-9047

40 Negros Maritime College Foundation, Inc.   
Airport Area, National Highway, Sibulan, Negros Oriental   
035-225-5408

41 Negros Oriental State University   
Main Campus II, Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City   
035-225-5493

42 Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College   
V. Cudilla Ave., Estancia Iloilo 5017
033-397-0314

43 Northern Philippines College for Maritime Science & Technology   
Lingsat, City of San Fernando, La Union   
072-700-3077

44 NYK-TDG Maritime Academy   
Knowledge Ave., Carmeltown, Canlubang 4037, Calamba City, Laguna   
049-549-0939

45 Our Lady of Fatima University   
120 MC Arthur Highway Marulas, Valenzuela City   
291-6556

46 Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation   
Vinzon Ave. Daet, Camarines Norte 4600   
054-721-2379

47 Palawan Polytechnic College   
Manalo Extension, Puerto Princesa City   
048-434-2393

48 Palompon Institute of Technology   
Evangelista St., Palompon, Leyte   
053-555-9841

49 Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy   
Perez Blvd., Dagupan City, Pangasinan 2400   
075-515-7870

50 PIMSAT Colleges   
Bolosan District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan 2400   
075-522-1808

51 PMI Colleges - Bohol   
C.P. Garcia Ave., City of Tagbilaran Bohol 6300   
038-235-5611

52 PMI Colleges - Manila 
419 Burke St., Sta. Cruz Manila   
241-9694

53 PMI Colleges - Quezon City   
72 Roosevelt Ave., San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City 1100   
372-7285

54 PMMS Colleges - Las Piñas   
San Antonio Valley Road, Talon 1, Las Piñas City    
805-0239

55 PMMS Colleges - Manila   
1571 Lope De Vega St., cor. Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila   
742-3373

56 PNTC Colleges   
Zone 3, Lt. Cantimbuhan St., Poblacion, Dasmariñas, Cavite   
046-416-2584

57 Polytechnic College of La Union   
San Joaquin Sur, Agoo, La Union   
072-714-0026

58 Regency Polytechnic College   
Lower Balmores-Paredes St., Brgy. GPS, City of Koronadal   
083-228-4059

59 Salazar Institute of Technology   
211-N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City   
032-261-0235

60 Southern de Oro Philippines College   
Julio Pacana St., Licuan, Cagayan De Oro City   
088-856-2609

61 Southwestern Maritime College   
Villa Aznar, Urgello St., Sambag II, Cebu City    
032-354-8107

62 St. Joseph Institute of Technology   
Montilla Boulevard, Butuan City   
085-225-3131

63 St. Therese – MTC Colleges - Magdalo    
Magdalo St., La Paz, Iloilo City 5000   
033-320-8434

64 St. Therese - MTC Colleges - Tigbauan    
Brgy. Tan Pael, Tigbauan, Iloilo City    
033-511-8679

65 Surigao Education Center   
Km. 2 National Highway, Surigao City 8400   
086-826-3767

66 Technological Institute of the Philippines - Manila   
363 P. Casal St., Quiapo, Manila 1001   
733-9142 local 235

67 Technological Institute of the Philippines - Quezon City   
938 Aurora Blvd. Cubao Quezon City 1109   
911-0964 local 388

68 University of Antique    
Mayor Santiago Lotilla St., Sibalom, Antique   
036-543-8161

69 University of Cagayan Valley    
Balzain Hi-Way, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan   
078-844-8978

70 University of Cebu - Lapulapu and Mandaue   
A.C. Cortes Avenue, Looc Mandaue City   
032-345-6666 local 212

71 University of Cebu, Maritime Education and Training Center
Alumnus, Mambaling, Cebu City   
032-511-6700

72 University of Iloilo - PHINMA   
Rizal St., Iloilo City   
033-338-1071 local 230

73 University of Northeastern Philippines   
Ortega St., San Roque, Iriga City 4431   
054-299-2698 local 19

74 University of Perpetual Help System Dalta - Las Piñas   
Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona, Las Piñas City   
871-0639 local 121

75 University of Perpetual Help System Laguna   
Sto. Niño, Biñan, Laguna   
049-511-9778 local 3026

76 University of Saint Anthony   
Ortega St., San Miguel, Iriga City Camarines Sur   
054-299-2401 local 150

77 University of the Visayas   
Colon St. cor. Jakosalem St., Cebu City   
032-416-7884

78 VMA Global College    
Earl Carol St., Sum-ag, Bacolod City   
034-444-1093

79 West Bay College   
Cajiles Compound, Ilaya St., Alabang, Muntinlupa City   
850-2956

80 West Negros University   
Burgos St., Bacolod City, 6100 Negros Occidental   
034-434-4561

81 Western Institute of Technology   
Luna St., La Paz, Iloilo City   
033-320-0259

82 Western Visayas College of Science and Technology   
Burgos St., La Paz, Iloilo City   
033-320-7190 local 125

83 Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College   
R. T Lim Boulevard, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City   
062-991-7470

84 Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology   
Purok Tugas, Balangasan District, Pagadian City 7016   
062-215-2232

85 Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology   
Fort Pilar, Zamboanga City 7000   
062-991-0645

___________________________

Thursday, March 4, 2010

The Veiled Beauty of Zamboanga del Sur

 Quick notes on my Zamboanga del Sur - Mindanao trip last February 11 - 13, 2010.

“We inherited an age-old conflict in Mindanao, exacerbated by a politically popular but nearsighted policy of massive retaliation. This only provoked the other side to continue the war.”
- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her State of the Nation Address, 27 July 2009

Why I picked Zamboanga


I’ve always known Mindanao for the region’s armed conflicts, which was officially between the Philippine government and the MILF.  It was further aggravated by violent acts by other armed groups, privately armed militias and powerful feuding clans. Last November 2009, the Maguindanao Massacre also known as Ampatuan Massacre - which prompts the declaration of Martial Law in the province, shocked us.



Mindanao is beautiful, however, its beauty was veiled by that dark political issues confronting the region. But despite that, I still decided to be assigned in Zamboanga del Sur, the western part of the island of Mindanao, as proctor for this year’s Maritime Schools Assessment Program (MSAP). Everybody is asking me if I’m sure about this trip. I said yes, I’m sure. I badly need some distractions on this boring everyday routine – I guess it’s that feeling of excitement and danger that attracted me to this part of the country. 

Why I’m in Zamboanga – aside from leisure

Our main purpose of going in Zamboanga is because of the Maritime School Assessment Program (MSAP). It is a nationwide standard academic assessment test for all second year students taking up Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) or Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE). It is an undertaking of the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCC) jointly with other members of the Joint Manning Group (JMG). My last year’s assignment was in Davao City and in 2008 I went to Laoag City - so why not Mindanao this time? I was considering Cotabato but finally decided to take Zamboanga.

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – Little Hong Kong of the South?
Before landing, I saw the picturesque harbors of Pagadian City. It was so beautiful and natural, but we don’t have extra time and budget to visit these places – maybe next time. We just planned a quick city tour instead.

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur is the largest province in Western Mindanao and the point of entry to the cities of Ozamiz, Iligan and Cotabato, But the airport in Pagadian City is currently undergoing renovation and expansion, so we took the 11:25 am PR flight bound for Ozamis City Airport. It was a two-and-a-half hour flight from Manila and from Ozamis airport. Then we took another one-hour land trip going to Pagadian City together with Dr. Sulpicio Etcuban, our MSAP coordinator from our host school, the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology (ZSMIT). It’s a long trip actually but it was nice because we got the chance to take a peek at the Mindanao countryside, covered by golden rice fields and unending rows of coconut trees. It’s refreshing to escape the congested Metro Manila once in a while. 
Pagadian City is like Subic Bay in Olongapo, very organize and clean but more mountainous. What caught my attention is their uniquely designed tricycle – the passenger seats are tilted upward like a kalesa, but more diagonally inclined. I asked some locals why it is designed that way and they said it’s because of the rolling terrain surrounding both the commercial and residential districts, The locals also boast it to be “only in Pagadian” with great pride!

We stayed at the Pagadian City Bay Plaza Hotel on our first night. The rooms are nice and clean but the hotel staff are not attentive, the front desk personnel are unsmiling, keeps on talking on their local dialect in front of us and room keys are not working. We are thankful we were transferred at Alindahaw Hotel on our second night. (Quick Facts: Alindahaw is a local term for Dragonfly)
I don’t know why they are calling Pagadian City as the “Little Hong Kong of the South.” I’ve never been to Hong Kong so I’d rather not question it. I just notice that the city sleeps at nine or ten in the evening – effects of the Mindanao armed conflicts I guess.

Pasalubong Shopping and City Tour
We headed directly at the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology right after we arrived at the busy city of Pagadian. We met with the very hospitable school officials and professors for the formalities and pre-exam briefing and merienda. 
Then we did a quick tour of the city and visited some shops for some pasalubong. I am looking for some Pagadian City delicacies or sweets, unfortunately there’s none. What they have there are colorful sarongs, batik, beautiful shawls, and other Muslim-inspired outfits. 
They also have a big market section just for dried fish and squid. They sell all sorts of dried fish – unfortunately my favorite tuyong espada isn’t available that time so I bought four packs of dried squid instead.
To experience riding their uniquely designed tricycle, we decided hiring a local tricycle driver for our city tour. We enjoyed the ride going to the scenic rotunda and did a quick horseback riding in the area, which only costs twenty pesos.

Personal Notes

I only saw a portion of Mindanao, therefore I can’t say that Mindanao is generally a good and safe place to visit. Nonetheless, I can say that the beautiful Mindanao were definitely veiled by the ugly face of the war.

Fortunately I visited a city with warm and hospitable people, with laid-back and clean environment. It was a nice trip – thanks to our host: from the ZSMIT staff – the university owner Mr. Galileo Maglasang, Dr. Sulpicio Etcuban and our assistant proctors Capt. Bernabe P. Cepe, Mr. Daniel Belza and Mr. Arman Lapuz. I also enjoyed the company of my cool co-proctors: Grace, my friend and officemate, and the two proctors we met on the plane, Ms. Helen Aguilar and Ms. Lilibeth Delgado.

____________________________
More of our pictures HERE  

Monday, October 19, 2009

Why wake up early on Sunday?

“Time is short. We must seize this historic moment to
act responsibly and decisively for the common good.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
-End Poverty 2015, UN-Millenium Development Goals-



Giving Up Lazy Sunday Morning

After five days of work, I usually dedicate my Sundays to the luxury of being lazy: relaxing and staying in bed until lunchtime. However, last Sunday is my “take-action” day, so I forced myself to wake up at 4:30 am to join a fun run dubbed as “Stand United, Fight Poverty: Maritime Fun Run 2009”

It is an annual fun run activity of the Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc. (FAME) jointly with other Maritime Associations and Organizations. It was held yesterday, 18 October 2009, at the IMAX Open Parking Area of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, in cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Woman in Maritime Philippines, Association (WIMAPHIL).  


Me and my office-mates giving up lazy Sunday (more camwhoring here


This activity is to support the United Nation's awareness program on poverty alleviation thru UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) which the Philippines and all other countries annually observe.  Aside from poverty eradication its goals is also focused on improvement in maternal care, promotion of gender equality, increased awareness HIV/AIDS thru education.

Why STAND UNITED and TAKE ACTION?


Public blamestorming is the favorite pass time of bogus political activists and politicians nowadays. I always see them in news and in rallies, complaining about almost anything – but offering no solutions, just pure rants for media exposure. I always admire leaders and politicians and activists who attack problems with solutions – but in the Philippines, politicians usually love exposé, scandals and other media camwhoring style of legislation. They even spend time and money investigating the “Katrina Halili – Hayden Kho Sex Scandal”

They consider that more important than these facts:
  • 33% of Filipinos live on less than USD 1 a day. 
  • About 5.2 million children are not in school. 
  • 11 mothers die every day due to pregnancy-related causes (2006 UN estimates) 
  • HIV cases among the youth nearly tripled from 41 in 2007 to 110 in 2008. 
  • In 2008, there were 3.4 million pregnancies, about half (1.8 million) were unplanned and about one-third (560,000) of the unplanned ended in abortion (Guttmacher, 2009).
We cannot afford to let things get worst. It is a time of great challenge for all Filipinos. This issues should be included in all political and public agenda. 
“At a time of multiple global crises, the poorest and most vulnerable have a special claim on our attention.  We know that, in any recession, those hurt first—and worst—are the poor.  According to recent estimates, the global economic crisis has claimed at least 50 million jobs this year.  As many as 100 million more people are expected to fall below the poverty line in 2009.”

What is STAND UNITED AND TAKE ACTION? 

It is a three-day global mobilization that aims to send a loud and clear message from citizens to leaders of rich and poor countries to take urgent action to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). And once again break the Guinness World Record for having the largest number of people participating in a single event.

2006: 2.1 million
2007: 7.2 million
2008: 35.2 million Filipinos stood up against poverty.

I’m still waiting for the 2009 final count and I’m glad I became part of that human sea demanding change.

Thoughts? or any personal "TAKE ACTION DAY" you want to share?


Sources:
Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc. (FAME) official website


BlogPost Update : 26 October 2009 -  Fun Run Results


The 18 October 2009 “Stand United, Fight Poverty: Maritime Fun Run 2009” held at the IMAX Open Parking Area of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City turned out to be another great success.

This activity which was held in support to the 16 to 18 October 2009 global celebration of the United Nation’s awareness program on poverty alleviation through UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) involved three events such as 3, 5 and 10 kilometers. The event opened exclusively for participants who are connected and associated with the maritime and manning industry.

Runners reached a total of 2,108. 80% of which are member-companies of FAME. This figure was counted in as part of the entire no. of Filipinos who celebrated for the same cause by the UN and put in the Guinness Book of Records for the most number of participants.

And we are proud to inform you as reported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that the official Guinness World results are already in, and the Philippines REMAINS IN THE No. 1 SPOT, with 36.1 Million Filipinos standing up against poverty. Bangladesh came 2nd with 35.7 million. The world total is 173 million.


Winners per event:

3K- MALE                   
TITLE                 NAME                       COMPANY
Champion        Glaen Quijano               Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
2nd Place         Duan Desnacido            Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
3rd Place          Niel Torres                   Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
4th Place          John Michael Conde       Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
5th Place          Vincent Garcia              Multinational Maritime, Inc.
6th Place          Janry Mintu                  Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
7th Place          Mark Jaum                   Bright Maritime Corporation
8th Place          Tyrone Quinto              Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
9th Place          Erybron Russel Mojica   Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
10th Place         John Ford Bantang       Multinational Maritime, Inc.   

3K- FEMALE

TITLE                 NAME                                      COMPANY
Champion        Diana Mae Basa Elad       Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
2nd Place          Portia Rose Peregrino    Transorient Maritime Agencies, Inc.
3rd Place          Mary Ann Celis              Reinier Pacific International Shipping, Inc.    
4th Place          Edna Austria                 Dolphin Ship Management, Inc.       
5th Place          Desiree Gioca                Wallem Maritime Training Centre Philippines.
6th Place          Jessica Checa                Leonis Navigation Company Inc.      
7th Place          Darlyn  Suobiron           Stolt-Nielsen Philippines, Inc.
8th Place          Lovella Calvelo               Reinier Pacific International Shipping, Inc.
9th Place          Juanita Biyo                   Magsaysay Maritime Corp.
10th Place         Maribel Lorenzo             Magsaysay Maritime Corp.

5K- MALE
TITLE                 NAME                                      COMPANY
Champion        Eric Joseph Gonzales      Cargo Safeway, Inc.
2nd Place          Jowie Bandoy                Cargo Safeway, Inc.
3rd Place          Ronnie Macandog           Multinational Maritime, Inc.   
4th Place          Daniel Ayyopan              MMSPHIL Maritime Services, Inc.        
5th Place          Nelson Quiñones            Magsaysay Maritime Corp.
6th Place          Ricky Poras                   Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc.
7th Place          Don-Don Marie Ubaldo    Barko International, Inc.
8th Place         Rene Gilpa                    Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc.              
9th Place         Ryan    Ruego                Magsaysay Maritime Corp.
10th Place       Jim Welkin Monares        Wallem Maritime Training Centre Philippines
                      Jay Galosmo                   Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc.

5K- FEMALE
TITLE                 NAME                                      COMPANY
Champion       Angelica Gajulen                  Philippine Ports Authority                   
2nd Place        Pamela Castro                     Reinier Pacific International Shipping, Inc.
3rd Place        Jacquelyn Labatorio              Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc.
4th Place        Marilou Estrella                    Stolt-Nielsen Philippines, Inc.
5th Place      Joanne Oliva                         Leonis Navigation Company Inc.
6th Place      Kristine Reyes                      OSG Ship Management Manila Inc.
7th Place     Norma Rojas                         Cargo Safeway, Inc.
8th Place      Czarina De Jesus                  Leonis Navigation Company Inc.      
9th Place      Geline Lontoc                       Leonis Navigation Company Inc.                  
10th Place    Ma. Elena De Joya                 Philippine Ports Authority

10K- MALE
TITLE                 NAME                                      COMPANY
Champion       Roberto Estrella                     Philippine Ports Authority       
2nd Place          Ramon Navarro                    Cargo Safeway, Inc.
3rd Place          Dario Tangonan                    Cargo Safeway, Inc.
4th Place          Michael John Castillon            Cargo Safeway, Inc.
                       Hari Om Choudhary              Magsaysay Mitsui O.S.K. Marine, Inc.
5th Place          Jeff Carlos                            NYK-Fil Shipmanagement Inc.           
6th Place          Marco  Payadon                     Multinational Maritime, Inc.
7th Place          Ernesto Villar                        Cargo Safeway, Inc.                         
8th Place          Ricardo Labadan                   Cargo Safeway,Inc.
9th Place          Rodrigo Carreon, Jr.              Cargo Safeway, Inc.                         
10th Place         Ricky    Alqueros                   Cargo Safeway, Inc.

10K- FEMALE
TITLE                 NAME                                      COMPANY

Champion       Ellen Salusod                           SMART Communications, Inc.
2nd Place         Marichu  Rojas                      Cargo Safeway, Inc
3rd Place          Norrie Anne  Casareo              Cargo Safeway, Inc.
4th Place          Ayesa  Polias                          NYK-Fil Shipmanagement Inc.
5th Place          Rose Marie Casareo                Cargo Safeway, Inc.
6th Place          Lerma  Aquino                        NYK-Fil Shipmanagement Inc.
7th Place          Maritess  Gerona                     Cargo Safeway, Inc              

Biggest Delegation (with 285 participants)      =     Magsaysay Maritime Corporation