Maritime Journalists Association of the Philippines Inc. - MJAP

14/08/2025

06/08/2025

08/07/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA — Eighty cadets from the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) marched into a new chapter of their maritime journey as the institution held its 14th commencement ceremony on July 4, celebrating resilience, excellence, and the academy’s commitment to diversity in maritime education.

The graduates, who began their studies in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, were honored by prominent guests including Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary Atty. Jerome T. Pampolina, NYK President and CEO Takaya Soga, and TDG Chairman and Founder J. Roberto C. Delgado.

In his keynote message, Soga emphasized the vital role of seafarers in a changing world, calling on the graduates to embrace NYK’s mission of “Bringing value to life.”

Now in its 18th year, NTMA—jointly operated by Japan’s NYK Line and the Philippines’ Transnational Diversified Group (TDG)—continues to produce globally competitive marine professionals. The academy recently made strides toward inclusion with the appointment of its first female president and the enrollment of its first cohort of female cadets, now making up about 8% of total students.

NTMA’s four-year program blends academic study with onboard training, nurturing a new generation of maritime leaders equipped for evolving challenges such as decarbonization and autonomous vessels.

The cap toss signaled more than just graduation—it marked the rise of seafarers ready to navigate the future of global shipping.

IN PHOTO:
1st from right – January S. Asuncion (NTMA President)
2nd – Yasunobu Suzuki (NYK Managing Executive Officer)
4th – Rashid H. Delgado (TDG Co-CEO)
6th – Takaya Soga (NYK President & CEO)
8th – Atty. Jerome Pampolina (DMW Assistant Secretary)
9th – J. Roberto C. Delgado (TDG Founder & Chairman)
11th – Nieves R. Confesor (NTMA Chairperson)
12th – Nobuhiro Kashima (NYK Senior Managing Executive Officer)

ℹ:https://www.nyk.com/english/news/2025/20250707_01.html

08/07/2025

PROUDLY FILIPINA! ALABANG, MUNTINLUPA — The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary’s (PCGA) 102nd Squadron welcomed a new chapter in its leadership during a Turn-Over of Leadership and Management Ceremony held on July 6 at the Alabang Country Club, attended by over a hundred officers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the PCGA.

AUX COMMODORE YASHIKA F. TORIB PCGA officially assumed her post as Squadron Director, becoming the first woman and third officer to hold the position in the 102nd Squadron’s history. Prior to her appointment, she served as the unit’s Chief of Staff from 2023 to 2025. She also serves as the Editor-At-Large of FAS Maritime and currently holds the concurrent role of Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard Auxiliary District National Capital Region–Central Luzon (CGADNCR-CL).

Torib succeeds AUX COMMODORE GIL ROBERTO L. ZERRUDO PCGA, with the transition guided by his predecessor, AUX COMMODORE EMMANUEL T. VELANTE PCGA.

The Philippine Coast Guard, represented by COMMO CHRISTOPHER M. MENIADO PCG, Commander of CGDNCR-CL, expressed confidence in Torib’s vision, capacity, and passion for public service.

Zerrudo, in his farewell address, highlighted the importance of leadership succession built on excellence, service, and capability. He also reported the Squadron’s operational and administrative accomplishments under his term.

In her assumption speech, Torib emphasized the core values of discipline, integrity, capability, excellence, and humility. Her message concluded with a self-written poem, “Hindi Ka Volunteer ‘Lang’,” which earned a standing ovation—an unprecedented moment for a Squadron Director in PCGA history.

07/07/2025

DMMA College of Southern Philippines Official

12/06/2025

Thank you for being part of the 16th FAME Fun Run Marino Ph HarborScope FAS Maritime Maritime Journalists Association of the Philippines Inc. - MJAP Marino World

30/04/2025

It’s a one-in-a-million chance to meet someone who’s sincere, kind, and full of joy—and we’re truly grateful that we’ve met Dr. Glenn Mark Blasquez in this lifetime. 😊

Thank you, Doc Glenn, for your unwavering support to the FAS Maritime team through all seasons—when we were thriving, and even when we hit rough waters. Your commitment to us, to your friends, and to the maritime community has always been rock-solid.

Happy Birthday, Doc Glenn! Wishing you more joy, good health, and meaningful moments ahead! 🎉⚓💙

12/04/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday said it is providing legal assistance to 20 Filipino seafarers under investigation in South Korea after authorities seized two tons of suspected co***ne from their vessel—the country’s largest-ever drug bust.

The Filipino crew, including the ship’s captain, was aboard the Norwegian-flagged MV Lunita, which docked in Okgye on April 4 following stops in Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, and China. South Korean authorities, acting on U.S. intelligence, discovered 56 sacks of suspected co***ne hidden in a compartment behind the engine room. The haul has an estimated street value of 1 trillion won (P39.3 billion), officials said.

While no charges have been filed, the Korea Coast Guard is questioning the crew as part of a joint investigation involving U.S. agencies. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said a lawyer from the shipowner and another from the DMW are representing the seafarers. He emphasized their right to legal counsel and presumption of innocence.

The crew continues to receive their salaries, and the DMW is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine embassy in Seoul, as well as keeping in touch with the seafarers’ families.

12/04/2025

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS, PARTNERS!
Under the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021) RULE 7 Section 6 IRR, new and more humane provisions have been established concerning wage allotments — ensuring stronger financial support for seafarers and their families back home.

WHAT'S NEW?
It is now mandatory to allot at least 80% of a seafarer’s basic salary plus guaranteed overtime to a designated allottee in the Philippines. The allottee may be:
• The seafarer themselves,
• A spouse or parent (depending on the family setup),
• Or even multiple beneficiaries — yes, split allotments are allowed!

WHY DOES IT MATTER?
This change responds to longstanding concerns from seafarers’ families regarding inadequate allotments, which often left households struggling to cover daily living expenses. With this new rule, families can be more assured of steady, sufficient financial support.

And to further promote transparency and fairness:

“Allotments shall be paid in Philippine currency at the exchange rate at the time of remittance, as indicated in the credit advice of the bank.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
• No more using unofficial exchange rates.
• Agencies must follow the bank’s actual rate at the exact time of remittance.

No more unfair deductions. No more confusion.
This is a win for seafarers — and a win for their families.

As partners in the industry, we fully support the proper implementation of this provision and encourage seafarers to stay informed and exercise their rights under the law.

Let’s work together to uphold fairness, transparency, and the well-being of Filipino seafarers.