FAS Maritime

FAS Maritime "Seafaring and Shipping Stories, Told Better." Explore our digital features on our website.

We deliver weekday news covering the full logistics chain, from maritime and ports to aviation and transport, telling the stories that move the nation forward. Your source of in-depth, reliable, and relevant maritime news from the Philippines, connecting you to the industry in modern, efficient, and diverse platforms. Published by: Navs & Moor Events, Research and Communication
Link: [ https://www.facebook.com/NavsandMoor ]

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — The Inter Maritime Group held its first joint year-end event for Philippine subsidiaries at T...
30/11/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — The Inter Maritime Group held its first joint year-end event for Philippine subsidiaries at The Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion. With attendees including executives, maritime professionals, and industry partners, represented the group’s three local units: INC Navigation Company Philippines, Intership Crew Philippines, and Intership Navigation Training Center, Inc.

Executives emphasized collaboration to address industry challenges such as digitalization and sustainability. The program focused on the group’s support for Philippine maritime talent through training and crew management initiatives.

Long-service awards recognized crew members and seafarers for 20-year and 30-year milestones in service. A raffle was held during the event, adding an element of excitement to the festivities. Land-based staff delivered a talent showcase, with performances ranging from dances to singing acts.

The group announced plans to relocate its Philippine headquarters to a new office in Paranaque City during the first quarter of 2026, aiming to streamline operations and accommodate growth.

The event closed with a celebratory party. A disc jockey (DJ) kept the crowd energized with a mix of contemporary and classic hits, capping the evening’s blend of formal recognition and lively camaraderie.




NOW: Grand Maritime Ball - The InterMaritime Group’s Year-End Celebration 2025 at the Fiesta Pavilion, The Manila Hotel....
29/11/2025

NOW: Grand Maritime Ball - The InterMaritime Group’s Year-End Celebration 2025 at the Fiesta Pavilion, The Manila Hotel.



INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: PASAY CITY — The Maersk-Filipinas Crewing “Crew Connect Summit PH,” held recently, highlighted the mar...
28/11/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: PASAY CITY — The Maersk-Filipinas Crewing “Crew Connect Summit PH,” held recently, highlighted the maritime industry’s focus on seafarer welfare and resilience through candid discussions on mental health, workplace challenges and career growth, while amplifying deeply personal stories of perseverance.

The summit brought together shore staff and seafarers of all ranks to address critical issues facing the industry, including anti-bullying efforts, gender equity, communication strategies and fostering resilience. Activities ranged from upskilling workshops to cultural appreciation sessions, reflecting Maersk’s emphasis on holistic crew development.

A storytelling segment became the emotional centerpiece, with crew members sharing raw accounts of overcoming adversity.

Chief Cook Dasito Lagumbay recounted surviving a life-threatening sepsis infection that led to the amputation of all four limbs. Despite his physical challenges, Lagumbay credited Maersk’s medical team and onboard colleagues for helping him rebuild his life. “Their support gave me the courage to keep going,” he said, his voice trembling. “I chose hope over fear.”

Able Seaman Erwin Uba shared the grief of losing his child while on duty, thousands of miles from home. He described relying on faith and immediate support from shipmates to endure the tragedy. “My crew became my family,” Uba said. “They reminded me I wasn’t alone.”

The summit also included mental health workshops, anti-bullying training and career coaching. Attendees participated in team-building exercises designed to bridge gaps between shore staff and seafarers.

“This wasn’t just about policies—it was about people,” said a Maersk-Filipinas Crewing spokesperson. “When we invest in our crew’s well-being, we strengthen the entire industry.”

The event closed with pledges to expand peer-support networks and prioritize mental health resources for crews at sea. For many attendees, the stories of Lagumbay and Uba symbolized the unyielding spirit driving the maritime workforce.

“Resilience isn’t just surviving storms,” Lagumbay said. “It’s learning to dance in the rain.”





Photos by Thea Huelar

28/11/2025

AT A GLANCE: TAGUIG CITY - Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2025: Tackling workforce sustainability, safety innovations, and seafarer welfare! From regulatory reforms to tech advancements & equity discussions, industry leaders are charting a course for a better maritime future.



INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: PASAY CITY - The Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc. (FAME) elected its 2026-2027 Boar...
27/11/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: PASAY CITY - The Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc. (FAME) elected its 2026-2027 Board of Directors during its 51st Annual General Membership Meeting on Nov. 20, 2025, at Citadines Bay City Manila in Pasay City. Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto V. Perez, the guest speaker, highlighted regulatory efficiency and digital transformation efforts, underscoring FAME’s collaboration with ARTA through initiatives like the Joint Manning Group’s ARTA Champion program. Discussions also addressed seafarer deployment policies and training requirements.

A major highlight of the AGMM was the election of the new Board of Directors. Based on the results of the election, the following have been elected to serve as the Board of Directors of the Association for the term 2026–2027:

MS. JOSEPHINE J. FRANCISCO (TDG Crew Management Inc./Vroon-Fil Ship Management, Inc.)
MR. ERICSON M. MARQUEZ (Virjen Shipping Corporation)
CAPT. GAUDENCIO C. MORALES (Astra Marine International, Inc.)
MR. MICHAEL J. ESTANIEL (Trans-Global Maritime Agency, Inc.)
CAPT. RONALDO SJ. ENRILE (Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc.)
MR. MARLON R. ROÑO (Magsaysay Maritime Corporation)
MS. CARMEN B. REBUSI (IMS Philippines Maritime Corp.)
CAPT. EMMANUEL L. REGIO (Island Overseas Transport Corp.)
MS. LENORE MAXINE VICTORIA M. QUIJANO (Barko International, Inc.)
CAPT. REYNALDO D. CASAREO (Cargo Safeway, Inc.)
CAPT. BANNY B. BRIONES (Multinational Maritime, Inc./MMS Maritime (Philippines), Inc.)
MR. MIGUEL ANGEL V. ROCHA (C.F Sharp Crew Management Inc.)
ENGR. ARTEMIO V. SERAFICO (Wilhelmsen-Smith Bell Manning, Inc.)
ATTY. RODELLO B. ORTIZ (Stolt-Nielsen Philippines, Inc.)
ATTY. JOSE ADOLFO B. CRUZ (United Philippine Lines, Inc.)





Photo by: Thea Huelar

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — A new partnership between the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)...
25/11/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — A new partnership between the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) is set to boost welfare services, research, and training programs for Filipino seafarers, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 10 November 2025 during ISWAN–Philippines’ Bayanihan Seminar in Manila.

Under the collaboration, ISWAN will regularly share anonymized data from its 24/7 helplines—SeafarerHelp and Yacht Crew Help—giving NMP deeper insights into the real challenges faced by Filipino seafarers. These datasets will be integrated into NMP’s Philippine Maritime Manpower Factbook to strengthen evidence-based research and help shape more responsive welfare programs.

NMP will likewise promote ISWAN’s free helpline services across its platforms and incorporate ISWAN’s welfare insights into its studies. Both organizations also committed to joint training, webinars, welfare education campaigns, and future collaborations in maritime events, advocacy work, and the development of welfare resources.

The signing was led by ISWAN–Philippines Country Manager Marville Cullen Espago; ISWAN Chair René Andersen; ISWAN Trustee Michael Esplago; NMP Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario; and NMP Maritime Research and Development Division Head Elena M. Santos.

The partnership reinforces a shared mission: supporting Filipino seafarers through stronger data, better coordination, and accessible welfare assistance.

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: TOKYO — The Embassy of Japan welcomed the 49th batch of Filipino delegates for the Ship for Southeast ...
25/11/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: TOKYO — The Embassy of Japan welcomed the 49th batch of Filipino delegates for the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) during a courtesy call on 24 November 2025, with Ambassador ENDO Kazuya congratulating the group for their role in advancing youth diplomacy and regional friendship.

This year’s delegation—collectively known as “Bagani,” a homage to traditional Filipino tribal leaders—comprises 17 youth representatives from across the Philippines. Joined by National Youth Commission (NYC) Assistant Secretary and Commissioner-at-Large Michelle Mae Gonzales and Social Marketing Division Chief Cristabeth Madrigal, the group met with Ambassador Endo at the Embassy of Japan in Manila.

Ambassador Endo praised the Bagani batch as “modern heroes” who will help sustain the long-standing ties between Japan and the Philippines. He encouraged them to embrace intercultural dialogue, explore shared values, and build meaningful connections during their program engagements in Japan, Singapore, and Thailand. SSEAYP, he emphasized, is designed to deepen regional understanding through culture, community, and leadership.

National Leader Metodio Maraguinot Jr. expressed the batch’s commitment to using their SSEAYP experience to further strengthen bonds among Southeast Asian nations.

A flagship youth exchange initiative of the Japanese government, SSEAYP promotes mutual understanding and people-to-people friendship across Japan and ASEAN. With the Bagani batch joining this legacy in 2025, the Philippines continues to take part in shaping future ambassadors for peace, cooperation, and regional unity.

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — A stronger flow of satellite data, faster disaster response support, and expanded access to s...
24/11/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — A stronger flow of satellite data, faster disaster response support, and expanded access to space-based information for Filipino communities are among the key benefits expected from the deepening Japan–Philippines collaboration highlighted during the Japan–Philippine Space Economy Co-Creation Symposium held on 17 November 2025.

The symposium, hosted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), gathered more than 200 participants from government, industry, and academia to explore applications in maritime observation, carbon stock assessment, disaster risk reduction, water resource management, satellite manufacturing, and launch services.

In his remarks, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya emphasized how space-based data already supports critical public needs—from typhoon monitoring to infrastructure planning. He cited Japan’s emergency satellite observations during the September 2025 Cebu earthquake, when JAXA provided ALOS-2 imagery through the Sentinel-Asia network to aid response efforts.

Ambassador Endo also highlighted the long-standing cooperation behind the Philippines’ Diwata and Maya microsatellite programs, as well as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s meeting with JAXA during his Osaka visit in June 2025, noting the President’s strong interest in leveraging space technology for national priorities.

With the Philippines set to chair ASEAN in 2026—coinciding with the 70th anniversary of PH–Japan diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of Diwata-1—Japan signalled readiness to deepen collaboration, particularly in expanding space-related industries and supporting digital and climate-resilient development.

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistan...
24/11/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) have formally entered a strengthened partnership aimed at improving welfare services for Filipino seafarers and their families.

Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on November 13, 2025, at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City, both organizations committed to closer coordination on case handling, emergency assistance, health and wellbeing programs, information-sharing, and crisis response—with full adherence to data protection standards.

The agreement was signed by DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and ISWAN Chief Executive Simon Grainge, alongside DMW and ISWAN leadership teams.

Through the partnership, DMW will assist seafarers referred by ISWAN, promote ISWAN’s wellbeing initiatives, join aligned welfare activities, and provide regular case updates. ISWAN, meanwhile, will continue offering its 24/7 multilingual helpline, access to the Seafarers’ Emergency Fund, mental health resources, and support for DMW’s Pre-Employment Orientation Seminars.

The collaboration reinforces both institutions’ shared mission: ensuring Filipino seafarers receive timely, compassionate, and coordinated support—whether at sea or at home.

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: SIARGAO ISLAND - As part of the maiden trip tour organized by 2GO Travel, Day 2 explored a series of l...
21/11/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: SIARGAO ISLAND - As part of the maiden trip tour organized by 2GO Travel, Day 2 explored a series of locations that highlight the island’s natural beauty, and community-driven tourism initiatives, including the newly opened 2GO Service Center.

The day began at the Coconut Farm View Deck, where participants tried the “Human Drone” photo activity—a creative method where locals lifted travelers to capture aerial-style shots of the palm-lined landscape. Next, the group visited Mapupungko Rock Pool, wading through its clear tidal pools to observe small fish and coral formations, while others relaxed on sun-warmed rocks. Nearby, Pacifico Beach offered a contrast with its untamed waves and quiet sands, appealing to surf enthusiasts and solitude seekers alike. The tour then moved to Maasin River, where the team took a serene boat ride along its gentle currents. The final stop was The Coconut Combut, Siargao’s first paintball and gel blaster arena nestled among coconut trees, where travelers engaged in friendly matches before unwinding at the on-site coffee shop with local brews.

This itinerary, tied to 2GO’s new Manila–Siargao route, showcased the island’s blend of serene landscapes and inventive activities designed to connect visitors with both nature and local culture.




INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: SIARGAO ISLAND — Siargao, the Philippines’ famed surfing capital renowned for its majestic landscapes ...
21/11/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: SIARGAO ISLAND — Siargao, the Philippines’ famed surfing capital renowned for its majestic landscapes and whimsical islands, is now more accessible to travelers nationwide following MV St. Francis Xavier's inaugural voyage to the destination last November 17, brought to us by 2GO Travel.

The historic maiden trip underscores efforts to provide affordable and convenient travel options to one of the country’s most sought-after island destinations. Known for world-class surfing, Siargao also boasts surreal neighboring isles, including Guyam, Naked, and Daku Islands, which feature powdery sands, crystal waters, and lush scenery.

Passengers on the debut journey experienced a quintessential Siargao itinerary, starting with a three-island tour. The excursion included a traditional boodle fight lunch on Daku Island—a communal feast where rice, grilled seafood, and local dishes are served on banana leaves and eaten by hand—embodying the region’s vibrant culture.

Company representatives emphasized the goal of making Siargao’s beauty accessible to all travelers, not just niche groups, while supporting tourism growth and local communities.

Travelers can now book the Siargao voyage via the company’s official website, with packages highlighting island-hopping, cultural experiences, and eco-adventures. The launch aligns with a broader campaign to promote domestic tourism under a tagline encouraging exploration of the Philippines’ hidden gems. Social media users are sharing their journeys using dedicated hashtags linked to the initiative.

As tourism rebounds, the new route offers a timely gateway to Siargao’s unspoiled wonders, ensuring the island’s magic remains within reach for travelers nationwide.




INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — 2GO Travel, the Philippines’ largest premier sea travel provider, has launched its new Manila...
18/11/2025

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — 2GO Travel, the Philippines’ largest premier sea travel provider, has launched its new Manila-to-Siargao route with the maiden voyage of the MV St. Francis Xavier, marking a milestone in the company’s commitment to connecting Filipinos with affordable, reliable sea travel.

The maiden voyage carried 2GOKada content creators, media friends, and 2GO Travel’s retailers and partners on a media familiarization tour. The journey kicked off with a special program on board the vessel later that day before departing Manila at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17. The tour showcased the comfort and convenience of traveling to the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” via 2GO. After approximately 27 hours at sea, the vessel safely docked at Jumang Port in Siargao at 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 19, completing its historic first trip on the route. Upon arrival, the local government welcomed the vessel and crew with warm performances.

The launch event included appearances by speakers and special guests from the Department of Tourism – Philippines. 2GO Travel emphasized its dedication to linking communities across the archipelago as it begins this new chapter. The company’s expansion to Siargao aligns with its mission to make sea travel accessible and comfortable for Filipinos, supporting both tourism and local connectivity. The route is expected to provide a vital transport link for travelers seeking to explore the island’s world-famous surf spots and natural attractions.

Here are a few snaps from the inaugural voyage to The Surfing Capital of the Philippines—these are highlights from the activities onboard and upon arriving at Jumang Port in Siargao! 🏄🏝️🌴🌊


Address

Manila
1004

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+639296058484

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when FAS Maritime posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to FAS Maritime:

Shortcuts

Share

Category