International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) General Secretary Steve Cotton hailed the country’s seafarers for their “strong family values binding them and their families, leading to progress and development in family and national economic life.”
Speaking at the 55th founding anniversary of Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) the other night (Nov. 11) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Cotton said of Filipino seafarers, “their sacrifices, hard work and be(ing) away from their families during their tour of duty are paying off,” in terms of financial support to their families, education and healthcare for their children.
As Cotton was addressing the audience, a good news broke – the Philippines just set a new record in Guinness Book of World Records: It is now the country that presented the largest “human-shape wheel formation,” with 2,276 seafarers and maritime students participating at around 3 p.m. on anniversary day of the union.
Mr. Cotton to the top of his voice, shouted on stage: “Filipino seafarers, you are the largest group in the world. Filipino seafarers, you are the best in the world!,” as he vowed to continue ITF’s commitment to give Filipino seafarers more protection and assistance in their work and professional enhancement. There are more than 400,000 Filipino seafarers working aboard foreign ships, more than 100,000 of them are members of AMOSUP – the largest union of marine officers, ratings and other maritime service providers worldwide.
ADVERTISING
For his part, AMOSUP president Dr. Conrado F. Oca once more thanked the Filipino mariners for their heartfelt cooperation with the union. He committed more AMOSUP benefits and productive programs for union members. Dr. Oca described Filipino seafaers as “effective workers, and great heroes in maritime and shipping sectors.”
Retired Vice Admiral Eduardo Ma. R. Santos, AMOSUP executive vice president, led the AMOSUP contingents to the arena.
Source: Seafarerstimes
No comments
Post a Comment