By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac on Tuesday (Nov. 25), attended the inauguration of the local office of MSC Crewing Services Philippines and Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC) in Aseana, Paranaque City.
During the inauguration, Cacdac noted that there will be an uptick in job opportunities for Filipino seafarers in the coming years because of the expansion of MSC and PTC in the Philippines.
“MSC means more seafarers and cruise ship workers. That means more work, more coordination, more possibilities of collaboration, and renewed friendship,” Secretary Cacdac said.
The DMW chief also assured the officials of MSC and PTC that the issues and concerns towards the Magna Carta for Seafarers that may affect the cruise sector [have] already been raised and the same will be addressed.
MSC is a duly [licensed] manning agency engaged in the recruitment of shipboard personnel and other related maritime activities, while PTC is a global maritime company engaged in ship and crew management, education and training, logistics and outsourcing solutions.
Elia Congiu, Chief Operating Officer of MSC Cruises, said that part of their future expansion in the coming years is to create opportunities for 50,000 more crew members globally, with 10,000 jobs to be allotted to Filipinos.
Meanwhile, PTC Group Chief Executive Officer Gerardo Borromeo vowed to continue their partnership with the Philippine government and ensured to continue [providing a meaningful] career for Filipino seafarers.
-avds