EU and the Philippines to boost seafarers’ training, certification, and labor conditions

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jan 20, 2025 02:41 PM 

 

Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service Niclas Kvarnström meets the media on his first visit to the Philippines.

Filipino seafarers stand to benefit from a joint initiative between the European Union (EU) and the Philippines to enhance maritime education, training, certification, and labor conditions.

In a special press briefing on Dec. 2, 2024, organized by the European Union Embassy, Niclas Kvarnström, managing director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service, emphasized the Philippines’ importance as a partner of the EU. “Our relationship with the Philippines has remained strong and multi-dimensional,” he stated. As such, people-to-people exchanges and capacity-building initiatives for seafarers are high on the agenda of the EU.

Kvarnström, who is leading the EU contingent in the Fourth Joint Committee with the Philippines, highlighted the EU's commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas beyond maritime training.

This initiative is part of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE), which includes a €4 million allocation to improve seafarer training and certification in the Philippines. The program, launched last month, aims to ensure Filipino seafarers remain globally competitive while benefiting from fair labor conditions.

He also met with key government officials and civil society organizations and discussed areas of mutual interest to both the EU and the Philippines.   

European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro added, “The European Union is collaborating with the Philippines to improve and sustain the quality of the country’s system of maritime education, training, and certification. These efforts ultimately support global trade and economic stability.”

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Maritime Higher Education Institutions, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are key stakeholders in this initiative.

BusinessMirror’s Malou Talosig Bartolome, Manila Bulletin’s Badett Cunanan, European Union  Ambassador Massimo Santoro, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service Niclas Kvarnström, and Philippine Star Pia Lee Brago 

It will be recalled that the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport extended its recognition last April 2023 of the Philippine government’s maritime education, training, and certification for seafarers after taking note of the country’s actions in addressing some of its serious deficiencies.

Filipino seafarers were facing a ban from European-flagged vessels following a detailed assessment of the training and certification system in place in the Philippines in December 2021. The Commission said it would withdraw recognition of Philippines-issued seafarer certificates unless serious measures were taken, including the compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

With approximately 1.15 million seafarers—the Philippines is a leading supplier of maritime talent, providing approximately 25 percent of the global seafaring workforce. The shipping sector is a key pillar of the Philippine economy, making substantial contributions to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Over the next three years, the initiative will help train Filipino seafarers so they can continue working internationally and under good labor conditions.

In addition to the seafarer training initiative, Kvarnström also discussed other global challenges, including disinformation campaigns stemming from countries involved in conflicts and international issues. “We are actively working with the Philippines to counter disinformation and cyber threats. Strengthening civil society is critical to building resilience against these challenges,” he explained. 

He further stressed the importance of global cooperation in securing cyberspace. “Responsible actors who adhere to international law must work together to ensure cyberspace remains secure and governed by principles of justice and accountability,” Kvarnström concluded.

BARMM ministry to form task force to address tribal conflicts

BY KEITH BACONGCO

Jan 18, 2025 02:10 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – The Ministry of  Indigenous Peoples Affairs  of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is mulling to create a task force to address tribal conflicts  in the region.

Land conflicts, according to MIPA, are said to be the root causes of spate of killings in the region, particularly in mountainous areas of Maguindanao del Sur. 

MIPA said that they recently convened local government, police, and military officials to discuss the creation of the task force.  

Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarette said the task force will handle untoward incidents, particularly the IP killings.

Nafarette added that there is an urgent need for the local government of Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur to establish a dedicated task force to address killings.

Two members of the Dulangan-Manobo tribe were ambushed last December in Datu Hoffer. One of them was a tribal leader of the IP in the area. 

“The task force would play a critical role in focusing efforts on solving these incidents and ensuring the safety and security of residents,” Nafarette said. "Legal action would empower the government to pursue and hold the offenders accountable. Filing cases, would serve as a strong weapon in seeking justice for the victims." 

Almost 80 IPs have been killed since in the region have been killed since 2018. Many of these were linked to land conflicts, police said.  Among the unresolved murders was the killing of Upi, Maguindanao del Norte Vice Mayor Roland Benito last August.

Datu Hoffer Mayor Bai Bongbong Ampatuan said that they are facing difficulties in resolving conflicts as residents are apparently afraid to cooperate. But Ampatuan assured that they are doing their best to address the problem especially in Barangays Tuayan Mother and Mantao where most of the killings happened.

Several IP leaders in the region have expressed dismay on the unresolved killings. They are not hopeful justice would be served to the victims.

Late last year, Froilyn Mendoza, a member of parliament representing the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), said the killing is deeply alarming, adding that they are no longer isolated cases.

“Too many of our indigenous brothers and sisters have been victims of violence, and yet justice continues to elude us. This lack of accountability fosters an environment of fear and insecurity in our communities,” Mendoza said. 

Make it a rule—Your Sunday is sacred

Why the seventh day of the week is all-important for life-of-the-party, ever energetic, always fun Odette Pumaren

BY AA PATAWARAN

Jan 18, 2025 08:18 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• ‘I associate Sundays with my mom’s famous kare kare and salmon sinigang.’

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Odette Pumaren wears many hats. She’s one you’d like to run into at parties because she is always oozing with energy and style. One glance, whether she is a friend or not, and you know she’s fun. She’s also girl boss, VP at Luminax, a company involved in design and construction, particularly of sports facilities, where she is in charge of business development and strategic partnerships. But of all the hats she wears, she is most happy wearing that of a family woman, wife and life partner to basketball hero and Quezon City representative Franz Pumaren and mother of three, Luigi, Nico, and Maxine. It’s a role she cherishes the most, what she considers her proudest life work, so even now that her children are all grown, raised to be independent, always able to stand their own, Odette sees to it that they continue to strengthen their bonds and make more family memories, if only on Sundays when they are all most available. This is why, to Odette, Sunday is sacred. “Having a busy family means less time to connect,” she says. “So I really look forward to being with them on Sunday, sharing stories about their experiences over the week.” 

TOKYO DRIFT Traveling with the family is one thing of Odette's favorite things

 

What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?

It would be a day spent catching up with my family after a long work week. 

 

Best word to describe Sunday

Sacred 

 

LAZY AFTERNOON In Amsterdam

 

Book you recommend as a Sunday read

Daily devotions like Jesus Calling by Sarah Young  

 

Best Sunday companion

The best Sunday companion is always the family, with whom to reconnect and recharge. But, aside from family, if I could be with someone I’d really like to meet on a Sunday, it would be Michelle Obama. I have always admired and looked up to her. 

 

DREAM UPON THE SKYLINE In Hong Kong by Victoria Harbor

 

What is the most extravagant thing you could think of having or doing on a Sunday? 

It would be traveling. My family and I enjoy traveling to new places, trying different cuisines, and exploring new cultures.  

 

What would be the perfect topic for Sunday brunch conversation? 

Having a busy family means less time to connect, so I really look forward to being with them on Sunday, sharing stories about their experiences over the week. Most of the time we talk about politics. 

 

SUNBEAMS AND PRAYERS In Florence

 

Best movie or series that once made your Sunday

Currently, it’s Nobody Wants This, the romcom starring Adam Brody as a newly single rabbi and Kristen Bell as a cynical sex podcaster. I’m a hopeless romantic.

 

A quotable quote about Sunday that’s made for you

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. —Philippians 4:13

 

ON THE DANUBE Sailing in Budapest, with the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building behind her

 

What does “wear your Sunday best” mean to you?

Sunday best means exactly what it does. It’s about putting your best foot forward, taking the time to honor the day, whether it’s through personal style or the significance of the activities planned. 

 

If you were to write a book about the Sundays of your life, what would be the title? 

Sunday Kind of Love

 

BEACH NIGHTS In Boracay on a sultry evening

 

Best Sunday ever in your memory

The best Sunday is whenever our family, including my parents and siblings, also nephews and nieces are complete. It’s always nice when, complete as a family, we hear mass together, especially since everyone is busy working during the week. The best Sunday ever is really about just taking the time to catch up and unwind together with the people you love the most. 

 

IF YOU CAN MAKE IT THERE In New York

 

Worst Sunday in your life

The worst Sunday is when a family member is ill. 

 

CENTRAL PARK New York in autumn

 

If Sunday were a flavor, what would this flavor be?

I associate Sundays with my mom’s famous kare kare and salmon sinigang. 

 

TROMP L'OEIL In Lyon, the second most populous city in France

 

Where in the world would you like to be next Sunday, if you can just go there by magic?

I would transport myself to Paris.

FASHION PULIS: Enough is enough

BY MIKE LIM

Jan 18, 2025 01:46 PM

  

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As years go by, partners see the best and worst of each other. The best practices are cherished but the worst can result in trouble later on. Such might have happened to the relationship of Popular Guy (PG) and Controversial Woman (CW).

PG and CW started their relationship with questions from kibitzers. Other than recognition, the two lived worlds apart. They became known to the public given their diverse interests. However, PG seemed to be a nice guy and as he did not have any marital connection, he could pursue the very much single CW.

The two subsequently pulled each other into their worlds. They were no longer social media shy. No one objected and most wished PG would finally settle down. 

They were tested at one point too, and their followers worried that it would actually end the relationship. But CW aired her clarification and PG stood by her.

However, about a year later, their followers sensed something was not right. Neither spoke about any trouble but whispers were loud that the two had broken up. 

The rumor is that CW did something quite messy that PG could not comprehend: It was about CW allegedly getting caught peeing on their sofa and floor.

Either CW might be physically suffering from an ailment or she might have had too much to drink. Drunks are known to lose control. 

Whatever the case maybe, seeing such made PG lose it. That was the last straw as PG ultimately made CW leave.

‘This is what happens when nice people are pushed too far. We give too many chances, and so when we've finally had enough, we are well and truly done. When a nice person shuts a door on you, it's shut for good.’ — Deb Caletti

Missing posts

Years ago, when Showbiz Scion (SS) finally admitted her relationship with Sought-after Bachelor (SB), kibitzers maliciously commented that she definitely knew her “market.”

SB was quite well-off and capable of giving SS a life fit for a queen. With SB’s connections, SS could also have a career that could be the envy of anyone in showbiz.

SS and SB did their best to keep their relationship private. However, they were generous in sharing significant details in social media. Hence, many vicariously followed their respective accounts.

Alas, observers noted that the social media savvy SS seemed to be silent the past month. She missed out posting updates even during the recent holidays, something so unlike her. 

Even if SB was noted to be within the same area as SS, her followers noticed the absence. They, thus, wondered if something was wrong. 

Did trouble come too early in the lives of SS and SB? Are they undergoing something that has affected their life? 

Of course, no one wants to wish them ill, as they seemed to be the perfect match.

‘If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.’ — Dolly Parton

Follow @FashionPulis on Twitter and @fashionpulis on Instagram. 

Please continue to send your comments and juicy stories to fashionpulis2023@gmail.com.

Thank you very much for loving www.fashionpulis.com. Till next Sunday...

New era in climate change

BY REY ILAGAN

Jan 17, 2025 00:01 AM

  

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EDITORS DESK

 

It’s official: In 2024, the world breached the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold for global warming, a limit established by the 2015 Paris Agreement. This alarming development was confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), drawing from analyses by scientists in the US, UK, and EU. Further validation came from the European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Service, the UK Met Office, and Japan’s weather agency.

 

Adopted by 196 parties during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris on Dec. 12, 2015, the Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. Its overarching goal, as stated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is to “hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.”  

The recent breach underscores a grim reality: The past decade has been the hottest in recorded history, with 2024 marking the peak. This year is likely to be the first with a global mean temperature exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Samantha Burgess of the European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Service noted, “The last 10 years are the 10 hottest on record and are likely the hottest in 125,000 years.” Adding to this, Copernicus identified July 10, 2024, as the hottest day ever recorded.

 

Burgess added: “The primary reason for these record temperatures is the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As greenhouse gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere, temperatures continue to increase, including in the ocean, sea levels continue to rise, and glaciers and ice sheets continue to melt."

 

In the Philippines, extreme temperatures mirrored global trends. Metro Manila experienced its hottest day in history on April 27, 2024, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recording an air temperature of 38.8 degrees Celsius at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The heat index soared to 45 degrees Celsius at NAIA and 42 degrees Celsius at the Quezon City Science Garden.

 

The provinces also saw all-time high records. Zambales province recorded 53 degrees Celsius on April 28, 2024. Subic Bay in Olongapo, Munoz in Nueva Ecija, and Dagupan in Pangasinan recorded 47 degrees, according to PAGASA.

 

While individual years exceeding the 1.5-degree limit don’t spell the end of the Paris Agreement’s goals, they signal an urgent need for action. “It means we need to fight even harder to get on track,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement confirming the breach. “There’s still time to avoid the worst of climate catastrophe. But leaders must act—now.”

 

Guterres underscored that the recorded heat of 2024 demands unprecedented climate action in 2025. Governments must deliver updated national climate action plans to curb global temperature rise and prioritize support for vulnerable communities facing the brunt of climate impacts.

 

The question remains: Will leaders heed this warning and act decisively, or will the world continue its trajectory toward irreversible climate catastrophe?

 

(Rey Robes Ilagan is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Environment and Sustainability section.)

Beware of online job offer scams and human trafficking

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jan 16, 2025 00:02 AM 

In an era where social media connects people globally, it has also become a breeding ground for job scams and human trafficking operations. These fraudulent schemes have victimized countless job seekers by exploiting their aspirations for better employment opportunities. Despite their promises, these offers often lead to financial losses, exploitation, or worse, involvement in illegal activities.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have consistently warned against accepting job offers abroad without proper verification. According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, scam syndicates use social media platforms to lure unsuspecting Filipinos with lucrative job promises. 

A recent case highlights the dangers: a 35-year-old man was intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after inconsistencies in his responses during immigration checks revealed that he had been recruited via Facebook for a job in Cambodia. The victim’s travel documents were sent through a social media app, a clear sign of the informal and potentially illegal nature of the arrangement.

Last September, three Filipinos were denied boarding at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Thailand due to fake visas obtained through fraudulent online offers. These incidents underscore the growing sophistication of scam syndicates, which often use fake company names, addresses, and logos to deceive applicants.

These so-called job opportunities often lead to exploitative work environments. For instance, some victims find themselves working in scam hubs, forced to participate in illegal online schemes such as phishing. These activities not only exploit workers but also put them at risk of legal consequences in foreign countries.

The DMW has also reported cases of Filipino workers recruited through “third country” schemes, where individuals travel to one country as tourists before proceeding to another for employment. Last year, a report from the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria detailed incidents of Filipinos being arrested for cybercrime and immigration violations after being recruited through such schemes. 

Social media platforms have become fertile ground for illegal recruiters. In 2024, the DMW shut down a recruitment office in Quezon City linked to a Dubai-based consultancy offering bogus jobs in Europe. Victims were scammed out of hundreds of thousands of pesos, with promises of employment in Italy and Malta. The DMW has since worked with Facebook to take down over 7,000 illegal recruitment posts, emphasizing the importance of vigilance when navigating online job advertisements.

The DMW advises job seekers to transact only with licensed recruitment agencies and verify job offers through its official website. Job seekers are warned to avoid recruiters who demand early payment of fees or fail to provide official receipts. Legitimate recruitment transactions should occur at registered business addresses, not through casual online interactions.

The consequences of falling prey to illegal recruitment extend beyond financial loss. Victims risk being stranded abroad, facing legal troubles, or becoming involved in illicit activities. Moreover, the government or private groups will find it difficult to assist those in such situations because individuals have not gone through proper channels for overseas employment.

As social media continues to evolve, so do the methods of illegal recruiters. Job seekers must remain vigilant, scrutinize job offers, and verify the legitimacy of recruiters. Reporting suspicious activities to the DMW or relevant authorities is not only a protective measure but also a step toward dismantling these exploitative networks.

Remember, the promise of easy money often comes at an unimaginable cost. By exercising caution and prioritizing due diligence, job seekers can protect themselves from the perils of illegal recruitment and ensure their safety and security when pursuing opportunities abroad.

320,000 INC members troop to Davao City rally

BY IVY TEJANO

Jan 13, 2025 04:37 PM 

DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Police Office reported that 320,000 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo from Mindanao participated in the National Rally for Peace on Monday afternoon, Jan. 13, at the San Pedro Square here.

MORE than 300,000 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo from Mindanao participate at the National Rally for Peace on Monday afternoon, Jan. 13, at San Pedro Square in Davao City. (Ivy Tejano)

Police Capt. Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson of the DCPO, said that about 320,000 INC members, including other sectors, joined the rally as of 12 noon.  

She added that the rally was expected to draw a huge number of participants.

Minister Eraño “Bong” Estudillo, regional legal officer of the INC, said the rally aimed to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 's position opposing the impeachment move against Vice President Sara Duterte.

INC members from Davao region, Socsksargen region, and Bukidnon said they participated in the rally to advocate for peace and unity in the nation.

According to the religious group, criticizing each other, especially individuals in government positions, would only deepen division within the country. They emphasized that the rally is about peace and unity. 

Walk for Peace

Duterte supporters organized a Walk for Peace simultaneous with the National Rally for Peace to show their support to Duterte.

Duterte supporters, who walked from Roxas Freedom Park to Rizal Park in San Pedro Square here, said the activity aims to protect Duterte from the impeachment complaint being pushed against her. 

Three impeachment complaints have been lodged against Duterte at the House of Representatives, accusing her of constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, and other serious offenses related to the alleged misappropriation of confidential funds during her tenure as Vice President and Education Secretary.

Generally peaceful

"The rally was generally peacefully since the start of their gathering," Tuazon said. She added that they are closely monitoring their areas of responsibility aside from the main event here to ensure peace and order.

DCPO acting director Police Col. Hansel Marantan said the more than 1,000 police officers were deployed in strategic areas to maintain peace and order in the rally. He reminded the public to act responsibly.

Police Regional Office-11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said they have deployed additional personnel to strengthen security here and the region and ensure zero untoward incidents.

In line with the rally, the Davao City Council approved an ordinance last Tuesday authorizing the temporary closure of San Pedro, C.M. Recto, C. Bangoy, Iñigo, Pelayo, Bolton, and Rizal Streets from Jan. 11 to 13.