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Double Issue NO: 119 July - October 2003

PIRACY SOARS AS VIOLENCE AGAINST SEAFARERS INTENSIFIES

London, 31 October 2003. In its latest quarterly piracy report, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported that numbers of piracy attacks on shipping throughout the world reached a record 344 in the first nine months of 2003, with Indonesian waters remaining the most dangerous.

The alarming escalation of violence against seafarers was already announced by the IMB in July this year in its report “Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships”, which showed a rising toll of dead and injured seamen as the number of incidents in which firearms were used rose.

IMB Director Captain Pottengal Mukundan said: “Levels of violence have increased significantly.” He instanced as typical incidents the fatal shooting in the head of a ship’s officer on board a tanker off Santos, and the abduction of crew for ransom off Nigeria where their vessel was run aground.

In the report covering the first six months of 2003, the IMB says that a total of 16 seafarers were killed in piratical attacks, 20 were reported missing, and 52 were injured. Numbers taken hostage more than doubled to 193. Pirates fired a hail of bullets from automatic weapons at a chemical tanker off Indonesia in an attempt to force it to stop. A ship’s engineer was hit and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.

The figures were the worst for a six months period since the IMB, a specialized division of the International Chamber of Commerce, started compiling global piracy statistics in 1991. The number of attacks rose 37% compared with 171 during the corresponding period in 2002, when six crew members were killed.

More attacks were reported off Indonesia than anywhere else in the world, which accounted for more than one quarter of the world total with 64 incidents. These included 43 ships boarded, four hijacked and attempted attacks on a further 17 ships. The IMB also warned that attacks by pirates against tankers in Indonesian waters could lead to an environmental disaster. Vulnerable vessels, such as a gas tanker and chemical tankers, have been targeted by heavily armed pirate gangs.

Among other piracy-prone areas, attacks doubled off Bangladesh where the number of attacks doubled to 23. Nigeria and India, with 18 attacks each, occupy third place in the table.

The report identifies 26 ports and anchorages that are the most prone to attacks. Chittagong, Lagos, Cochin, Chennai, Dakar and Rio Haina headed the list. (From ICC IMB website: iccwbo.org/index_ccs.asp) > INSIDE SPECIALS < PICTORIAL: ABSENTEE VOTING REGISTRATION ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ALL INDONESIAN SEAFARERS PSAP CONFERENCE REPORT ON OFW & SEAFARERS’ REMITTANCES

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 1 PSAP - TASK FORCE MARITIME VOTE SPEARHEADS SEAFARERS’ REGISTRATION IN ROTTERDAM

“Mga kapwang marino, kailangan bumoto tayo at ang ating mga pamilya sa 2004 national elections. Tayo na at magrehistro!”

This was the call of the first group of Filipino seafarers who traveled all the way to the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands on August 4 to register as absentee voters for the May 10, 2004 Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Romeo Arguelles, and other embassy Philippine national elections. staff , with Task Force volunteers and seafarer-registrants Under Republic Act 9189, the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003, seafarers can now exercise their right of suffrage abroad, and vote for President, Vice President, Senators, and Party-list representatives in Congress. They will be able to cast their votes anytime from March 12 to May 10 next year. Under this law, “seafarers” are defined as including all sea-based OFWs working on rigs and other offshore installations. The registration period for absentee voters started on August 1 and will continue up to September 30.

Seafarers who were visiting the Netherlands were able to register closer to port as a new registration center was set up in Rotterdam. Thanks to the efforts of concerned groups like the Task Force Maritime Vote, the COMELEC approved in mid-August the establishment of a registration center in Rotterdam.

Filipinos in the Netherlands launched the Task Force Maritime Vote whose primary mission is to assist seafarers and sea-based OFWs exercise their overseas voting rights.

The Task Force (TFMV), which is supported by the Philippine Seafarers Assistance Programme (PSAP/ PAROLA), extends all manner of help to seafarers and off-shore OFWs by way of information, advice, transportation, and logistical support during the registration and voting periods. It is a non-partisan and non- political group and will not campaign for or against any candidate or political party. The Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands gave the Task Force its full encouragement and support.

A Report from the TASK FORCE

Of the 532 absentee-voter registrants in the Netherlands, 214, or roughly half, were seafarers. Throughout the registration period, the Task Force visited a total of 61 ships with Filipino crew. Of these 61, only the crew of 19 ships were permitted shore leave or found the time to register. There were also about a dozen seafarers in the maritime hotel (in-transit status) who were able to register. The ferrying of seafarers to the registration centres and back to their ships accounted for an estimated 7,500 kilometres of Task Force travelling

Special arrangements were made with high-level ship management in 3 instances for a mass registration of vessel crew: the “Pride of Rotterdam”; Stena Line; and the “Solitaire”. In the case of the Stena Line, the registration took place along side ship and in the case of the Solitaire, the registration machines were installed on-board. On September 28, the Task Force assisted the Commission on Filipino Migrant Workers in the mobilization in Amsterdam.

Filipino seafarers in general have expressed great interest in the AV registration process and were very keen to participate in the exercise. However, there were many constraints on the ground which they faced and which prevented them from leaving ship: e.g. (1) Captains did not allow their crew to take shore leave outside Rotterdam/the port area; (2) The work routine of seafarers while the ship is alongside is heavy and sometimes even more demanding that their work routine at sea. Many seafarers preferred to use their “free time” either resting aboard or else go sight-seeing at the city Cont’d on next page Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 2 EDITORIAL LET US WORK HARDER FOR THE REALIZATION OF THE MARITIME VOTE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Magulo na naman! Lokohan na naman! Eleksyon na naman po!

So why should seafarers and their families bother with elections and tiresome politicians?

To be empowered. That is a short answer to the question why anyone should bother to register and vote in the 2004 Philippine elections, and in all coming elections.

Empowerment means participation in decision-making. And for Filipinos at home and overseas, what better way to participate in the nation’s decision-making than by helping choose their next set of leaders? To be indifferent to elections in the country will only make politics more dirty than it already is. The only way to make politics clean and truly democratic is for each one to sincerely do his or her little part of contributing a voice to the political process. The vision of a Philippines that is free from poverty, war and corruption can only be attained if people are empowered.

For seafarers in particular, it is very critical for them to be recognized as a voting bloc. Would it not be great if seafarers and their families are perceived by the public and by politicians especially as capable of delivering a strong vote - “the maritime vote” - similar to the fabled “Iglesia vote” or “Ilocano vote”?

The objective, of course, is not just to show that they can be united in their choice of national leaders, whether for President or Senator or party-list congressman. More importantly, the power of a “maritime vote” will force politicians and the government as a whole to listen to the numerous needs and grievances of seafarers and their families, and to adopt and implement policies that will meet these needs and collective sentiments in the most meaningful way possible.

As it is, there is still a lot to be done to make the “maritime vote” a reality. It is reported that less than 2,000 seafarers worldwide have registered under the new Absentee Voting Law. But that is just a start. Around the country, seafarers’ families are slowly but surely organizing themselves. It is only a matter of time and right initiatives before seafarers and their families will be recognized as a political force in their own right.

Seafarers and their families yearn for a proud, strong and caring Philippine Republic. They are global Filipinos in every sense.

O ano, empowered ka na ba?

TASK FORCE: from page 2 center. To meet the welfare need, what the TFMV usually did was to accompany seafarers for a brief sightseeing after registration; (3) The main challenge was to convince the captain/master that the AV registration was meaningful and worthwhile. A majority of the captains agreed that the AV exercise is a good initiative. One Ukrainian captain remarked that the work of the TFMV was ‘mission impossible’.

Working closely with the embassy proved to be very rewarding; even the embassy personnel appreciated with a clearer view the difficulties and practical challenges involved in the case of seafarer registrations.

It was a labour-intensive and financially expensive endeavour, but one that is more than justified by the sense of empowerment felt and shared by the many seafarers who took precious time out to register. The TFMV did its human best to mobilize as many seafarers as possible, although the total number of seafarer registrants in the Netherlands was below the TFMV initial expectations. (with reports from Nonoy Ty and Engr. Felix Pulmano)

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 3 SEAFARERS’ ABSENTEE -VOTER REGISTRATION:

... at the Embassy in the Hague and in the Rotterdam consulate

... alongside ship (Stenaline) in Rotterdam

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 4 A SUMMER 2003 ALBUM registration onboard (the AV Solitaire)...

... registration time-out.

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 5 PSAP Appoints New Health Adviser

Dr Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III joins the Philippine Seafarers Assistance Program as its new health adviser. Dr Lucero-Prisno is a graduate of the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude) and Doctor of Medicine. He has a Master of Public Health from the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam where his researches focused on Filipino Seafarers and HIV/AIDS. His expertise in the field of health programme management and health research will boost the various health initiatives of the PSAP for the Filipino seafarers. Dr Lucero-Prisno has worked for the European Union as National STD/HIV/AIDS Coordinator for the Philippines and later joined the Philippine government work- ing in the field of health research and health information and com- munication.

In his capacity as health adviser, he will sit in the Sub-Committee on Health Information of the Inter- national Committee of Seafarers Welfare (ICSW), of which PSAP is a member. According to Dr Lucero-Prisno,”it is high time that we take a serious look at the health and welfare of the Filipino seafarers or else we will lose a big sector of the Philippine society that plays a big role in the country’s national development”. Seafaring, being a hazardous job, and with the addition of other factors, puts them at high risk. Being the biggest seafaring nationality in the world with more than half-a-million sea- based workers, their needs and vulnerabilities should be properly addressed.

Keep posted! PSAP is embarking on new and exciting health initiatives. Do you have any questions, doubts or problems about your health? Do you want to share an experience concerning your health situation or the health situation of your fellow seafarers, as well as the health situation of your family back home? Do you have any thoughts about health proj- ects for seafarers?

You can directly email [email protected] or write a letter to Parola. PSAP works on a highly-par- ticipatory atmosphere to directly benefit Dr. Rob Verbist of the International Maritime Health Association the Filipino seafarer. (IMHA) and ICSW visits PSAP in October: with PSAP’s Atty. Peter Payoyo, Nonoy Ty and Dr. Don Prisno, and Fred Mensah, chair of the African Seafarers Assitance Network

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 6 Port-able Seafarers’ Club in Rotterdam: The karaoke fun continues as seafarers sing the hot summer away

July 27, International Seamen’s Center De Beer. The coin has been turned. The Port-able Seafarers Club, which in the past hosted the fun and laughter, was given a treat from one of the biggest passenger-ferry in the whole world, the “Pride of Rotterdam”. The officers, crew and the security organised a big summer barbecue party; the Port-able club and all ships in the neighborhood were invited. A hundred kilos of meat were laid on the fire, including buckets full of fish. And the assortment of salads beautifully laid on the table gave a fresh green flavor to the feast. The 75 jolly crew of the Pride of Rotterdam revelled during the day – around the barbecue, in the basketball court, and on the dance/karaoke floor. Although the party programme was over at 5 pm, the merriment continued for the135 seafarers coming from 8 different ships.

Aug. 10, de Beer. Inspite of summer holiday break, the Port-able Seafarers Club was organized for the day, providing fun, camaraderie and friendship to participating seafarers. Afterall, there was no summer holiday for the seafarers who had to work onboard. But they had a summer club to remember. The Port-able Club gathered 157 seafarers from 11 merry ships.

The fun and laughter continue at the Port-able Club.

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 7 PSAP CONVENES MEETING ON economic security for pinoy seafarers

A REPORT ON THE “INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON OFW SAVINGS, REMITTANCE AND ECONOMIC POTENTIAL: A CHALLENGE TO GOVERNANCE, PARTNERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT”

ATTY. JOSeph Sedfrey S. SAntiagO, PSAP Consultant

Do you sometimes feel that you have lost hope in our country? There is hope. And a big part of that hope lies in values-formation by OFWs. “Values-formation” of course includes economic values.

The Conference, held on 28-30 October 2003 in Bohol, was organized by PSAP jointly with the Asian Migrant Centre (AMC, Hong Kong); the Forum of Filipino Reintegration and Savings Groups (FFRSG, Hong Kong); Unlad- Kabayan Migrants Services Foundation (Unlad-Kabayan); the Philippine Council on Comprehensive Reintegration (PhilCore); and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The Conference was attended by at least 150 participants coming from different parts of the Philippines and of the world like Taiwan, Japan, Ireland, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands, and represented OFW organizations and OFW families, non-government organizations (NGOs) advocating OFW rights, civil society like inter-faith groups, the academe, and national and local government units.

It is perhaps not accidental that Bohol was chosen as venue. For one thing, the earliest recorded OFWs hailed from Bohol. In the 1800s, skilled Boholanos were recruited to Australia to work as pearl divers.

The Conference was welcomed by the Governor of Bohol, Erico Aumentado, and the Mayor of Tagbilaran City, Jose Torralba. Virgilio Angelo, the OWWA Administrator, and Danilo Cruz, DOLE Undersecretary for Reintegration and the Informal Sector, also gave opening messages through their representatives.

Presented during the Conference were the existing initiatives on OFW savings and the use of remittances for economic activities.

Two OFWs in Hong Kong shared their experiences – Thelma Gelicame on the FFRSG-AMC projects, and Zeta Rose Pasuit on FAMDEV, an agricultural enterprise in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Sari Cañete of Unlad-Kabayan explained what the Migrant Savings and Alternative Investments (MSAI) Program was about. Mai Dizon-Añonuevo of Atikha/BalikBayani described the “OFW One-Stop Center” in San Pablo City, an initiative which combines both income- generating activities, such as insurance plans and retirement havens, and social services like counseling and similar programs for OFWs and their families. Nonoy Ty of PASALI, a seafarer’s cooperative based in the Netherlands, presented his group’s experience of providing support to MUKRISVA (an association of Muslim and Christian vendors in General Santos City in Mindanao.

For the government presentations: Mayor Exuperio Lloren of Jagna, Bohol, highlighted the crucial role that local government units (LGUs) can play in the success of OFW economic endeavors. Ms. Leonor Mabagal, OWWA Region 10 Director, discussed the “Regional Comprehensive Reintegration Programme Formation” under her jurisdiction. Last but not least, Dr. Roberta Lauzon of the Leyte State College of Agriculture outlined business possibilities for OFWs in food production and processing.

The conference also marked the launching of two artistic creations: the premier showing of Avic Ilagan’s documentary film entitled “Homebound,” a work commissioned by the AMC; and the introduction of a new mascot for OFWs, Miggy Migrante.

After the presentations and workshops, the Conference adopted the Bohol Statement of Principles and Action Agenda, which lays down the conclusions of the meeting and gives a practical blueprint for follow-up action by relevant stakeholders. PSAP was part of the Drafting Committee that developed this consensus document.

Throughout the Conference, PSAP assumed a key leadership role in dynamizing and bringing together the participants representing seafarers’ interests. The solidarity established among these participants will definitely lead to many initiatives that would be beneficial to seafarers and their families. As such, the Conference is another land-mark achievement for seafarers. Congratulations to PSAP! Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 8 4% turnout in registration of overseas Warning on AIDS epidemic: No Condom Seafarers top list of HIV-AIDS cases, absentee voters No Sex warns U.N.

Only about 300,000 overseas absentee Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit Filipino migrant workers have become voters, or four percent of the 7.5 expressed deep concern about the vulnerable to the human immuno virus million Filipinos overseas, registered in possibility of an AIDS epidemic in the and the acquired immune deficiency Philippine embassies and consular offices Philippines, citing reports of increasing syndrome, and comprise most of those infected in the Philippines, according to as of the last day of the list-up Tuesday, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) an official of the Joint United Nations the Department of Foreign Affairs said. among Filipinos. Program on HIV-AIDS (UNAIDS). The number is way below the four to five The health department’s National million that Commission on Elections Arthur Jaucian, country program (Comelec) Chairperson Benjamin Epidemiology Center reported that 15 adviser of the UNAIDS, said domestic Abalos had expected when the Overseas new HIV cases were reported in August, help, company workers, entertainers, Absentee Voting Act of 2003 was signed bringing to 91 the total number of and nurses overseas have also become into law on Feb. 13. registered HIV/AIDS patients this year prone to HIV besides seafarers who were and to 1,921 cases since 1984. Of the already on the list of positives. total number of patients, 255 have died There were 141,414 registrants in the due to AIDS-related complications. Asia-Pacific region, 124,862 in the Jaucian said 28 percent of the 1,892 Middle East and Africa, 24,851 in Europe people living with HIV-AIDS are migrant and 10,376 in the United States, South Dayrit said there were about 6,000 to workers, as cited by the Department of America and Canada. (Phil. Inquirer, 30 10,000 unreported HIV/AIDS cases in Health’s HIV registry as of April this September 2003) the Philippines. year. Of the total, 227 are seafarers, 103 are domestic help, 59 company workers, 30 In the meantime, in an aggressive policy are nurses and 26 are entertainers. (ABS- A tearful but jubilant return for jailed to stem the growing HIV/AIDS problem, CBN news, 5 August 2003) seafarers the World Health Organisation (WHO) wants sex workers in Asia to adopt S. Korea legalizes stay of 17,000 Twenty-three overseas Filipino workers uncompromising stand “no condom no overstaying Pinoys (OFWs) returned home after languishing sex” when facing clients. in jail for more than two years in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over non- The government of South Korea has WHO is working together with authorities payment of bank loans totaling P29 legalized the stay of 17,000 overstaying in China, Myanmar, Mongolia, Vietnam, million. overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), thus Laos and the Philippines to implement . averting their impending deportation. 100 percent condom use in commercial More than a hundred family members sex establishments in these HIV/AIDS-hit met the workers, all seafarers based in countries. Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas Abu Dhabi. reported that the parliament of South Korea enacted into law a measure The “100 percent condom use legalizing the stay of all foreign workers The atmosphere was like a political rally programme” has been highly successful there. This, she said, will prevent the inside the NAIA. When reunited, the scheduled deportation of about 17,000 OFWs and their loved ones hugged each in Thailand and Cambodia where new undocumented Filipino workers. other and cried. infections have nose-dived by more than 80 percent since the peak of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the two Southeast Based on the report from Seoul-based The Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah Asian countries in the last decade, labor attaché Reydeluz Conferido, there allowed the release of the 23 Filipinos WHO officials say. (Philippine Inquirer, 29 are approximately 70,000 OFWs in South after payment of 600,000 dirhams, or September 2003; Philippine Star, 15 August Korea. Of this, an estimated 18,000 are P9 million to the government of Ras Al 2003) believed undocumented. (The Philippine Khaiman. (The Philippine Star, 9 October Star 6 August 2003) 2003)

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 9 PSAP goes to the farm(boerderij) ... It was a great team-building week-end

PSAP-PAROLA Staff and Volunteers went to the countryside last August. There, at the camping house in Putten, near Amersfoort, near a river and surrounded by farms, friends and colleagues gathered as a team, and to be just in the company of one another.

The place was conducive for reflection, relaxation and fun. Of course, the team building-weekend would not have been complete without food and music. So wah- la! No one can beat the instant party that was ignited after the serious discussion sessions. It was a wonderful retreat inland, for hard-working people who spend most of their time in the port.

Twenty-seven staff and volunteers stayed overnight and 5 others colleagues joined the fun the following day. The volunteers felt refreshed by the solid bonding that took place during this memorable this week-end.

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 10 In June 2002, PSAP co-organized with the DFA the first international conference on Filipino seafarers. This year, another pioneering international gathering was co-convened by PSAP. The 2003 Bohol Conference in pictures . . . .

The Conference was held at the Bohol Tropics Resort Club in Tagbilaran. A happy group poses for a shoot at the end of the programme.

The Conference particpants ... during plenary and a workshop session

Atty. Sedfrey Santiago (left) seated beside the mayor of Linamon, Lanao Norte, and Nonoy Hacbang, head of the Amsterdam-based Commission for Filipino Migrant Workers PSAP hosted a tour for a seafarers’ family group. (CFMW) and PSAP Board member Background shows the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Photo: Nonoy Ty

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 11 New ILO book attracts attention on and vessel security, Captain Kevin Dale. arbitration of death and injury claims women seafarers Dale is one of the chief architects of in the Philippines, but attorneys for crew new US maritime security regulations members say maritime law dating back to currently being finalised, and says legal the 1700s guarantees U.S. court review. Women seafarers – rare but growing con advice found the rules could not mandate the world’s waterborne transportation shore leave. He says final regulations, fleet – face inordinately tough working Eight sailors died as a result of a boiler will emphasise that facilities operators conditions including discrimination and room explosion aboard the 310-meter must establish procedures for co- sexual harassment as the maritime sector liner May 25, and 18 crew members were ordinating shore leave. “We cannot adjusts to the reality of women working injured in the blast at the ship’s Miami mandate private property owners do alongside men, according to a new study dock. At least one of the victim’s families this … but we have made it very clear,” published by the International Labour is suing for $1 billion in damages. he said. Citing security concerns after Office (ILO). the 11 September 2001 attacks, many terminals have banned crew from coming The cruise company wants the dispute According to the new study, women ashore when vessels call, despite ship to be treated as a matter of contract represent between 1 and 2 per cent of the owner protests. According to seafarer law under the Philippine Overseas world’s 1.25 million seafarers serving on advocates, the US requirement for visas Employment Act (POEA). some 87,000 ships. already breaches IMO convention on the Facilitation of International Marine The 4,000-member Academy of Florida Traffic. About 200,000 foreign seafarers Although in some Scandinavian countries Trial Lawyers and the Florida Admiralty working on 7,500 ships call at US ports women make up more than 10 per cent Trial Lawyers submitted papers annually, according to US Coast Guard of the seafaring workforce, figures for supporting the seamen and accusing statistics. (Fairplay online, 8 October 2003) other European countries are negligible Norwegian of trying to manipulate – in Italy women are only 1.2 per cent Philippines law in its favor. (Associated of the seafaring force, in Germany they Press, 2 August 2003) make up 4.2 per cent, while the UK has 8.3 per cent. US terror fears push companies to sack Muslims

Outside Europe figures also vary: women make up 1.1 per cent Brazil’s seafarers, Discrimination by the US against Local shipping sector faces sanctions and 5 per cent of Indonesia’s. In 1998, seafarers assumed to be Muslim has over safety lapses India reported only three women out forced at least two European shipping companies to sack Indonesian crews. of 43,000 registered seafarers; by The local shipping industry has 11 months Ironically, there is no way of telling the end of 2002 there were twelve. In to shape up to international safety and a seafarer’s religion from his identity the Philippines, only 225 women out security standards. Otherwise sanctions documents, meaning that any prejudice of 230,000 seafarers appear on the will be imposed by the international is likely be based on presumptions international seafarers’ register for community. 1983-90. arising from Muslim-sounding names or nationality of a predominantly Muslim This summed up the International nation. (LloydsList.com, 4 August 2003) Maritime Organizations (IMO) latest The bulk of women seafarers are requirements at the end of a five-day concentrated in the hotel personnel seminar to orient the country’s shipping of cruise ships, and these are mostly U.S. judge reviews 8 sailors’ claims “stake holders” on the International in rating grades. (ILO webpage news, 3 Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) October 2003) MIAMI - A judge must decide whether Code, which will be implemented on July the families of eight Filipino sailors 1, 2004. US law cannot protect seafarers killed in a boiler explosion on the cruise ship Norway can pursue their wrongful- Among the new security measures to be death suits in the United States or in the implemented are the setting up of alarm THE US government is unable to order Philippines. private terminals to allow foreign systems that would alert authorities on seafarers leave their ships, even if they any hijacking and prevent unauthorized have a visa permitting them to go ashore, Norwegian Cruise Line insists the boarding of ships in ports and at sea. (The says the US Coast Guard’s chief of port sailors’ Filipino contracts require Philippine Star. 2 August 2003) Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 12 Important Announcement for Indonesian Seafarers!

Following the example of the P. S. A. P, some Indonesians in the Netherlands took the initiative to establish the B. M. I. foundation. (Bina Maritim Indonesia).

The need of such an organization in Rotterdam, the biggest port in the world, is a logical result of the developments in the nautical industry.

The B. M. I. is determined to take care of Indonesian seafarers everywhere.

Rev. A. H. Leatomu

Memperkenalkan yayasan B.M.I

Bersama ini, diperkenalkan yayasan: B.M.I (Bina Maritim Indonesia) yang diresmikan pada tanggal 17 April 2002.

Yayasan Bina Maritim Indonesia(BMI) merupakan aspirasi serta wadah pemersatu para pelaut Indonesia yang bekerja di Balanda.

Juga ada tujuan dan maksud yayasan B.M.I untuk memberi bantuan dan penolongan dalam segala sesuatu bagi semua pelaut Indonesia yang masuk di pelabuhan – pelabuhan Europa.

Bagi pelaut yang berminat menjadi anggota, di bawah ini disampaikan formulir pendaftaran. Formulir yang telah diisi agar dilengkapi dengan pasfoto dan copy identitas pelaut dan dikirimkan ke alamat Yayasan B.M.I..de Den Haag.

Nama: ………………………………………………

Alamat: ……………………………………………. ……………………………………………...

Telpon: ……………………………………………..

E-mail ………………………………………………

Yayasan Bina Maritim Indonesia(BMI) Postbus 18579 2502 EN Den Haag Nederlands

Telp + 31 (070) 3108141 /160 E-mail: [email protected] Reg. KvK no. 27250048 ABN AMRO bank: 48 61 08 902

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 13 Kami Namang Mga Babae... from the Seafarers Family Caregivers Goodbye, Dearest Baby

Cebu, Lourdes Ceniza Philippines

Our Eucharistic celebration at the Seamen’s Hospital talking to her, reassuring her that she did not have to worry Chapel in Cebu takes place every first Wednesday of the about anything, because God will take care if everything. month. A merienda cena is always served, after which the We told her that God will never leave her family, and participants take time to get to know one another and go according to His plan, we can only accept and submit. around to be in touched with the hospital staff, personnel and friends. We prepare our “get well soon”, “best wishes”, All throughout, Baby’s husband, Rick, was so strong and “little tokens” to be given to the sick members of the spiritually. He has been full understanding and patience, maritime community who are confined in the hospital. We especially for Baby, who needed special care, attention also reflect on the difficult realities faced by our brothers and unconditional love. and sisters in the hospital as well as on the blessings that we can share and the intentions that we would like to translate into actions. Each of us wants to give a little We always cared and prayed for Baby we witnessed contribution, that something that can make us become her struggle for life. We never forgot Baby in our prayers part of the total healing process: physical, psychological, and we continually talked to her husband. It is with our emotional and spiritual. acceptance and submission to our faith in God that will lead Baby to the paradise of a new life. I met Baby Fuentes lying in bed during a routine visitation schedule by Seafarers’ Caregivers, after one The tumour in Baby’s head grew rapidly. Then Baby of our Eucahristic celebrations in early 2002. I did not went into coma. That was a very sad day when we know her but I felt her pain. I tried to comfort her with heard the painful news. While Baby was suffering in a conversation about her situation, acceptance of trials, this state, I whispered to her “Don’t worry about your about financial problems and many more. I wanted to children. Your husband is OK. We will take care of them.” know her better. At that time, Rick was about to leave for Manila for his line-up. The sadness on his face was so heavy. But he had to go away to work, for the two children and for the Later on, I got acquainted with her family. The difficulties continued hospitalisation of his wife. “Pero maramot ang and challenges facing her family were many. It is really tadhana…” very hard to manage such kind of problems.

Early dawn of July 29, 2003, I received a call. Baby had I am very much grateful for what Baby shared to me. passed away. With tears, I prayed in silence “God accept She told me that as a teacher, in those days when she Baby in Your kingdom and bring her to everlasting life”. A was much stronger, she did some tutoring in the hospital. mass offering was immediately prepared. How she really missed doing that job. Her husband, she said, continues to work as a seaman in order to pay for her chemotherapy and other expenses in hospital. On August 2, 2003, Baby was laid to final rest in Sibonga. For the last time, I said “Goodbye, my dearest Baby….” I remember that everytime I visited her, she always looked so strong. That look on her face was what encouraged me to tell to myself: ”With all my heart, I will help you if God should give me the chance to serve”.

We knew that she cared so much for her children who were still very young. One was in elementary and the other in high school. Even when she was unconscious we kept

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 14 Lucrecio Arceo

Laundry crew of M/V C.Columbus Once upon a time in the world

Those were the days. I still remember working in payment of a house and lot. We were able to get a housing a hospital as an orderly, and doing a part-time job as loan from Pag-ibig! salesman. I enjoyed working like this. It was my kind of work. And then I decided to get married. This is when the I am very proud of my children. My eldest son Raymund real challenge began. graduated from the University of Cebu as a nautical, and passed the 3rd mate license exams. He With three children, I faced the is now connected with the K-Line challenge of my life. I continued to Ship Management. My other work to provide for my family. son, Rex, is in his third year My wife also worked. She studying a technical course. was a teacher and she My youngest, Judee Lou, did some tutoring to get just graduated with a some extra income. degree of Bachelor of But even with the two Science in Computer of us earning, we A c c o u n t i n g had to meet many Management. needs, especially for our children In 1999 my who were growing wife applied up. My wife and I for an early just could not cope retirement and to make ends afterwards joined meet. We had to the AOS. She did pay for so many not work long with things. It was then AOS because she that my wife and I had to attend to decided that I had to me and my failing do something and find health. I fell ill and another way to provide rested for almost two for my family. years, availing of 15- months partial disability I never dreamed of being a pay. migrant worker. But then I thought that was the way to a solution. I I wanted to work again but failed went to Manila and stayed in Taguig for in my medical exam. My career as a more than a year, hoping to find an opening so seaman ended this way. I am now 56 years that I can work abroad. old.

Then God heard my prayers. I was hired by NYK agency The good Lord has given me the opportunity to see other as laundry crew, although I am an electrical technician by places, for free. training. I worked for three years with this agency. And then I worked for Career Phil. Ship Management doing the Time comes and time goes - so fast. We have to make same kind of job. Anyway, I enjoyed my work and I earned use of it wisely because it will never come back …. better pay. My wife was able to save enough for the down

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 15 NEWS FEATURE

RP still largest supplier of seafarers in the world

Dr. Maragtas S.V. Amante

THE PHILIPPINES remains the largest include those on shore leave, or those supplier of seafarers — both officers and waiting for employment. Those on board ratings — with 28.1 percent, or more represent a good sample of the total than a quarter share in the global labor population of seafarers (both on land market, according to results from the waiting for employment, and those at Seafarers International Research Centre sea). (SIRC) 2003 global crew survey. In the SIRC 2003 sample, next to the The SIRC global seafarer database is Philippines as a seafarer supply country derived from an annual census based is Russia (6.8 percent) and Ukraine on crew lists from ships of various types (6.3 percent of the sample), but the and tonnage, which were collected from combined share of these countries in a sample of ports which served as the the top three is slightly less than half major arteries of global trade. The 2003 that of the Philippines. The other major survey generated a sample of 27,734 suppliers of seafarers in the SIRC 2003 Filipino seafarers, which was 28.1 survey are: China (6.2 percent); India (5 percent of the total sample of 98,715 percent); Indonesia (4 percent); Poland crew of various nationalities. This fact (3.5 percent); Greece (2.8 percent); confirms the findings of the SIRC 2000 Turkey (2.5 percent); and Myanmar (2.3 survey, when it was established that the percent). The following countries also Philippines supplied 28.5 percent — more have significant numbers of seafarers in than a quarter — of the total population of the sample: Latvia (2.1 percent); Bulgaria seafarers on board ships sailing anywhere (1.9 percent); Romania (1.8 percent); in the world . Croatia (1.7 percent); South Korea (1.7 percent); Taiwan (1.6 percent); and In the SIRC 2003 crew list survey, 8.5 Germany (1.3 percent). percent of the Filipino seafarers are senior officers, 21.5 percent are junior officers, and 70 percent are ratings. This pattern varies only slightly from the SIRC 2000 crew list survey, where 11 percent of the Dr. Nonoy Amante is a research fellow at the Seafarers Filipinos were senior officers, 24 percent International Research Centre(SIRC), Cardiff University, were junior officers, and 65 percent were and former Dean at the School of Labour and Industrial ratings. Relations in the University of the Philippines. He is a supporter and constant friend of PAROLA-PSAP. He contributed this article to the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s The SIRC’s crewlist survey covered Global Nation in July 2003. seafarers on board ships, and did not

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 16 Masarap sana kaya lang…

Si mayor abalang- abala sa kanyang lutuan, nasambit sa sarili, “Pag natikman nila itong luto ko makakalimutan nilang tiyak ang kanilang pangalan sa sarap”. Makapananghalian, siyang lapit ng kapitan kay mayor at nagsabi, “yor, masarap sana ang luto mo kaya lang sobrang mamantika”. Nang sa daraan si chief mate at nagsabi “masarap sana ang luto mo kaya lang puro karne, walang halong gulay”. Siyang dating naman ni chief engineer at nagsabi “yor, masarap sana kaya lang walang anghang, masarap yoong may anghang- anghang konti”. Biglang sabad naman ni segundo makinista na kasunod pala ni hepe at nagsabi din ng “yor, masarap sana kaya lang medyo me ka-alatan.” Kinabukasan, abalang-abala uli si mayor, tandang-tanda niya yoong mga comments ng kanyang mg kasamahan. Nang sa mapadaan uli si kapitan at biglang nagtanong, “yor, ano ba ang ulam natin ngayon? Sagot naman ni mayor, “eh! Kapt. Siguro naman wala na kayong masasabi sa ulam natin ngayon, balanse na ito, hindi mamantika, hindi puro karne, me konting anghang at tamang-tama ang alat.” Siyang tanong uli ni kapitan, “Ano ba yang niluto mo?” Sagot ni mayor, “eh!… di sardinas with chili sauce.” Mahalagang aral sa buhay barko, “ You cannot please everybody” .

Captain’s Report

Si AB Roco, kilalang- kilala sa kanyang abilidad, kada puwerto nagdadala ng babae sa barko, at ibinibigay kay tano at hepe makinista. Masayang-masaya naman itong dalawa at kadalasan sinasabi niyang,“etong si Roco okey talaga! Talagang mairerekomenda ko”. Hanggang sa malapit nang matapos ang kontrata ni AB kaya nagsabi na siya kay tano’ “eh! Kapt. Baka naman puede ng tuparin na ninyo yoong sinasabi ninyong irerekomenda ako”. Sagot naman ni kapitan, “o sige, gagawa ako ng Captain’s Report”. Pagdating sa manning agency sa maynila, nabasa ang Captain’s Report: “AB Roco , dependable, highly recommended as public relation officer or to make bar business but not qualified for promotion to the next rank.” Mahalagang aral sa buhay barko, “Wrong image and task projection”.

Darating din tayo dyan!

Ang mag amang seaman naglalakad sa kalsada ng biglang makasalubong ang dating kasamahan sa barko. Siyempre nagbatian. “O pare!, maliit talaga ang mundo!, o ano hindi ka na ba sumasakay?” tanong ng seamang nasalubong. Sagot naman noong amang seaman “ hindi na muna pare, maganda ang trabaho ko ngayon sa computer shop, pa compu- computer at pa disayn- disayn na lang ng web- site.” Biglang sabat naman noong anak ng seaman, “naka si itay!, pacompu- computer daw, eh! Taga salansan ka lang ng mga cd at taga empake ng mga computer.” Sagot naman ng amang seaman, “hwag kang maingay!, darating din tayo dyan!. Mahalagang aral sa buhay marino , “Huwag masyadong mahangin!”

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 17 Funny Q & A JOKES (continued)

ANAK: ‘Tay, anong pagkakaiba ng Naglalakad nagtetext nasagasaan - PATAY! Supper at Dinner? Kumakain nagtetext nabilaukan - PATAY! ITAY: Anak, pagkumain tayo sa labas, Dinner ‘yun. Pag dito tayo Nagdadrive nagtetext nabangga - PATAY! kakain ng luto ng Mommy mo, Suffer May celfon walang nagtetext - NAGPAKAMATAY! yon!!

Q: Ano rin daw ang difference ni Prince Charles at Kulangot! A: Si Prince Charles ay “heir to the throne”, while ang Kulangot ay “Thrown to the Air”. Lulubog na ang barko... PARI: San Pedro, San Jose... Girl 1 : Halata na tiyan mo, bakit di MADRE: Sta. Fe, Sta. Lucia, Sta. Clara... pa kayo magpakasal ng BF mo? Girl 2 : Ayaw ng pamilya niya eh ! CHINOY: lubok na balko! tawak pa kayo pasahelo! Girl 1 : Sino may ayaw, tatay o nanay niya Girl 2 : Yung misis niya ! Grabe talaga ang mga iba diyan. Mahirap intindihin...... Sa kanila ang malambot “SUP”, ang sabaw “SUP”, Q: Bakit laging Intsik ang kinikidnap? ang sabon “SUP” pa rin. A: Kasi pag Pinoy - hulugan! Pag Bumbay - 5-6! Pag Kano - credit card! SHIP-TO-SHORE, continued E pag Intsik - C.O.D.!!!!

Q: How do you know if siopao meat WHAT THE CAPTAINS SAY ABOUT THE is from cat, rat or dog? ABSENTEE VOTING-REGISTRATION A: Pinch a piece of the siopao and let the cat smell it. If the cat likes it EXERCISE ... rat! If it doesn’t ... cat! If it runs ... dog! “This is mission impossible.” Comment by the Ukrainian Captain on the M/V Thalasini Axia. Inspite of his BISAYA 1 “Unsay ibig sabihon ng crew’s limited time and hectic schedule in the port, he allowed the Filipinos on “cooling place” ? board to go on shore leave and register. Eleven out of 14 Filipino crew went to BISAYA 2 : Pag-naga ring ang fon, the Embassy in The Hague to register. sabihin mo “Hilow, hus cooling place?”

Q: Ano ang sabi ng ‘kano pag umutot “I support and agree with Philippine government’s action to siya? include the Filipino seafarers in selecting their president, even A: Excuse me if most of the time the seamen are out of the country. Afterall Q: British? they are still Filipino citizens.” A: Pardon me Dutch Captain of Smit Madura Q: Pinoy? A: Not me! “It would be better if you come and pick up my Filipino crew Q: Bakit malungkot ang kalendaryo? A: Kasi bilang na ang araw niya. within the first 4 hours after our arrival in port, while we wait Q: Eh bakit masuwerte naman ang for the cargo to be discharged.” kalendaryo? Captain of Elbe Ore A: Dahil marami siyang date.

Q: What’s the difference between corruption in the USA and corruption “This is a good action by the Philippine government - to give in the Philippines? the Filipino seafarers the opportunity to vote and choose their A: In the US, they go to jail. In the own leaders.” Philippines, they go to US! German Captain of HMS Goodwill

Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 18 �������������������������������������������������������� ISSN: 1389-9465 Editorial Staff Josie Pulmano Nonoy Ty Peter Payoyo

Parola is published bi-monthly by Warmest greetings to my loving and caring wife ALMA, to my sons and the Philippine Seafarers Assistance daughters ALVIN, ALLEN, GENEVA and GRACE. Happy 13th wedding Programme(PSAP). PSAP is a non-stock, anniversary, Oct. 17/03 to my beloved wife ALMA. I love you forever and miss non-profit foundation registered in the you so much. God bless you all. Chamber of Commerce no. S127664, Rotterdam, A/B Gabriel P. Nuegas – M/V Northern Navigator The Netherlands.

PSAP was founded in 1981 in Rotterdam I want to greet my family, my wife Lourdes, my daughter Isabella, and especially with the aim to support Filipino seafarers my son LukeDavid who celebrates his first birthday on Sept. 8, 2003. To supply in their struggle for better working and Dept. and the Phil. Tourism Authority Staff and Employee, Best of health and living conditions. may God bless us! See you soon! PSAP's Objectives To contribute to seafarers awareness about Jacinto T. Tome Jr. - M/V Esperance Tholen their workers and human rights. To provide support and services to seafarers People of Parola, Greetings and mabuhay! We cannot forget your kind To promote seafarers awareness on HIV/ assistance to us in what we call, “Registration with Class”! AIDS and other health related issues The Filipino crew of - To enhance better cooperation among M/V Ponl Aucland seafarers of various nationalities through M/V City of Capetown better unders- tanding of each other M/T Bro Geminy culture. M/V Suzzane

Addresses: PSAP Rotterdam To the Philippine Embassy Staff and to the Parola Staff: many, many thanks for Oostbroekweg 4, your support and assistance to us during our registration as Absentee Voters. 3089 KL Rotterdam The Netherlands Tel. 010-2400930 Filipino crew of - Fax. 010-2400932 Smit Madura E-mail. [email protected] HMS Goodwill Website: psaponline.net Thalasinni Axia cont’d on page 18 Centro Filipino-Seamen's Desk Calle Riera Vaja 6-4 0881 Barcelona, Spain

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Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 19 A Seaman’s Mind

I love you Miss Compass Beaufort you’re so cruel You’re the port bow of my heart Waves are high like the sky I’m blue, I’m lonely and desolate Jettison maybe the rightful thing Put me on the right tract and path Life craft, Oh! God, you’re the only way Mr. Dead reckoning, oh! You’re great Captain my Captain, what shall we do my Captain Mountains, hills, and stars are gone Our ship is aground, it can’t make way You’re gift of dutton and bowditch To tell the operator my dear But mind you ,you’re very accurate Di, di, dit, Dah, dah, dah, Di, di, dit Oh! Buoy! You mark my way Chronometer, you’re a watch Lighthouse you’re the same Almanac, you’re a book Sextant you tell my bearing Chart, you’re a map Pelorus, you’re a damn compass Sea, you’re my life Where are you now my radar Tell the windlass to heave the anchor When I need you so my dear Ask the pilot to come aboard Don’t put me in a collision course Put the rudder in the right direction It is a sure one way ticket to hell We’re going home. Home Sweet Home!

El Caliva CMA CGM VEGA CMA CGM Establissement De Marseille 17 Bis Avenue Robert Schuman 13002 Marseille, France

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Parola no.119 - July - October 2003 - Page 20