The Inauguration and Blessing of the new Wood Chip Carrier Maintenance and Handling Training Facility was held on 11 July 2019 at the MOL Training Center Philippines, Inc., Magsaysay Institute of Shipping (MIS) Complex, Dasmarinas City, Cavite.

Leading the Ribbon Cutting and the Unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque were Capt. Masanori Kato, Managing Executive Officer of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Mr. Yasumi Morita, President All Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU), Dr.  Conrado F. Oca, President Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), Capt. Koichi Akamine, Chairman International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) and Capt. Teodoro B. Quijano, Vice President Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC).

After the invocation and blessing of the training facility, the throwing of coins ceremony was led by the distinguished guests.  A demonstration using the actual equipment was held by the MOL crew right after.  The new training facility was designed to train officers and crew on the safe operations onboard Wood Chip Carrier (WCC) vessels under the IMMAJ-PJMCC group.  It also features a fully-functional replica of grab bucket and conveyor belt, which are found on WCC vessels.

After a sumptuous lunch served at the Sikatuna Lounge, Captain Rene Juntado, General Manager of MOL Training Center (Philippines), Inc. welcomed the distinguished guests who gave their Inspirational Messages to the audience.

Capt. Masanori Kato acknowledged the historic significance of the new Wood Chip Carrier Maintenance & Handling Training Facility and thanked the people behind this facility.  “I would like to acknowledge the people who helped make this training facility a reality, AMOSUP, JSU, PJMCC and IMMAJ.  With the new Wood Chip Carrier Maintenance & Handling Training Facility in placed, it can be proven that Filipino seafarers will become better in the seafaring industry,” says Capt. Kato.

Mr. Yasumi Morita expressed how the new training facility will enhance the skills of the 40,000 Filipino seafarers who are working onboard Japanese merchant fleets.  “So far our social partners in the Philippines and Japan are carrying out a variety projects for the purpose of enhancing the education and training of the Filipino seafarers onboard the Japanese merchant fleet under mutual understanding."

Dr.  Conrado F. Oca noted that in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the inherent occupational hazards with the transport of logs and wood products by ships.  Unfortunately there have been a number of seafarers who have lost their lives due to such accidents.  With the inauguration of this training facility, he sees better skills and fewer accidents among Filipino seafarers.  Say Dr. Oca, “AMOSUP is very thankful of our social partners for establishing this training facility which will be extremely helpful in the proper safety training of our members onboard Wood Chip Carriers.  We are hopeful that this initiative by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and the IMMAJ-PJMCC Foundation will go a long way in upgrading the skills and confidence of Filipino seafarers in the daily handling in Wood Chip Carrier ships while observing the highest standards of safety in their operations.”

Capt. Koichi Akamine congratulated the IMMAJ-PJMCC Foundation, Inc. for the Inauguration and Blessing of the new Wood Chip Carrier Maintenance & Handling Training Facility, and the members of PJMCC who witnessed another milestone in the history of Japanese and the Philippines Maritime Industry cooperation.  With the new training facility Capt. Akamine wished that the Filipino seafarers working onboard Japanese merchant ships take advantage of this training facility.  Say Capt. Akamine, “My sincere hope is for members to take advantage of this training facility and to ensure that vessels are always ready and safe for voyage.”

Capt. Teodoro B. Quijano noted that three years ago this facility was just a mere concept on paper.  But with the clear vision of the prime movers, JSU, AMOSUP, IMMAJ and PJMCC, the strong desire to serve by all of those involved and oneness of spirit amongst all, the training facility now stands as a monument to the strong bond between Japan and the Philippines.  “More than ever we need you to make this facility realize its purpose.  Now we are ready to serve and train Filipino seafarers in the latest technology and art of sailing, maintaining and handling Wood Chip Carriers of the Japanese global fleet serving the international community of nations,” says Capt. Quijano.