LifeLinks Achieves ISO 9000 CertificationLifeLinks International Resources Inc. has recently been granted ISO 9001:2008 Certification for its Management System after an audit conducted by TUV Rheinland. The audit was divided into two stages, held on February 10 and March 10 to 11 respectively, and was spearheaded by Lead Auditor Kharen Tan along with auditors Ernesto Demoy and Hilario Capili. The certification covers the company’s Makati, Cebu and Iloilo offices and is valid until September 2018.

With the certification, LifeLinks strengthens its commitment to the continuous improvement of its management system to deliver customer satisfaction, enhance stakeholder relationships, ensure legal compliance, improve risk management, strengthen its credentials and further expand its business.

PTC Launches New WebsitePTC has recently launched its new website reflecting the strengthened synergy of the PTC Group as it further evolves into a total, integrated human capital development enterprise providing world-class talents, products and services sustained by passion, strategy, technology, process and people.

Through the new website, PTC hopes to create a more user-friendly and enhanced browsing experience for its valued customers and partners. Amongst the new features of the site are integrated social media buttons for Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to foster improved communication with PTC’s clients and GMP community.

The new website can be accessed at www.ptc.com.ph.

03/2016 Volume 12 Issue 3

Lifelinks International Resources conducted a briefing for prospective candidates for its Qatar-based client Al Sedriyah Hospitality at the LIfelinks’ Iloilo office last March 17. Around 100 professionals from the hospitality and F&B industry attended the briefing and were subsequently interviewed by representatives from Al Sedriyah. Successful candidates are scheduled to be deployed to Qatar starting April. Al Sedriyah is the hospitality arm of Qatar Horizon investment and is dedicated to working with proven and exciting brands in the high growth market of the Gulf and the wider region. Qatar Horizon has a range of investment interests covering real estate development, hotels, malls, large scale and multi-format residential projects, manufacturing, education and healthcare.

Lifelinks Conducts Recruitment Activity for Al Sedriyah in Iloilo

PHILCAMSAT Receives TESDA Accreditation for NCIII Assessment PHILCAMSAT’s Culinary and Hospitality Theater has been granted accreditation by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for its Ships’ Catering Services NC III Assessment. The accreditation certifies that the assessment is in compliance with Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 Standard A3.2 and Approved International Labor Organization Guidelines on the Training of Ships’ Cooks. The assessment evaluates a professional cook’s competencies in managing all galley operations, including supplies procurement; practical food production in compliance with national and international requirements; and correct storage and handling. It also assesses competencies required in the serving of quality, nutritious food in adequate quantities, taking into consideration cultural and religious norms, as well as, requirements for proper hygiene. Interested parties may call (02) 798-1111 loc 3007 to 3008 or visit www.facebook.com/PhilcamsatTeam for more details.

LEADPEP Holds Second Leg As part of PTC’s ongoing organization-wide campaign “The PTC Group on the Move...All Hands on Deck,” the second leg of the Leadership and Personal Effectiveness (LEADPEP) Workshop was conducted last February 21 to 25 in Mactan Island, Cebu. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Ramon Medina with co-facilitator Ms. Geraldine Baricaua and was participated by senior officers and managers of the PTC Group. The workshop is designed to help participants strengthen their organizational roles in the PTC Group.

PTC Group Conducts Fire and Earthquake Drill As part of its Emergency Preparedness Program, the PTC Group conducted a Fire, Earthquake and Emergency Evacuation Seminar last March 17 followed by an actual drill on March 22. The drill was spearheaded by PTC Fire Marshall Benjamin Reyes along with the PTC Emergency Brigade members and was implemented in cooperation with the Makati Fire Department. All PTC Group employees at First Maritime Place, Guadalupe Building, Feron Building, Merry Land Plaza and Pryce Center took part in the drill, converging at Bagtikan St. in San Antonio Village, Makati. Simultaneous drills were also conducted at the offices of Northern Star in Amorsolo Street and ACM Homes in Aguirre Street.

To further enhance employees’ knowledge and preparedness for such emergencies, a Fire Hose and Extinguisher Hands-On Training was held on April 2 at the Makati Central Fire Station Grounds. The training was conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection which presented PTC Fire Brigade members with the proper use of a fire hose and extinguisher through live fire simulations.

Shining a Light for Mother EarthLast March 19, the PTC Group joined millions across the globe in celebrating Earth Hour to help shine a light on climate action. Taking part in the global movement, the company turned off all non-necessity lights at First Maritime Place for one hour starting at exactly 8:30 pm. PTC also encouraged its Facebook followers to use their social media network to lend a voice to this worthy cause by promoting the hashtags #EarthHourPhilippines, # C h a n g e C l i m a t e C h a n g e a n d # R e n e w a b l e I s D o a b l e .

To find out what else can be done to help fight climate change beyond Earth Hour, visit www.earthhour.org.

Inspiring and Providing Hope through Project Balanghay

As the first batch of Project Balanghay students from the Gil Montilla National High School (GMNHS) in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental prepare to take initial steps

towards a career at sea, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their families whose love and support have fueled their drive to work hard and fulfill their dreams of becoming global maritime professionals. Project Balanghay is a tripartite partnership between PTC, the Department of Education and ANGKLA which made the establishment of the country’s Maritime Senior High School program possible. The program nurtures technical skills and prepares students to immediately join the maritime industry as qualified ratings upon completion of their secondary education. GMNHS is one of the program’s three pilot schools.

“We don’t have much and we have many children to support,” admitted Maria Fe Barcoma, mother to Nickie, a Balanghay student, “but thru this program, my daughter has been able to study for free.”

Araceli Ambagan, proud parent of Balanghay student Arven said, “Since he was young, my child’s dream was to become a mariner. I told him that it’s not possible as I am just a seamstress.” Being a filial son, Arven worked part-time to help his family, but still, money was tight. So when Araceli heard about Project Balanghay, she was filled with hope. As Arven was about to take the qualifying exam for the program, Araceli told him, “I hope you get in so that you can lift us from poverty.”

Equally diligent is Ernesto Vergara’s son, another Balanghay beneficiary. “Among his siblings, he is the only one in school. He even takes on part-time work during the weekends so he’ll have allowance for school.” Ernesto hopes that his graduating son will serve as an inspiration to his other children.

As a Barangay Health Worker Cluster leader, Alma Ferrer only gets her salary after three long months. With four children, she can barely make ends meet so she is very thankful that her son was admitted to the program. “Becoming a seafarer is really my son’s dream…because of this he works very hard. He receives a weekly allowance of P200 from the program…but instead of spending it all on himself, he saves what he can so he can bring home what’s left to his family.”

To Marietta Raniola, Project Balanghay gave her grandson a much needed glimmer of hope. “I took care of my three grandchildren

after their parents separated. My grandson initially lost hope because of his situation….but thanks to ANGKLA and PTC, he is now determined to work hard for his dreams. I’m so happy to see him graduate.”

Though coming from different circumstance, these parents and guardians all have the same wish: for the program to continue on and make it possible for more disadvantaged Filipino students to gain access to quality education and eventually, opportunities for meaningful careers. And this coming May, PTC does just that by helping the first batch of Project Balanghay graduates start their careers at sea as global maritime professionals.

PTC Kicks Off Family Crew Relations and Career Advocacy CaravanThis summer, PTC is bringing its services to PTC Global Maritime Professionals (GMP) and their families throughout the metro via the Family Crew Relations and Career Advocacy caravan. The caravan kicked off last March 12 at the PTC CMET campus in Malayan Colleges Laguna where participants were treated to a host of exciting and informative activities catered for the whole family. For young athletes, former Philippine Basketball Association players Nic Belasco and Ali Peek conducted a free basketball clinic while filmmaker Jessa Rhae Maranan, director of the career advocacy film “Dimalupig,” gave an inspiring talk on knowing one’s self and maximizing one’s potential. An open forum was also conducted to discuss the importance of communication among families of GMPs, handling finances efficiently, and maintaining good relations with one’s co-workers onboard. PTC SVP and ANGKLA Vice-Chairman Capt. Ronald S.J. Enrile was present to deliver maritime Industry updates to the attendees. A PhilHealth Helpdesk, courtesy of Yan Ang Marino, entertained inquiries from GMPs and allottees regarding their services while Generika offered free FBS testing and blood pressure measurement. Also present were event partners Western Union, Broadway Motors,

First Maritime Communications Technology, First Maritime Credit Corporation and Health Metrics. The caravan was then brought to the Guadalupe Viejo Covered Court in Makati on March 19 and the San Andres Gym in Manila on April 3 and will visit Quezon City, Cavite and Bulacan in the coming weeks.

Sea Mariners Camp at MoalboalPTC, through the PTC-CSJ Foundation and in cooperation with ANGKLA, conducted the Sea Mariners Camp for the Grade 7 students of Moalboal National High School (MNHS) in Cebu last March 12 to 13. The activity was supported by MNHS Principal Abundio Redoble and Mayor Inocentes Cabaron of the Municipality of Moalboal.

The two-day camp aimed to raise awareness of the maritime industry and promote seafaring among the 42 participating students and their parents. Through lectures and specially designed indoor and outdoor activities conducted by Ms. Marissa Andanza, Principal of Sucat Elementary School, and PTC’s Roel Yambao, the Sea Mariners were able to practice leadership and learn about environmental conservation and the values of nationalism and patriotism. More importantly, the experience not only helped deepen the camaraderie and friendship among the students, but also strengthened the bond between the children and their parents, who expressed their sincere gratitude to PTC for giving their kids a head start on future maritime careers.

PTC Launches MIT Coffee HourThe PTC Group, in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Industrial Liaison Program (MIT ILP), launched the MIT Coffee Hour, a venue for the company’s senior managers and executives to be updated on emerging, impactful trends in the workplace and to help foster strong, productive collaborations across the organization. On its first session held last March 16, PTC Chief Corporate Strategy Officer Rick Hawkins gave a short presentation on the “Future of Work,” a report published by the MIT Technology Review highlighting how technology is changing the nature of jobs today and how companies can adapt to these changes applying key skills such as creativity, flexibility and innovativeness. An open forum followed where attendees discussed the possible impact of these emerging technologies on the Philippines and how crew management practices can be enhanced in light of these new developments.

Established in 1948, the MIT ILP is dedicated to creating and strengthening mutually beneficial relationships between MIT and corporations worldwide and has worked with over 200 of the world’s leading companies to help advance research agendas across a wide variety of industries.

RCCL’s Adam Goldstein Reinforces Commitment to the Philippines

Adam Goldstein, President and Chief Operating Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL), was recently in Manila to meet with representatives from the country’s tourism, infrastructure and employment sectors regarding the Philippines’ great potential in the growing Asian cruise market. On March 9, PTC arranged for Mr. Goldstein, together with RCCL’s Capt. Richard Brearley, VP for Shipboard HR Strategy and Services, Mr. Ukko Metsola, VP for Government Affairs, Asia and Europe, and Ms. Zizi Faroun, Regional Manager for SHRSS, to hold discussions with Senator Sonny Angara, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor Employment and Human Resources and Development, Cong. Jesulito Manalo of ANGKLA, Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and Ms. Liberty Casco, Deputy Administrator for Employment and Welfare, of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and PTC CEO Gerardo Borromeo, among others, to reinforce RCCL’s commitment to the Philippines and the hiring

of an expanded number of Filipino crew. Underscoring the importance of Filipinos on RCCL’s ships, Mr. Goldstein said, “Filipinos constitute the biggest number of RCCL’s employees from a single country. We have somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 Filipinos working for us right now out of 60,000.” He commended the Filipinos on board Royal Caribbean ships as “all good workers,” and hopes that a Royal Caribbean ship would soon be skippered by a Filipino in the not-so-distant future. “I would very much like to see that happen. Right now, the highest ranking must probably be a first officer, still seven levels away from Captain. But it’s a go!” he said.