MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines still fails to meet European Union (EU)
standards on maritime education, training and competency certificates, according
to the results of a recent performance audit, prompting Foreign Affairs
Secretary Albert del Rosario to raise the matter to President Aquino.
With the jobs of an estimated 80,000 Filipino seamen on EU-flagged vessels at stake, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has ordered the phaseout and closure of 123 out of 157 maritime training programs nationwide.
The move aims to avert an EU ban on the hiring of Filipino seamen. Read the full article here at Philippine Star newspaper
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/29/947538/phl-still-fails-meet-eu-maritime-education-standards
With the jobs of an estimated 80,000 Filipino seamen on EU-flagged vessels at stake, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has ordered the phaseout and closure of 123 out of 157 maritime training programs nationwide.
The move aims to avert an EU ban on the hiring of Filipino seamen. Read the full article here at Philippine Star newspaper
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/29/947538/phl-still-fails-meet-eu-maritime-education-standards
MANILA, Philippines—Maritime schools that continue to defy government orders to close down substandard training programs are putting all Filipino seafarers in danger of being banned from European Union (EU) member flagged vessels.
“We expect we will be prepared for the visits in October. We expect possibly less institutions to be visited because those we ordered for closure will not be there,” Licuanan said.
She said CHEd has taken steps to add more assessors after the EMSA team observed that 91 maritime schools can not properly be monitored if CHEd had only two to five full-time staff members.
“That’s a legitimate point so we’re doing catch up, we’re getting other personnel from other CHEd offices,” Licuanan said.
She said the EMSA team also observed that having assessors come from the industry or the academe might lead to a conflict of interest.
Licuanan said she explained that experts have been coming from the industry or the academe, since there is no separate profession for assessors.
“We’re in a better position because we know exactly which are the observed weaknesses,” Licuanan said.
“We will cooperate with whatever it takes. There’s no more turfing,” she added. Read the full article at this Link Philippine Inquirer http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/414199/ched-asks-maritime-schools-to-phase-out-substandard-courses
Substandard maritime schools warned anew
Maritime schools that continue to defy government orders to shut down their substandard training programs are putting all Filipino seafarers at risk of being banned from European Union (EU) flagged vessels.Ahead of an EU audit in October, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has ordered the phaseout of half of the maritime training programs offered by 91 schools since these did not meet quality standards.
Some of the affected schools, however, defied the CHEd and obtained temporary restraining orders (TRO) from the courts in order to keep operating.
CHEd Chair Patricia Licuanan appealed to the defiant schools to stop contesting the phaseout order for the sake of the “national interest.”
“This is really in the national interest. It’s the Philippines that will be seen as being noncompliant (with global training standards). We’re no longer talking about (individual) schools and programs. They certify by country. Even the best schools will be affected,” Licuanan said.
“So don’t get any more TROs. This is really in the national interest,” she added.
The Philippines is currently the leading supplier of seamen to the world, with Filipinos comprising about 30 percent of all seafarers globally, according to government data.
In 2011, the money Filipino seamen sent home amounted to around $4 billion.
Last month, representatives from the European Maritime Security Agency (EMSA) reviewed Philippine oversight practices on maritime training and deployment to check if the government had addressed deficiencies reported in 2010.
In reaction to criticism of having multiple oversight agencies, Malacañang designated the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) as the central implementing body of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers.
Other agencies involved in maritime training and deployment, including the CHEd, were placed under Marina supervision and ordered to align their evaluation standards to it.
The next EMSA inspection will be conducted in October where maritime schools will be inspected.
“We have too many (programs) of low quality, that’s the underlying problem,” Licuanan said.
“We expect we will be prepared for the visits in October. We expect possibly fewer institutions to be visited because those we ordered for closure will not be there,” Licuanan said. Read the full article at the Philippine Inquirer here http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/415335/substandard-maritime-schools-warned-anew
It is a government-controlled, Philippine corporation that serves as provident and housing fund, pooling together the investments of its members.
MEMBERSHIP
Coverage: Membership under the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) shall be open to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with valid visas or employment contracts. Likewise, it shall be open to Filipino immigrants and to Filipinos naturalized in other countries.
WHERE CAN MEMBERS FILE THEIR APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF SAVINGS, REMIT OR PAY THEIR MONTHLY SAVINGS?
Pag-IBIG Overseas Program Office
Mail or submit the accomplished Member's Data Form to:
Pag-IBIG Overseas Department
6/F Atrium of Makati, Makati Ave., Makati, M.M., Philippines 1200
c/o Vincent N. Nery or Voltair M. dela Rosa
WHERE CAN MEMBERS FILE THEIR APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF SAVINGS, REMIT OR PAY THEIR MONTHLY SAVINGS?
Pag-IBIG Overseas Program Office http://www.pagibigfinancing.com/articles/2010/pag-ibig-overseas-program-international-directory/
POP Overseas Offices
Accredited Overseas Marketing Representatives
Metro Manila and Provincial Offices check the locations here http://www.philippinecountry.com/pag-ibig.html
Can I apply online to become a member?No, there is no such facility as of the moment. If you are employed in the Philippines, your employer should take care of that. http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=247021002000&topic=13603
MEMBERSHIP
Coverage: Membership under the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) shall be open to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with valid visas or employment contracts. Likewise, it shall be open to Filipino immigrants and to Filipinos naturalized in other countries.
WHERE CAN MEMBERS FILE THEIR APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF SAVINGS, REMIT OR PAY THEIR MONTHLY SAVINGS?
Pag-IBIG Overseas Program Office
Mail or submit the accomplished Member's Data Form to:
Pag-IBIG Overseas Department
6/F Atrium of Makati, Makati Ave., Makati, M.M., Philippines 1200
c/o Vincent N. Nery or Voltair M. dela Rosa
WHERE CAN MEMBERS FILE THEIR APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF SAVINGS, REMIT OR PAY THEIR MONTHLY SAVINGS?
Pag-IBIG Overseas Program Office http://www.pagibigfinancing.com/articles/2010/pag-ibig-overseas-program-international-directory/
POP Overseas Offices
Accredited Overseas Marketing Representatives
Metro Manila and Provincial Offices check the locations here http://www.philippinecountry.com/pag-ibig.html
Accredited Collecting Banks/Remittance Companies
Remittance payments may also be made to any of the following banks:
RCBC (Savings Acct. No. 8000-08787-5)
PNB Makati Ave. (Savings Acct. No. 265706641-1)
LBP (Savings Acct. No. 2204-008496)
PCIB (Savings Acct. 5463-00176-8)
Remittance of Contributions may be made through our accredited collecting banks:
EuropePNB London (Savings Acct. No. 0725-219601-401)
ABC UK (UKD 2000097)
Asia PacificPNB HK (Savings Acct. No. 0730-475270-501)
United States of AmericaOceanic Bank (Savings Acct. No. 3700143)
PNB New York (Savings Acct. No 1713)
ABC Guam (Savings Acct. No. 5000-00355-4)
Middle EastBPI - Atrium (Savings Acct. No. 3124-0221-09) Speed cash
ABC Head Office (Savings Acct. No. 1002-071759)
CanadaBank of Nova Scotia (Savings Acct. No. 2164-10)
Requirements in Applying Pagibig membership for OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKER (OFW)
a. Latest Contract of Employment
b. Passport or any valid ID
c. Two 1×1 ID pictures
If a representative submit and pay member's contributions:
d. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) - Consularized
HOW LONG IS THE PROCESSING PERIOD?
Three (3) working days
Remittance payments may also be made to any of the following banks:
RCBC (Savings Acct. No. 8000-08787-5)
PNB Makati Ave. (Savings Acct. No. 265706641-1)
LBP (Savings Acct. No. 2204-008496)
PCIB (Savings Acct. 5463-00176-8)
Remittance of Contributions may be made through our accredited collecting banks:
EuropePNB London (Savings Acct. No. 0725-219601-401)
ABC UK (UKD 2000097)
Asia PacificPNB HK (Savings Acct. No. 0730-475270-501)
United States of AmericaOceanic Bank (Savings Acct. No. 3700143)
PNB New York (Savings Acct. No 1713)
ABC Guam (Savings Acct. No. 5000-00355-4)
Middle EastBPI - Atrium (Savings Acct. No. 3124-0221-09) Speed cash
ABC Head Office (Savings Acct. No. 1002-071759)
CanadaBank of Nova Scotia (Savings Acct. No. 2164-10)
Requirements in Applying Pagibig membership for OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKER (OFW)
a. Latest Contract of Employment
b. Passport or any valid ID
c. Two 1×1 ID pictures
If a representative submit and pay member's contributions:
d. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) - Consularized
HOW LONG IS THE PROCESSING PERIOD?
Three (3) working days
Can I apply online to become a member?No, there is no such facility as of the moment. If you are employed in the Philippines, your employer should take care of that. http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=247021002000&topic=13603
Other links for reference and checking
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-859/FAQ-s-about-the-Pag-Ibig-Overseas-Program.html
http://www.pagibigfinancing.com/articles/2010/voluntary-membership-to-pag-ibig-fund-the-self-employed-freelancers-and-non-employees/
http://www.vancouverpcg.net/FAQ/PagIBIG.htm
http://www.pagibigfinancing.com/articles/faq-pag-ibig-housing-loans/
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-859/FAQ-s-about-the-Pag-Ibig-Overseas-Program.html
http://www.pagibigfinancing.com/articles/2010/voluntary-membership-to-pag-ibig-fund-the-self-employed-freelancers-and-non-employees/
http://www.vancouverpcg.net/FAQ/PagIBIG.htm
http://www.pagibigfinancing.com/articles/faq-pag-ibig-housing-loans/
CEBU, Philippines - At least six graduates from Cebu University (UC) and University of the Visayas (UV) made it to the top 10 in the Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission in January and February.
To read the complete article click this link http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=668624&publicationSubCategoryId=107
To read the complete article click this link http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=668624&publicationSubCategoryId=107
Filipino seafarers are deployed to different parts of the world, such as Europe, Middle East, Persian Gulf and to the United States. For ships that enter the United States’ territorial waters and/or ports, the crew member will not need a visa if he/she stays on board for up to a limited number of days. However, there are situations where a visa will be required. These instances include staying over the allowed limited time period, or when a crewmember wishes to de-board the vessel, or in certain emergency situations, or when it is necessary to fly to the United States to join a vessel.
This seaman’s visa falls under the non-immigrant visa category and the holder of such visa generally cannot change his or her status while in the United States. To apply for the visa, a personal interview at the U.S. Embassy is required in addition to the requisite forms and photos and also the supporting original documents listed below: (List is not exhaustive).
Getting your Seaman's Visa
Transit (C-1) and Crew (D) Visas (US Embassy site)
The new US Visa fees are as follows:
Visitor, Seaman, Student, and Exchange Visitor visa – $140
Where to stay in Manila
The new dormitory offers 90 single beds and two rooms for couples. It was opened in early June and very quickly filled to capacity.
Procedures for Checking In
Members need to present their reservation slip and AMOSUP ID and/or Seaman’s Book at the counter for issuance of an application form which they need to fill out.
They then proceed to the building administrator for approval of their application form.
Members then go back to the counter for issuance of bed assignments including bedsheets, towels and pillow cases.
Members coming from destinations abroad can check in anytime provided they present their AMOSUP ID and seaman’s book.
Procedures for Checking In
Members need to present their reservation slip and AMOSUP ID and/or Seaman’s Book at the counter for issuance of an application form which they need to fill out.
They then proceed to the building administrator for approval of their application form.
Members then go back to the counter for issuance of bed assignments including bedsheets, towels and pillow cases.
Members coming from destinations abroad can check in anytime provided they present their AMOSUP ID and seaman’s book.
Where to apply:
You must secure all the requirements needed, then file them at the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), located at the PPL Bldg., 1000 U.N. Ave. cor San Marcelino, Manila.
REQUIREMENTS:
Transcript of Record (High School TOR for High School Graduates) (College TOR for College Graduates)
School Diploma (High School Diploma for High School Graduates ) (College Diploma for College Graduates)
Certificate of Authentication and Verification (CAV)
Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate
NBI Clearance - visa seaman
2 pcs Passport size colored picture with white background
Basic Safety Course Certificate
You must secure all the requirements needed, then file them at the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), located at the PPL Bldg., 1000 U.N. Ave. cor San Marcelino, Manila.
REQUIREMENTS:
Transcript of Record (High School TOR for High School Graduates) (College TOR for College Graduates)
School Diploma (High School Diploma for High School Graduates ) (College Diploma for College Graduates)
Certificate of Authentication and Verification (CAV)
Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate
NBI Clearance - visa seaman
2 pcs Passport size colored picture with white background
Basic Safety Course Certificate
Additional information here at these links to click
Pay less for your Passport and Seaman’s book http://pinoymaritime.com/blog/2008/05/pay-less-for-your-passport-and-seamans-book/
