History
OUR HISTORY
In 1980, under the initiative of Mr. Ponciano C. Marquez, President of Virjen Shipping Corp. together with the top executives from the other shipping and manning companies, the Philippine Association of Manning Agencies (PAMA) was organized with Mr. Marquez as its first president.
Around in 1981, PAMA was changed to PAMAS which stands for Philippine Association of Manning Agencies and Shipmanagers, Inc. (PAMAS) to emphasize the fact that its membership includes ship management companies. It was then incorporated on December 18, 1981 with the following incorporators: viz;
· Mr. Ponciano C. Marquez – Vir-jen Shipping and Marine Services, Inc.
· Capt. Asisclo A. Castaňeda – Abacast Shipping & Management Agency
· Capt. Ibarra G. Guerrero – Maranaw Luzon Shipping Shipping Co., Inc.
· Mr. Rosendo J. Nuval – Jade Marine Services, Inc.
· Mr. Amado V. Romillo – Eastern Shipping Lines, Inc.
· Capt. Rosendo C. Herrera – Oriental Shipmanagement Co., Inc.
· Capt. Victor R. Miranda – Seafarers Shipping Agency, Inc.
· Capt. Emmanuel L. Regio – Galleon Marine Services, Inc.
In the early years of its inception, the association’s original members were mostly from the Madrigal Shipping Company which was one of the biggest shipping operators of overseas ship at that time. PAMAS members are also well known for being closely associated with each other. Back then, the members regularly meet at the Philippine Columbian Association at Plaza Dilao, Paco Manila. The secretariat was housed at the office of the incumbent president until such time that an office was established and a secretariat was formally formed.
One of the major issues that PAMAS tackled in its early beginnings was its strong opposition to the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) regarding the Flag of Convenience (FOC) issue. This major issue prompted the formation of the International Maritime Association of the Philippines (INTERMAP) whose members are Philippine Flag operators under bareboat charter scheme and at the same time members of PAMAS.
Over the years, PAMAS has spearheaded numerous industry initiatives which promoted the welfare of the Filipino seafarers. Among of which was the policy of requiring seafarers to remit 80% of basic pay as allotment which was later on adopted by the National Seaman’s Board (NSB) which until today is a part of the POEA regulations.
In addition, PAMAS also actively engaged in corporate social activities. One of the memorable examples of which was the extension of help by the prominent PAMAS members to the AETAS of Zambales who were mostly affected after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo which at that time, caused a great deal of damage in Luzon.
In April 2006, with the strong desire to serve its members better, PAMAS together with INTERMAP, established a new and permanent Joint Secretariat Office located at 9thFlr. Marc 2000 Tower Bldg. 1973 Taft Ave cor. San Andres St. Malate Manila.
During the succeeding years in the Maritime Industry, PAMAS is actively involved in many government initiatives that contributed to the unprecedented growth of the manning industry.
Nowadays, with its 30 years of existence in the industry, PAMAS prided itself with fifty-two regular members. All are in good standing and certified by POEA. In addition, PAMAS also established a valuable working partnership with the government and industry stakeholders which created a nurturing environment that promotes professionalism and competence among its seafarers.
Indeed, PAMAS’ existence for 30 years is a remarkable path to look back and an inspiration to step forward.
INDUSTRY NETWORKS
The Association has the most up-to-date developments in issues concerning manning in the maritime industry through its wide representation in the industry:
REPRESENTATION IN NATIONAL BODIES
Philippine Overseas and Employment Administration (POEA)
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Maritime Training Council (MTC)
Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
REPRESENTATION IN PRIVATE SECTORS
BagongBayani Foundation, Inc.
Joint Manning Group (JMG)
REPRESENTATION IN INTERNATIONAL BODIES
International Maritime Employer’s Committee (IMEC)
Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC)
RECOGNITION BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
National Labor Relations Commissi0n (NLRC)
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
RECOGNITION BY INTERNATIONAL BODIES
International Labour Organization (ILO)
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH ON INDUSTRY CONCERNS
The Association has been initiating numerous meetings, discussions and seminars affecting the industry. It has been very active in voicing out industry problems and concerns with the different government agencies, issues such as:
· Joint and Solidarity Liability of Manning Agents
· Maintaining the Filipino Seamen’s cost competitiveness with other crew supplying countries
· Amending the POEA Standard Employment Contract
· Studying NLRC cases especially those with decision adverse to the interest of the Industry
· Training and Licensing procedure for seafarers
· Improving the quality of seamen’s education
Various conferences, conventions, forums and seminars were also organized and/or jointly-organized with other Industry Associations to raise awareness on the different issues and concerns of the ship-manning industry:
· STCW Manila Amendments: Its Impact on Filipino Seafarers Forum
· Philippine Manning Convention
· US Visa Forum
· Forum on Pre & Post Employment Medical & Occupational Illness
· Discussion of Reviews and Updates on the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
· First Philippine Crew Claims Conference
· Forum with TESDA on Ratings Training
· Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
· Management Level Courses (MLC)
The Association has also actively participated in tripartite consultations and dialogue with the POEA, MARINA and TESDA:
· POEA Standard Employment Contract Revision
· Review of AB Salary Rate
· Different undertakings of MARINA
· Initiated and completed NLRC Case Survey which was presented to NLRC
· PRC Manpower Assistance
· Active member of the Joint Manning Group (JMG)
· Involvement in the review in the Migrant Workers Act
· Involvement in the Technical Working Group for the creation of the Rules and Regulations of Maritime Industry Labor Arbitration (MILA)
· Involvement in RA 10022 (Amendatory Law on Magna Carta for Migrant Workers)
· Involvement in the review of Draft DOH Administrative Order
