PCSA shapes the future of shipping in PH

CEBU—The Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association (PCSA), a coalition of premier shipping organizations formed in 2018, continues to shape the future of shipping in the Philippines and navigate towards domestic maritime excellence, said its chairman, Lucio Lim, Jr. in his opening message at the PCSA general membership meeting (GMM), October 10 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City.

Lim said bared that the PCSA is the authentic voice of domestic shipping in the country, representing more than 50 members and over 700 vessels, whose mission is to serve the Filipino people, with a focus on innovation and service. “PCSA commits to advancing technology, fostering collaboration within the industry, improving maritime safety, and safeguarding the marine environment,” he added.

Lim said that in the face recent catastrophes, many PCSA members have been at the forefront of extending assistance by shipping emergency supplies and relief goods to impacted regions, pro bono.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, the PCSA committed to a moratorium on raising passenger and cargo rates at the request of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) from 2020 to 2021.

According to Lim, the organization is a key growth driver in the domestic shipping industry as it serves the largest and most extensive network of ship routes, contributing significantly to the Republic's Nautical Highway.  The PCSA has extensively collaborated and engaged in numerous discussions with maritime agencies and stakeholders for its advocacies and legislative contribution.

                                

“Around 20,000 nautical and marine engineering students graduate annually from maritime schools across the country, with only about 25% or 5,000 cadets securing ship boarding training and 65% of the 5,000 cadets do so aboard vessels operated by PCSA members. This substantial contribution supports the professional development of future maritime officers and bolsters the national maritime workforce,” Lim noted.

Lim mentioned that the PCSA’s collaboration with lawmakers to promote the welfare of seafarers and ensure the continuity of services for the benefit of the general public bore fruits with the signing of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers by President Bongbong Marcos, which eventually improve seafarer rights and welfare.

“We were also granted a seat on the Marina Board, where key policies and decisions affecting the industry are deliberated at the highest level, where our advocacies for meaningful changes in maritime policy and amendments to government circulars are being deliberated and attend to, ensuring practical, balanced, and effective regulations,” Lim said. (Photos: PCSA/Abigail Caruana)