a new threat to seafarers’ health, rights and welfare sars ... · affected countries, a spokesman...

Parola no.117 - March - April 2003 -

NO: 117 March - April 2003

Shore leave restrictions

CREWS are likely to find their shore leave curbed as port authorities and shipowners step up efforts to combat thespread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.

This had already affected people who want to go ashore in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, the US, Vietnam, Can-ada, Taiwan and Thailand, which have been hit by the outbreak so far.

Tighter controls have been urged by a leading protection and indemnity club, Gard, which has issued a circularrecommending action by its members, who control some 110m gt of shipping.

In a series of guidelines, shipowners are asked to take care over granting of shore leave and allowing contact withpeople working at quaysides.

Gard suggests that vessels seek advice from local authorities as to whether Sars is a particular concern for a portof call. This could normally be done via the ship agent serving a company. Gard also recommends that shore leaveshould be restricted in affected areas, and contact with shoreside personnel limited.Ships should impose height-ened personal hygiene routines, and establish contingency plans in case Sars-related symptoms are found amongcrew.

SARS symptoms are similar to pneumonia and influenza.Port Screening

With increased concern worldwide over the spread and virulence of the new severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS) port authorities are starting to impose control measures. So far uninfected Philippines and India have or-dered Sars screening of seafarers. Singapore, where there have been SARS cases, has been screening cruisepassengers arriving there. Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has issued instructions that all cargovessels must submit Health Declaration Cards for crew and passengers.

Saudi Arabia, it was also reported, will bar a bar vessels with suspected SARS carriers.

Cruise lines plan for safety

A New Threat to Seafarers’ Health, Rights and Welfare

SARS AFFLICTS THE MARITIME SECTOR

SARS precautions that have been taken by cruise operatorsand recruitment agencies include temporarily freezing hiring crewfrom China – where the disease originated, extending existingstaff contracts and implementing a seven-day quarantine of newworkers who flew through Hong Kong before they joined a vessel.Miami-based Carnival Corp has halted crew movement throughaffected countries, a spokesman told local press. Royal Caribbeanhas reportedly asked crew members on the company’s 25 shipsfor a 60-day contract extension.

cont’d next page

PHILIPPINE SEAFARERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME, ROTTERDAM

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These reactions developed as theStar Cruise lines was struck bySARS in early April. Two Indiancrew members of the 76,800 gt Su-perStar Virgo were hospitalized inSingapore and Malaysia with sus-pected cases of the deadly virus.

After all 814 passengers disem-barked in Singapore, the ship andits 1,350 crew were sent to a quar-antine anchorage off the Republic,where the ship was being disin-fected before it is allowed to sail.Star Cruises has banned shoreleave in Sars-affected areas. Thir-teen crew and four healthcareworkers who came into close con-tact with the two suspected Sarspatients were kept under isolationonboard the ship.

Singapore shipyard hit

In Singapore the Jurong ship-yard has placed workers inquarantine, after two suspectedSARS cases emerged, with oneworker having died from SARS.

Both suspected cases are Malay-sian nationals working at theSingapore yard. A 26-year old oilrig welder from the yard has also

been hospitalised in Malaysia as asuspected SARS case.

In the meantime, the Hong Konggovernment has claimed that therewas “zero risk” of contracting SARSfrom coming into contact with car-goes shipped out of Hong Kong. In abid to calm the maritime sector, theDirector-General of the Hong KongEconomic and Trade Office in Lon-don argued that “There is no need forany restrictions on the movements ofeither ship’s crews or on cargoesbound from the Special Administra-tive Region.”

Hong Kong is among the hardest-hit areas of the SARS epidemic,which has killed 161 people and in-fected at least 3,000 worldwide.

SARS and OFWs

SARS has not reached Filipinosea-based workers anywhere, butsome of their land-based counter-parts have not been so fortunate.

A total of 25 SARS cases amongland-based OFWs in Hong Kong andSingapore were recorded since theoutbreak in February. “Cases ofSARS in Hong Kong appear to be al-ready on the downtrend and we have

SARS AFFLICTS THE MARITIME SECTOR, from page 1

not received reports of new infectionamong Filipinos there,” according toOWWA chief Virgilio Angelo in mid-April.

In Toronto, Canada restrictions onthe observance of religious servic-es and quarantine orders wereissued by Canadian health authori-ties to the 500 members of theBukas-Loob sa Diyos CovenantCommunity.

A cluster of 29 members of thePhilippine-based Catholic charis-matic group had been identified aspossible SARS cases. Two doctorswho treated those who were sickwere also infected.

The home quarantine order cameafter health officials found out belat-edly that the 29 people sharedsomething in common — they weremembers of the Bukas-Loob sa Di-yos and had participated in thegroup’s gatherings. (LloydsList.com,8, 14, 17 April 2003; Hong Kong Ship-ping News International 5 April 2003;Fairplay Online 7 April 2003; The Phil-ippine Star 17 April 2003; PhilippineInquirer, 16 April 2003)

The Department of Labor and Employment will set up a one-stop shop for Filipino seafarers by August this year.

Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas gave this assurance to Vice President Teofisto Guingona, who has taken itupon himself to look after the welfare of 514,580 registered Filipino seafarers.

Of the number, 198,324 are deployed in foreign vessels, while the rest are unemployed or awaiting the process-ing of their employment papers.

Filipino seafarers remit about $2 billion yearly, accounting for 30 percent of the total remittances of overseas Fil-ipino workers, Guingona said.

The center will facilitate the processing of documents needed by the Filipino seafarers, who had complained toGuingona about “expensive, time-consuming, overlapping procedures” and red tape in the processing of theirpapers, certificates and documents in various government offices.

Guingona said the setting up of such a center is mandated by Administrative Order No. 56 issued by PresidentArroyo and a resolution passed during the Philippine Seafarers’ Convention last September. (The Philippine Star, 9 March

2003)

DOLE: One-stop shop for seafarers up soon

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Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople believes Filipinos will be given 100,000jobs in the reconstruction of Iraq as reward for the Philippine government’ssupport for the US-led war in the oil-rich country.

Ople said defense department officials are discussing with the US militarythe “specific participation” of the Philippines in Iraq’s post-war reconstruc-tion.

He said officials of the Philippine embassy are also meeting with represent-atives of major international contractors in Washington to determine theappropriate role for Philippine companies and Filipino workers.

Before the first Gulf War in 1991, 400,000 Filipinos had been working in var-ious capacities in Iraq, Ople added.

In the meantime, President Arroyo has allocated P10 million as “seed fund”for the task force that would coordinate Philippine participation in Iraq’s re-construction.

Mrs. Arroyo also signed Executive Order 195, creating the Philippine Hu-manitarian Task Force, which will spell out the country’s role in thereconstruction of the war-torn Middle East country.

Thousands of Filipino workers are expected to be deployed to Iraq soon.

Acting Labor and Employment Secretary Manuel Imson said the PhilippineOverseas Employment Administration (POEA) will set up a “special hiringdesk” to speed up the processing of employment contracts for Iraq boundFilipinos.

Bunye told Radio Mindanao Network it is sad that China now wants to beallowed to send skilled workers to Iraq although it did not support the USinvasion of Iraq as the Philippines had done.

Despite the war in Iraq, remittances from overseas Filipino workers rose by5.5 percent during the first two months of this year, as compared to thesame period a year ago.

Figures from the Department of Labor and Employment show the estimat-ed eight million Filipinos abroad sent home a total of $1.14 billion inJanuary and February, or half a million dollars more than last year’s $1.08billion.

Government statistics indicate that the number of Filipino workers deployedabroad in the first quarter of the year rose by two percent, as compared tolast year. (The Philippine Star, 14 & 17 April 2003)

100,000 jobs in Iraq seen for OFWs

Taking the cudgels for over 2.4 mil-lion Filipino immigrants andpermanent residents around theworld, Vice President Teofisto Guing-ona Jr. will defend the legality of therecently enacted absentee votinglaw before the Supreme Court.

Guingona will appear on behalf ofthe International Coalition of Over-seas Filipino Voting Rights (ICOFV),a non-governmental organizationthat sought the help of the vice pres-ident in answering a taxpayer’s suitfiled by Romulo Makalintal, who isquestioning the constitutionality ofthe absentee voting law.

According to the Department of For-eign Affairs (DFA), there are1,894,288 Filipino immigrants in theUnited States, 277,744 in Canada,202,110 in Australia, 59,626 in Ja-pan, 32,497 in Germany and 45,713in the United Kingdom.

Joining Guingona’s legal team areformer Senator Wigberto Tañadaand former University of the Philip-pines College of Law dean MerlinMagalona, a consultant at the Officeof the Vice President.

But the main counsel who will arguethe case in behalf of the governmentwill be Solicitor General Alfredo Ben-ipayo, who will represent the Officeof the President, the Commission onElections (Comelec) and the De-partment of Budget andManagement (DBM), the respond-ents named in Makalintal’s suit. (ThePhilippine Star, 27 March 2003)

VP dependsabsentee votinglaw

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Kami Namang Mga Babae...

Josie Morilla Pulmano

Everyone has wishes and dreams.They enlighten our imaginations.They can also ruin our being. Theyare instruments of hope and achallenge to the future. They canmake a person succeed or feel regret.But we triumph over wishes anddreams when we lay them beforeGod. Meaning, this requires patienceand faith.

Wishes and dreams are inside theheart of a woman. Hoping for somethings that are yet to come true.These are mixed excitements andanxieties. Some women fail as theywait, but there are also those who arevery patient and very faithful.

Those who are faithful in theirwaiting are those that prospergradually. Yet, they are the oneswho have a humble heart, with rightand unselfish motives.

For those who are in a hurry and areimpatient, I would say they also findthat life is progress, and the faster onebecomes richer the better. They arecalled successful, but their success isreally of little significance. Why?They are the ones who have a lot ofdebts, often with broken homes andbroken relationships. They alwaysrun after time because time is money.They are the ones who do not find iteasy to have rest and peace.

When a woman gets married, it’salways a desire to at least have abetter and comfortable life. There isalso the desire to have children. Ithink it is part of being a woman tolike nice things. There are those whowish for things that they cannotafford, and there are those who justwish for things, simply and humbly.

However, economic stability isalways of prime importance. Mosthusbands and wives even make thesacrifice of being away from eachother just to meet their family’s needs.Rare is a housewife who has a simplewish of living in a simple way, that is,to have food on the table, to send thechildren to school, to have properclothing, to have a decent home. Thiswish is for basic needs to be metnecessities. But nowadays, thehousewife with a simple wish is noteasy to find.

Most seafarers and their wives oftendream of running a small business, tohave a house of their own, and toensure a good future for their children.These are often talked about aroundthe dinner table, around the house,and in bed. Seafarers and their wivesalways talk about the future,sometimes neglecting to be thankfulfor what they have today. I am guiltyof this on certain occasions. Butlooking ahead to the future makes metired. Then, I realize that today mustbe a beautiful day to thank God.Because without this present day, Iwoudn’t know how to have a starttomorrow.

Let me share to you a conversation ofseafarers that I was very muchencouraged to listen to. One hadgiven his wife an opportunity to getinto business but this ended in failure.

Although the wife was so worriedabout how to tell her husband ofthe failed business venture, shefinally found the courage to tell herhusband the business failure, andaccepted the fact that the cause ofthe failure was her lack ofknowledge in management. But herhusband was amazed by thecourage of his wife, and loved hermore. With that failure, they bothlearned something. Although thebusiness failed, trust was rebuilt. Ithink this is what we need at hometo improve living. Sometimes, wehave to take the risk to startsomething from the ground, andknowledge has a strongerfoundation when it is gained fromexperience.

There are also sad stories to tell.Partners are sometimes afraid totrust each other especially in mattersthat involve money. They thinkrisks should not be taken overfinances, otherwise they are riskinglife itself.

A husband trusting his wife has faithto someone he loves. I feel that it’san honor for us housewives be treatedthat way in spite of our limitedcapacities. When we fail, we alwayshope to be lifted up by our husbands.Though we make so many mistakes,we still feel we’ve been loved. But ifthere is mistrust that is developedwhile learning, a strong relationshipcannot grow. The faith that binds ahusband and a wife together is thesame faith that will make us growstronger. That is how we can make adifference. Above all, trusting in Godwith all our hearts, with all our minds,and with all of our understandings,will make our wishes and dreamscome true.

Wishes and Dreams

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It was a remarkable achievement by the PSAP and ASAN staff andvolunteers, and by the seafarers themselves. The events held at theInternational Seamen Center in De Beer were a sure hit. The 2003activities kicked off with “Port-able valentines party” on February 15and followed by series of “Tagpuang atin, a Meeting place withkaraoke/ health information nights on March 1, 8 and 22 , April 5, 12,and 19 2003— what an evenings to remember! There were hundredor more seafarers participating each event. Like a series of fireworks,the exploding energies of seafarers came out in the open. Theseevenings prove that Saturday nights in Rotterdam will never be thesame again. This is surely the initiative of the year! Seafarers just loveit.Do you wanna sing? Do you wanna dance? Do you wanna feel good?Do you wanna be healthy? Seafarers: this is an on-going invitation foryou. Join Saturday Karaoke/ Information Evenings.Seafarers, who came from various nationalities, proved that they hadsomething to give, whether song, dance or friendly company. Surely,seafarers have their “hidden talent”, come out in the open once thespirit of confidence and camaraderie is kindled.Some example: one time, all ears and eyes were tuned to the goldenvoice of the captain of Mol Innovation from the land of down under.His Australian repertoire resembles Tom Jones. We also witnessed thecoarse but cool voice of one bosun from the ship Stena Provider. Hisperformance of the song “Proud Mary” made everyone jump on theirfeet and dance with the rhythm of the music. Land-based folks werealso signing: listen to the rap of Mickey from a Rotterdam town ofHellevoetsluis, which captivates the young and old. The talented ‘TinaTurner’ of Rotterdam, Lani Abao, has a singing prowess that can ripthrough hearts.Just look at the pictures. More than 60 talented sailors sang their heartsout. They were having fun. And they sure know how to keep fit andhealthy – for the next Karaoke evening. THANK YOU ONCEAGAIN to the crew of the following ships: Shetland Trader, StenaProvider, Stena Spey, Stena Natalita, Rockness,Douna Ustern, NavionSaga, Stena Transfer, Amolise, Skatia, Luzon Spirit, Saar Ore, Saipem7000, Southern Explorer, Berge Stall, North Gate, Flag Mersidini 1,Thialf, Peregrine, Front Page, Bunga 10, Elbe Ore, and Berg Fjord,Victress, Hoocrest, Conformity, Rhine Ore, Fatih N. La Pampa andmany more. Some crew from the above ships participated more thanonce. The total attendance reached more than 1,000 seafarers..So if you want music, entertainment and the direct company of fun-loving seafarers, you know the place to be on a Saturday evening inRotterdam.There are up-to-date informations available on HIV/AIDS prevention.For Filipino seafarers: Do you want to know more about voting rightsnext year (2004) national election? Be aware of your rights andresponsibilities not only as OFWs but as Overseas Absentee Voters.Do you want to know about etc., etc.? See you there at the RotterdamTagpuan Atin, A Meeting Place with Karaoke!Finally, a note of deep appreciation goes to the friendly personnel ofthe International Seamen’s Center, De Beer, for their continuousservice to the seafarers . Also thanks to the Stella Maris – Apostolateof the Sea headed by Fr. Frits Mass.

PORT–ABLE VALENTINES, ‘TAGPUANG ATIN-A meeting Place’ with KaraokeA report by Eng. Felix Pulmano

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PICTORIAL COVERAGETagpuang Atin -

“Thank you for the entertainment and fun! Sad to say my time isshort but I really enjoy the music and dance.”Capt Franz G. Klassen – Australia Mol Innovation

What the seafarers sayand

“We seldom go on shore, We don’t even know that in theseisolated place seamen center exist, Thank you for inviting us.”Officers and crew of M/T Douna Ustern

“Ship visitor of Parola, you’ve visited us in another shipM/T Steinstrum, now we’ve met again here at the seamencenter. This karaoke night was truly an evidence of yourcontinous concerns to us.”Chief cook – Stena Natalita

“Napakasaya! It’s great to be around, continue the enjoyablekaraoke evening. In behalf of my collegues.”Greg Booc – Flag Mersidini – 1

“May you have more power and strenght to multiply andsustain your karaoke night activities.”Chief Engineer – Rockness

“After almost 6 months, at last we have set our foot inthe ground. Thanks to the Parola people for inviting us,it’s really a different feeling to attend in this karaokeevening.” Bosun – Berge Fjord

“See you again next time, We had a wonderful evening.” Crew of Luzon Spirit

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at International Seafarers Center De Beer, Rotterdam

A seafarers’ Meeting Place

“I’m proud of you people of Parola!,my first time meetingyou and enjoy this evening together with my officers andcrew.”Capt. Sepulvida – Bunga – Melati

“I would like to say “ Thank you”, to the Seaman’s club particularly PSAP- Parola for providing every seafarers this healthinformation about AIDS and STD’s.It’s about time that everybody should be informed and be vigilant about this. More powerto your organization and God bless us all.” Cesar J. Paloma – Medic. – Provider 1[Dr. Cesar Paloma is the medical officer on board the rigger ship Provider 1, He is a graduate of medicine, 1985 at FEU-NRMF. 6 years as resident physician and 12 years as medical officer in oil flatforms under SED. Co Forex – Brunei.]

“I experienced the warm hospitality of the people whoorganize the seaman’s club. I really felt I was home. Lotsof friends from different countries made me happy andenjoy the night.”Yap Kai FaT - Malaysian crew of Provider1

“Seaman’s Club, Yes! , It’s really good.” Radoslaw Wierszolowicz - Poland crew of Provider1

“Seaman’s club promotes clean fun! “One of the most wonderfulevening we have had visiting the Seaman’s center.”Scottish crew of Stena Spey

“This is our first time to attend such evening, Thank you foryour effort in picking us up.” Filipino crew of Saipem 7000.

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“Preach what you believe in and livewhat you preach.” This is a famousslogan that I usually hear in sending-outceremonies for a reigious minister ormissioner. The ministers and missionersare called to speak for the truth andshow examples through their works. Bythen, they become role models. While itis a reality that some of them fall short asrole models, there are those who live amore radical kind of life. These are theones who do not preach so much throughwords but act upon the things that theybelieve in. Their presence is enough tominister. Their lives speak louder thanwords.

I believe this slogan applies to everyone,not just to the religious and missionaries.No one is exempt. It reminds each one ofus to be consistent in words and deeds.All of us are called to speak about whatwe believe in, and to live what we speakof. Only then do we become livingwitnesses.

Witnessing is crucial for everyone whowant to earn respect and trust. Even thejudge in a courtroom depends heavily onwitnesses in order to promulgate credibledecisions. The witnesses are the bearersof truth and confidence. However,witnessing is not only a concern of thecourtroom. It is a challenge for everyonewho dreams to live an upright life. Thereis no other way to uprightness, exceptby being a living witness. This is achallenge that is addressed especially toseafarers.

Allow me to present some specificinstances that challenge every seafarer towitness.

One seafarer shared with me hisdifficulty in saving money. He earns agood amount onboard and spends lessthan three months for vacation with thefamily. The money is gone before he isable to board again. He tried to justifythe expenditures by saying that themoney earned from the sea is like

bubbles. They come and go so quicklyand easily. However, deep inside, Iknow he is troubled. This seafarer staysonboard for nine to twelve months andstays with his family for even less thanthree months. While at home, it was hispractice to make up for the lost days.He would design a system, installfacilities and create activities, gather andmeet people in order to have the feelingthat one day is like one year. The wifehad to ensure that the dining table isfilled with food when the seafarer ishome to give the appearance of plenty.With the passing years, the routinebecame well known; the householdmembers and the people around wouldknow exactly what would happen everytime the seafarer is home. And for theseafarer, he thinks the situation when heis home is a spontaneous happening.Even the expenditures were extravagant,as the routine would dictate.

But before departing for the sea, theseafarer would ask the wife to save onmoney and resources. While the requestsounded so noble, the implementationbecame a nightmare. His wish could bethe command of the wife. But theneverybody at home would expect alifestyle that they experience when theseafarer was home. Poor wife. She had tostand alone against the world. Veryoften, the wife losses in this game andwhat the seafarer gets is a litany ofexpenses and the justifications for theexpenditures. He himself is caught in adilemma. He wants one thing, but he isdoing another thing.The seaman could be compared to a lawmaker who promulgated something thatwas contrary to what he practices, andin effect he is seeking as exemption fromhis own law. He preached, but he failedto live by his message.Another seafarer shared to me a usualproblem he encountered every time hewent home after a contract. He used topay excessive amounts for excessbaggage and spent some dollars to avoidred tape when coming home. But he was

worried about his children. He said thattheir needs became more and moreexpensive. Whenever they buy somethingthey would look at the brand rather thanthe style and quality. They would go toa more expensive academic institutiondespite the availability of other schoolsthat offer the degrees they wanted to takeat the same quality but at cheaper cost.

While we were in one of the foreignports, I accompanied him to movearound the city. He invited me to enter adepartment store. He looked around andsaw one of the items for sale. It was aportable AM FM radio. He wanted tobuy it. “So you need a radio…whydon’t you buy one in Manila?” I asked.Then he replied. “You know it isdifferent when it is from a foreign landand this brand is not available in thePhilippines.” I thought that this fellowmust come to his senses. While heabhors what his children do, he himselfdoes the same, and spoils his kids.

A sailor told me that he loves his familyso much and that he works very hard forthem. “If not for my family, I will not behere,” he said as he pointed to the roughswell. As our conversation went on, healso shared with me his happiness ofhaving an intimate relationship withanother woman at one of the ports ofcall. He would allocate a good amountfrom his pay onboard for the telephonecalls with that woman and for some“pasalubong” (present) every time theymet. “She has become a part of me and Icould no longer afford to leave her.” Hecommented. Poor soul. He loves hisfamily. Yet he can love another woman.

The cases I have presented may be someisolated incidents. However, the pointremains. Witnessing always demands usto be “either-or” and not “both-and.” Wecannot have it all, and till be good. To becredible, we always need to take one sideand to act purposely upon ourstandpoint.

The Filipino Seafarer, a Living WitnessRey P. EliseoAOS Sailing Chaplain

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NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONTThe Filipino Seafarers Family Caregiver Organization

I feel so lucky and grateful that our family, from the youngestdaughter, two years old, to the eldest girl, twelve years old,and three boys in between, together with my husband wereconsidered official delegates to the represent Cebu to theFourth World Meeting of Families held in Manila lastJanuary 22 to 26, 2003. An event worth attending for becauseof its spiritual dominance in our life now and for the future.Getting through the scrutiny, to be qualified as delegateamong other religious enthusiasts was a test of one’spatience and perseverance. There were of course ups anddown. Eventually, however with lots of prayers were granted.Perhaps the next family meeting would be years to come,hence another generation, therefore witnessing it now is ablessing by itself.

Our host in Manila was so gracious to accommodate us. Toconvey us to the family congress venue at PICC, back andforth, transport was further extended for our convenience.For the duration of the congress, we have established aregimen. Wake up at 4:00 AM and prepare the morning formy children, all five of them for the day. Then off we go. Atpast 9:00 PM we come home. With this hectic schedule inspite of the distance, we were never late to attend eachday’s event.

This spiritual happening have manifested and awakened inme the desire to be an example of a doting mother to servethe Lord as an apostolate. I find this challenge to pursue.The family as a the basic unit of society, at the same timeserving as an instrument to evangelize, should empower andinvolve itself to take active participation in spreading theword of the Lord and enriching one’s life in relation to God.That we parents are responsible to our surroundings and

A Rewarding ExperienceThe Fourth World Meeting of Families: Theme: Family…Basic Foundation of Life and Love

by Pricella O.Gealon

environment. That we should nurture our young ones,lead them to the right path. For the elders who havegone astray and crossed the line, enlighten and bringback to the fold of the society and scruples. Teachthem by example; a good deed is an ideal one.One important aspect, also very basic, is the law of lifecalled free-giving. That is the respect that we mustbestow to others and elevate the dignity of a person.Free-giving embraces a sincere and heartfelt attitude ofgive and take, that is generosity; devoting your timeto listen to the woes of others. If all these are followedrest assured we will live in peace. This will be theremedy to set aside all bitterness in life.

As an afterthought, my husband was deeply touchedby the experience. It was amazing! The children wereawe bt the presence of countless members of theclergy saying mass everyday from the start of thecongress until the last day.

Ricardo and Pricella Gealon with their children Precious,John, Vincent, Joseph and Fatima.

Caregivers officers with His Eminence RicardoCardinal Vidal

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THE 7 DWARFS!

Isang ship visitor – vendor, pumanhik ng barko, naglatag ng kanyang panindasa mess hall, datingan siyempre ang mga crew at bawat isa ay nagpilian ngkanyang paninda. Hanggang sa nagtanong si maestro amo, “ eh! Bossy,mukhang maganda itong nasa box na ito, ano ba ito perfume?”. Sagot namanng vendor, “perfume nga iyan, ang tawag diyan eh 7 dwarfs.” Biglang sabadnaman noong AB na kanina pa pala nakikinig , “Eh bossy , pwede bangmabuksan at maamoy kung talagang mabango”. At binuksan kamo niya, dikara- karaka’y bigla na lang humigop ng maraming hangin ang bibig niya atnagsabing, “ Diyos ko! Ano bang klaseng perfume ito!,ang baho!”, saglit nanatigilan ang vendor at kapagdaka’y nagsalita, “ eh kabayan, may palagayakong namatay na yoong isang dwarf, kaya anim na lang sila.” He! He! He!

C\Cook Edwin Gimao M/V Pegasus

Masarap sana kaya lang…

Si mayor abalang- abala sa kanyang lutuan, nasambit sa sarili “ pag natikmannila itong luto ko makakalimutan nilang tiyak ang kanilang pangalan sa sarap”.Makapananghalian, siyang lapit ng kapitan kay mayor at nagsabi, “ yor,masarap sana ang luto mo kaya lang sobrang mamantika. Nang sa daraan sichief mate at nagsabi “ masarap sana ang luto mo kaya lang puro karne, walanghalong gulay. Siyang dating naman ni chief engineer at nagsabi “ yor, masarapsana kaya lang walang anghang, masarap yoong may anghang- anghangkonti.” Biglang sabad naman ni segundo makinista na kasunod pala ni hepe atnagsabi din ng “ yor, masarap sana kaya lang medyo me ka-alatan.”Kinabukasan, abalang –abala uli si mayor, tandang –tanda niya yoong mgacomments ng kanyang mg kasamahan. Nang sa mapadaan uli si kapitan atbiglang nagtanong “ yor, ano ba ang ulam natin ngayon?, sagot naman nimayor “ eh! Kapt. Siguro naman wala na kayong masasabi sa ulam natinngayon, balanse na ito, hindi mamantika, hindi puro karne, me kontinganghang at tamang – tama ang alat.” Siyang tanong uli ni kapitan, “ Ano bayang niluto mo? Sagot ni mayor, “ eh!… di sardinas with chili sauce.

Mahalagang Aral sa buhay barko, “ you cannot please everybody” .

Captain’s Report

Si AB Roco – kilalang- kilala sakanyang abilidad, kada puwertonagdadala ng babae sa barko, atibinibigay kay tano at hepemakinista. Siyang – siya naman itongdalawa at kadalasan sinasabi niyang“ etong si Roco okey talaga!Talagang mairerekomenda ko”.Hanggang sa malapit nang mataposang kontrata ni AB kaya nagsabi nasiya kay tano’ “ eh! Kapt. Bakanaman puede ng tuparin na ninyoyoong sinasabi ninyongirerekomenda ako”. Sagot naman nikapitan, “ o sige, gagawa ako ngCaptain’s Report”.Pagdating sa manning agency samaynila, nabasa ang Captain’sReport, AB Roco , dependable,highly recommended as publicrelation officer or to make barbusiness but not qualified forpromotion to the next rank.

Mahalagang aral sa buhay barko, “Wrong image and task projection”.

From : Koleksiyon ng marino –Rotterdam

Ang mag amang seaman naglalakad sa kalsada ngbiglang makasalubong ang dating kasamahan sa barko,siyempre nagbatian. “ o pare!, maliit talaga ang mundo!, oano hindi ka na ba sumasakay?” tanong ng seamangnasalubong. Sagot naman noong amang seaman “ hindi namuna pare, maganda ang trabaho ko ngayon sa computershop, pa compu- computer at pa disayn- disayn na lang ngweb- site.” Biglang sabat naman noong anak ng seaman, “naka si itay!, pacompu- computer daw, eh! Taga salansan

ka lang ng mga cd at taga empake ng mga computer.Sagot naman ng amang seaman, “ hwag kang maingay!,darating din tayo dyan!.

Mahalagang aral sa buhay natin ”huwag masyadongmahangin!”.

From : Koleksiyon ng marino – Rotterdam

Darating din tayo dyan!

Parola 117 (05-2003).pmd 28-04-2003, 10:4210


PORT CALLBEWARE OF THIEVES AND ROBBERS IN ROTTERDAM

BREAK IN ON THE PEGASUS

This March, the coaster M/V Pegasus, with two Danish andfive Filipino crew was hit by robbers. While the ship berthwas alongside wharf, waiting for its cargoes, an unidentifiedman, which local police believe to be the behind a series ofship robberies in Rotterdam, forcibly broke into the chiefmate’s cabin. He got away with the officer’s wallet andcredit cards, with cash, important documents, and the mas-ter key. On his way out, the man was noticed by the skipperwho shouted for help. The daring robber jump off the shipand was gone.

Greetings to you mama and belated Happy Wedding Anniversary,Happy Graduation to my son Ed Zeus, also to my youngest sonXerxes, advanced Happy Birthday this coming May 23, and also tomy daughter Honeylley. Ilove You All. Fr. Papa

C\Cook Edwin Gimao M/V Pegasus�To my family in the Philippines,I just want to say Hello to all of you out there, about me here inRotterdam, I’m still doing fine and having fun with the filipino com-munity, especially most during Saturday at the Seamens House.Hoping and praying that were all blessed and in good health. Godbless us all and see you soon.Always,Edjeanson A. De Los SantosRigger/ Provider 1�

PHILIPPINE SEAFARERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME, ROTTERDAM

PSAP was founded in 1981 inRotterdam with the aim to support

Filipino seafarers in their struggle forbetter working and living conditions.

PSAP's Objectives

To contribute to seafarersawareness about their workers and

human rights.

To provide support and services toseafarers

To promote seafarers awareness onHIV/AIDS and other health related

issues

To enhance better cooperationamong seafarers of various

nationalities through better unders-tanding of each other culture.

Addresses:

PSAP RotterdamOostbroekweg 4,

3089 KL RotterdamThe Netherlands

Tel. 010-2400930Fax. 010-2400932

E-mail. [email protected]: psaponline.net

Centro Filipino-Seamen's DeskCalle Riera Vaja 6-4 0881

Barcelona, SpainKasapi Seafarers' Assistance

Program Labor Center of PiraeusSkylitsi 19, Piraeus, Greece

International Christian MaritimeAssociation(ICMA)

2/3 Orchard Place, SouthamptonS01 1BR England

Center for Seafarers' Rights241 Water Street, New York, NY

10038 Tel. 212-3499090Fax. 212-3498342

Printed by: Drukkerij Dizayn

ISSN: 1389-9465Editorial Staff

Josie PulmanoNonoy Ty

Peter Payoyo

Parola is published bi-monthly bythe Philippine Seafarers AssistanceProgramme(PSAP). PSAP is a non-

stock, non-profit foundation registeredin the Chamber of Commerce

no. S127664, Rotterdam,The Netherlands.

Subscribing to Parola is your wayof supporting the publication.

A year's subscription costs US$10.00.Send the amount to:

P S A POostbroekweg 43089 KL RotterdamThe Netherlands

Thank you for your support.

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See page 12, please...

Parola 117 (05-2003).pmd 28-04-2003, 10:4211


Sigh no more, great sailorThe world is within our touchWe sail on the seven seasWe navigate on stormy weather.

Our ship’s ride on the waveFighting with her strengthLike a feather floating in the airTossed up and down.

Sigh no more sailor, sigh no moreFor your work and hardships,others ignoreFor they don’t know the sufferings we takebeing away from our loved ones.

Sigh no more sailor, sigh no moreFor the sea is our life and it is a part of ourpromiseFor our port of happiness is in our heartsOur hard work and sacrifices be the success ofothers.

Sigh no more sailor, sigh no moreFor the great people in the pastThey’ve been like usThey sailed for greatnessThough our greatness is unknownBut with our loved ones and in the eyes of GodOur greatness is eternal.

Joel RealHoo Larch - England

Great Sailors – Sigh no more

YES, I would like to receive a copy of Parolaregularly. Please send my copy to the name andaddress below.

Name:

Address:

PH

ILIP

PIN

E S

EA

FAR

ER

S A

SSIS

TAN

CE

PR

OG

RA

MM

E,

RO

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See page 23, please...

Parola's publication is madepossible with the help of the

ITF Seafarers' Trust.

Parola 117 (05-2003).pmd 28-04-2003, 10:4212

a new threat to seafarers’ health, rights and welfare sars ... · affected countries, a spokesman...

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