Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe conferred a certificate of commendation to the Associated Marine Officer's and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) and the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC) on February 4, 2014 at the Ambassador's residence in Makati City for their support to the Japanese maritime transportation and economy, and contribution to the development of friendship and reciprocal relationship between the Philippines and Japan.
Maritime transportation is essential in supporting industrial activities and people's lives in Japan. In fact, 99.7% of Japan's import and export cargoes are now carried by ships. On the other hand, the number of Japanese seafarers decreased from 57,000 in 1974 to 2,200 in 2012.
AMOSUP and PJMCC are engaged in many activities that enhance the ability of Filipino seafarers, such as the establishment and expansion of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) which provide high quality maritime education to its students. They also provide many simulators to seafarer training centers in the Philippines and create opportunities for students to acquire onboard training which is required to get a Certification of Competency. Currently, Filipino seafarers comprise 75% of Japanese merchant vessels' personnel and as such are very much essential for Japanese maritime transportation.
AMOSUP and PJMCC are expected to continue their active role in further strengthening the close and friendly relations between Japan and the Philippines by enhancing the capability for Filipino seafarers.
Japanese Version
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