Publisher’s Note
Beneath a bumpy ride, smooth sailing
developments ahead
T
he year 2018 may be best described as a roller-coaster year: rises in prices of goods
and petrol products, uncertainties in trade movements due to rising protectionism
in the West and continuing turmoil in the Middle East. But it was also a year of hope,
where peace can be achieved as epitomized in the Singapore Summit between
Presidents Trump and Kim of the US and North Korea; what were once belligerent
foes have become partners that could usher in another great golden era for peace
and prosperity both in the Asia-Pacific rim as well as for a troubled, divided world.
Meanwhile, back here at home, despite economic uncertainties predicted by
certain groups, it's still business as usual with the Philippine economy riding high with very bright
economic growth prospects. Infrastructure projects continue to be in full swing to provide the
much-needed access to more growth centers throughout the archipelago as well to upgrade
current ones. Tourism is undergoing another comeback, thanks to the temporary closure,
rehabilitation, and reopening of Boracay which has proven that restoring the island to its pristine
charm can truly be done.
Not to mention, there are still those excellent growth prospects in the Philippine maritime sector.
For one, government agency MARINA continues its invaluable role to be a catalyst for change in
this sector, thanks to its 10-year Marine Industry Development Program (MIDP 2018-2028) that
will reinforce the country's image as a major global centre for maritime administration, domestic
and overseas shipping, maritime manpower, ship building, ship repair and ship breaking. There
have also been initiatives to reopen as well as implement more ro-ro routes within the Philippines
as well as within the BIMP (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines) East Asia Growth Area which
would provide enhanced trade links between cities such as, say Davao, GenSan and Zamboanga
in the Philippines with Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in Malaysia, Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei
and Makassar, Manado and Balikpapan in Indonesia. And of course, demand for our own seafarers
remain very high: 25 percent of these worldwide come from our own shores. Filipino seafarers are
also among the most preferred globally, thanks to their English proficiency. competence in skills and
know-how, flexibility to adopt to new trends, hard work, and passion to do their best professionally.
It is said that for every force there is a counter force. But whatever negative counter forces may
take place, it will be the positive forces that will triumph in the end. And, as we say good bye to
another year full of challenges, let us all hope--and work for--a new year ahead of us to be much
more stable and smooth-sailing!
PHILIP O. ORTALEZA
4