International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Secretary General Stephen Cotton and Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline Smith graced the inauguration of the AMOSUP Sailors’ Home III located in Cabildo Street, Intramuros, Manila on June 24.

They were joined by other dignitaries namely Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, All Japan Seamen’s Union (AJSU) President Mitsuharu Matsuura and International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC) Chairman Belal Ahmed.

Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) President Dr. Conrado Oca led the guests in the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marker unveiling and blessing of the facilities.

The marker reads, “Continuing the legacy of excellence of AMOSUP Founder Capt. Gregorio S. Oca, the Sailors’ Home III was built in grateful recognition of the efforts and sacrifices of the highly skilled, competent and capable Filipino seafarers, who are key workers providing an essential service to international trade and the global supply chain.”

Smith and Cotton reflected on the legacy of AMOSUP founder Captain Gregorio Oca, which was carried on by his son Dr. Conrado Oca.

“What his father built was a foundation and what Conrad has built on top of that is the house,” Smith remarked.

Cotton said the new building is “the latest manifestation of Capt. Greg’s vision and that Dr. Conrado has taken the mission also in another level.”  

The ITF Secretary General commended Oca and his team for managing AMOSUP proficiently.

“Running a union isn't that easy but AMOSUP manages to be together for the Philippines government… also engaged with the employers.

When we look at what has been built, that's been built because of the mutual respect for Filipino seafarers and for union that puts the seafarers first.”

Ahmed continues to express his admiration for AMOSUP, which he describes as "the best union in the world that he had ever seen."

“Thank you for doing all the things that you do for our seafarers and this is something that is so memorable for me to attend another addition of the existing facilities that our seafarers already enjoying,” Ahmed said.

Laguesma, on behalf of the government, lauded AMOSUP for its “unwavering, unrelenting and continuing commitment to improve the lives not just of its’ members and their families but the community as well.”

The AMOSUP Sailors' Home III is located within walking distance of the AMOSUP Sailors' Home main and annex facilities, as well as the AMOSUP Seamen's Center, Slop Chest, and Hospital.

The new facilities provide safe lodging for AMOSUP members, both male and female seafarers before and after working onboard. Indeed, a convenient location for them in the company of their fellow seafarers and under the supervision of their reliable union.

Seafarers, AMOSUP and ITF officers and employees, employer representatives, and government officials toured the facilities and enjoyed the prepared food and entertainment.