VP Maritime Personnel Svend Foyn-Bruun led and formally opened the event, his first outside of Manila. In his opening remarks, the VP spoke about the leadership and culture in Odfjell, highlighting our strength as an integrated shipping company. He also shed light on current matters, and encouraged the Odfjell’ers in Bacolod to engage in discussion with him during breaks.
The event also featured the awarding ceremony for three long-time seafarers: Third Engineer Jorule Legaspi, Chief Cook Peter Ravana, and Third Engineer Reynaldo Reparo. The awardees’ wives, who were also present at the event, were surprised with a bouquet of flowers as gratitude for their unwavering support to their spouses. As Foyn-Bruun said in his introduction to the awardees:
“Loyalty is a gift, not only from the seafarers, but also from their families. A seafarer is able to sail for 25 years because of support from his wife and children, parents, grandparents and siblings, and from friends and other relatives.”
The day continued with presentations on MPS Manila and its processes, cybersecurity, road safety, healthcare benefits for the crew and their dependents, and disaster preparedness—similar to previous conferences in Manila and Cebu.
What set the Bacolod gathering apart from other conferences were the impromptu performances from the audience. Seafarers and family members alike generously shared their talents to the delight of the Odfjell community.
Thank you, Odfjell’ers in Bacolod, for your time, participation, and engagement!
