Continuing the successful inaugural run in 2025, the PTC Talent Acquisition Group (TAG) conducted the Officers’ Helm II: Dockside Dialogue on June 18, 2026, at the newly opened OWWA Seafarers’ Welfare Center in Monarch Parksuites, ASEANA Business Park, Parañaque City.

The event gathered more than 25 maritime officers from various manning agencies for a morning of meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and professional engagement.

More than a networking event, Officers Helm II reflected PTC’s continuing commitment to connecting with seafarers, the very people who move global trade. By bringing together officers from across the maritime industry, PTC created a collaborative space where seafarers could openly discuss the realities of life at sea, training and development challenges, exchange professional experiences, and gain valuable insights into the evolving maritime landscape.

The event also marked a milestone for the OWWA Seafarers’ Welfare Center as it hosted its first major maritime industry engagement. In her welcome remarks, OWWA NCR Regional Director Ma. Teresa B. Capa emphasized OWWA’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and professional development of Filipino seafarers.

 

 

Director Capa, in her brief remarks emphasized the importance of partnerships between government and industry, noting initiatives such as the Officers’ helm strengthen engagement with Filipino seafarers while maximizing the use of the Seafarers’ Welfare Center as a venue for learning, collaboration, and support.

 

 

 

 

Opening the start of the discussion was John Paul Soto Jr. PTC Head of Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Operations and Deputy Head of PTC Cruise Industry Business. In his opening remarks, JP highlighted the vital role of collaboration in addressing the increasing global demand for competent officers. He shared that by bringing together officers from various manning agencies, PTC hopes to cultivate meaningful conversations, encourage the sharing of best practices, and inspire maritime professionals to continuously pursue excellence in their careers.

 

 

 

 

Leading the technical discussions was Capt. Ronald Enrile, PTC Senior Adviser for the Shipping Cluster, provided participants with timely updates on the changing dynamics of the global maritime industry. He explored emerging trends, evolving regulatory requirements, technological advancements, and the growing demand for highly skilled officers capable of navigating the complexities of modern shipping. He reinforced the importance of continuous learning, strong leadership, and adaptability as essential qualities for Filipino seafarers to remain globally competitive.

 

 

One of the highlights of the morning was the thought-provoking session “Carrying the World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” led by Chief Engineer Mark Philip Laurilla, Training Manager of PHILCAMSAT, joined by Capt. Antonio Nacino, PTC Crewing Manager. Together, both highlighted the indispensable role of seafarers in keeping international commerce moving while navigating the physical, operational, and geopolitical risks that accompany life at sea.

Their discussion served as a powerful reminder that behind every shipment delivered across the globe are dedicated maritime professionals whose expertise, resilience, and commitment continue to uphold the Philippines’ reputation as a leading supplier of world-class seafarers.

The dialogue concluded with an engaging open forum where all participants freely exchanged ideas, raised industry concerns, and discussed challenges and possible improvements in the training and development of seafarers. The diversity of attendees, representing various manning agencies, demonstrated that strengthening the Philippine maritime workforce is a shared responsibility that transcends organizational boundaries.

Also present were Paul Ivan Casapao, Fleet Head of Jebsen PTC; Fatima Bocboc, PTCI Recruitment Assistant; Lorma Estabillo, Seaspan Recruitment and Training Officer; and TAG representatives Jessie Estanislao, Chino Hernandez, and Benjie Bautista.

For the PTC TAG, initiatives such as the Officers’ Helm exemplify a strategic approach to talent management. Rather than focusing solely on recruitment, the initiative positions PTC as a trusted brand and industry partner committed to developing maritime professionals, encouraging leadership, and fostering meaningful conversations that inspire officers to purse long term careers with organizations that value their growth and well- being.