PMMA dedicates new building to late Capt. Oca

PMMA dedicates new building to late Capt. Oca
Yashika F. Torib November 24, 2021 https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/11/24/business/maritime/pmma-dedicates-...

The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) dedicates its new Knowledge Center Building to the memory of the late Capt. Gregorio Oca, founder of the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (Amosup).

Oca was an outstanding alumnus of the former Philippine Nautical School, now known as the PMMA and a member of Class 1948. PMMA is the country's oldest maritime school which was established in 1820.

"During his lifetime, Capt. Oca staunchly advocated for excellence in the maritime education and training of young Filipinos to become disciplined, competent, and world-class maritime professionals and leaders in the global maritime fleet," PMMA Superintendent, Commodore Joel Abutal, said on the building's marker.

"As a seasoned maritime officer of many years, he saw the plight of Filipino seafarers who must endure the perils of the sea and the harsh working and living conditions onboard.

To uplift the lives of seafarers and their families, Capt. Oca organized AMOSUP which has protected seafarers' rights, raised the standards of their employment, and promoted their welfare through collective bargaining and maritime industry tripartite cooperation for more than 60 years," AMOSUP President and son of the elder Oca, Dr. Conrado Oca, said.