MAAP head named IMO ambassador

MAAP head named IMO ambassador
Yashika F. Torib February 23, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/02/23/business/maritime/maap-head-named...

EDUARDO Ma. R. Santos, president of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), has been appointed as the Maritime Goodwill Ambassador of the Philippines in the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Santos was nominated by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) for the position last December 2021. He will serve until 2023.

An IMO Maritime Goodwill Ambassador is a spokesman or advocate for the maritime profession with the primary mission of promoting a career at sea or other professions related to the maritime sector to the youth. His goal is to inspire a new generation of maritime experts and seafarers.

"I am truly honored by this appointment. Although I have been deeply involved in developing almost 5,000 young men and women to become officers in the world's maritime fleet, I shall exert more effort to promote a seafaring career amongst our youth focusing on technical competence, proper attitudes, leadership, and the culture of safety," Santos said in an interview with The Manila Times.

"Through Amosup, I hope to enhance the welfare and wellness of our seafarers. Aside from producing quality officers, I shall also try training ratings to improve their capabilities and employability," he added.

Amosup is the Associated Marine Officer's and Seamen's Union of the Philippines.

Santos is a retired vice admiral with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He was the 23rd Flag officer in command (FOIC) of the Philippine Navy from 1996 to 1999, who was responsible for the initial modernization of the Philippine Fleet with the acquisition of three Peacock class patrol ships and production of locally manufactured Patrol Craft Fast.

Aside from leading MAAP since its inception in 1998, he is also the executive vice president of Amosup. He is the president of distinguished organizations which includes the Bagong Bayani Foundation, Nautical Institute-Philippines, Imarest-Philippines, and Institute of Maritime Management of the Royal Institution of Singapore.

His leadership roles across local and international maritime organizations have raised the bar of Maritime Education and Training and the competency of Filipino seafarers. His key role in promoting public awareness of the maritime industry is augmented by his weekly television show, 'Iyan ang Marino'.

On Nov. 20, 2019, Santos was awarded the "Global Lifetime Achievement Award" by Crew Connect, the world's biggest annual manning event.

Santos will serve as the country's Maritime Goodwill Ambassador to IMO along with Carlos Salinas, Josephine Francisco and Yrhen Bernard Balinis.