Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz and International Transport Federation (ITF) President Mr. Padraig ‘Paddy’ Crumlin are the guest of honor and speaker, and inspirational speaker, respectively, at the ground-breaking ceremonies of the Center for Advanced Maritime Studies (CAMS) at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), in Kamaya Point, Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan at 10:15 a.m. Thursday.

Capt. Gregorio S. Oca (MM,, Ph. D.), Chairman of the board of governors of MAAP and President of Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), said MAAP, together with AMOSUP-PTGWO-ITF members feel highly honored and privileged with Secretary Baldoz and ITF chief Crumlin gracing the event.

MAAP is a top maritime institution in the Philippines and in Asia-Pacific, with “state of the art” facilities at par with those in advanced maritime countries.

MAAP president Vice Admiral Eduardo Ma. R. Santos (AFP, ret.) said appropriate arrival honors will be accorded to Secretary Baldoz and Mr. Crumlin.

Other activities lined up for the event include tree-planting, mass offering, a tour for guests at the huge MAAP campuses, briefings, and meeting of Seafarers’ Promotion Fund (SPF) committee members.

Aside from Capt. Oca and Admiral Santos, also leading in welcoming the DOLE and ITF chiefs and other guests are AMOSUP executive vice president Dr. Condrado F. Oca and other Academy officials.