31 March 2014 - During his official visit to the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Philippe J. Lhuillier met with port agents based in Funchal, Madeira on March 20. The agents attend to the needs and concerns of hundreds of Filipino seafarers whose ships regularly dock at the city’s port.
Ambassador Lhuillier hosted a lunch for Mr. Hugo Ferreira, General Manager of Blandy Shipping; Mr. Carlos Santos, Executive Manager of Agência Ferraz; and Mr. Lino Ribeiro, Operations Director of JFM Shipping. The lunch meeting provided Ambassador Lhuillier the opportunity to strengthen communication lines and cooperation with the port agents to improve the ability of the Embassy and their respective shipping companies to effectively respond to the concerns of Filipino seafarers.
According to the agents, an average of 3 to 4 cruise ships dock at Funchal’s port every week. The number can reach as high as 10 during the peak season. That means there are hundreds of Filipino seafarers that are frequently in Madeira on shore leave, with a number either embarking or disembarking as part of regular crew change. The Embassy estimates that as many as 25 Filipino seafarers arrive in Funchal on a weekly basis to board their ships or return to the Philippines after the completion of their tour of duty.
Ambassador Lhuillier and the port agents also discussed administrative and operational details in relation to the possibility of the Embassy conducting “Akyat Barko” activities in Funchal port to register seafarers for absentee voting for the 2016 national elections. The port agents assured the Ambassador of their support in this endeavor.
The Ambassador also informed the port agents that the Embassy is in the process of identifying a suitable candidate to become the Philippine Honorary Consul in Madeira. The appointment of an Honorary Consul was a recommendation made by the port agents to the Embassy in light of the large numbers of Filipino seafarers that transit and conduct port calls in the region. END