AS I was preparing for my trip for my annual pilgrimage to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag and the trek to the Station of the Cross in Surip, Bani, Pangasinan, I got hold of the welcome news about the European Commission's decision to "extend the recognition of the Republic of the Philippines STCW system." That was great news for everyone!
For this archipelago's maritime industry, the European Union reprieve was blighted by the sad news of 32 casualties of the fire onboard MV Lady Mary Joy 3 of Aleson Shipping. Too, there was the news of a tourist-carrying boat that sank off Lamon Bay, Quezon. It is a relief that all tourists/passengers in that boat were rescued; nonetheless, it tarnished this archipelago's tourism campaign. Add to this the still raging issue of the massive pollution damage caused by MT Princess Empress in the waters of Oriental Mindoro.
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