6 Communist-Terrorist members neutralized, 7 firearms seized in Northern Samar clashes

By DPAO, 8ID PA
June 4, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Four Communist-New People’s Army Terrorists (CNT) were killed and three firearms were seized during a series of clashes with government troops in Barangay Nagoocan, Catubig, Northern Samar, on June 3.

Approximately 30 armed members from the Regional Guerrilla Unit and Sub-Regional Committee Arctic under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) were encountered during the Focused Military Operations.

The clash erupted following reports from local residents about the presence of armed men allegedly conducting extortion activities in the area.

Authorities are working to identify the slain rebels and are coordinating with local officials to notify their families.

On June 2, a day before the firefight, troops from the 20th Infantry Battalion discovered a cache of firearms and explosives in Barangay Roxas, Catubig, through the revelations of former rebels identified as alias “In-In,” the vice squad leader of Squad 1, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit, Sub-Regional Committee Arctic, and alias “Bug-ot” of the Regional Guerrilla Unit, EVRPC, who surrendered to the authorities and are now under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Accordingly, said firearms were believed to have been stashed after an encounter at Barangay Sulitan, Catubig, on November 5, 2024.

Among the recovered items were two M14 rifles, one M16 rifles, one M653 rifle, three improvised hand grenades, ammunition magazines, a bandolier, a pistol holster and assorted medical paraphernalia.

Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID), praised the joint efforts of the government and its partners in addressing the root causes of insurgency and promoting peace in the region.

“When individuals who once fought against us now stand with us, it changes the narrative about our organization and our mission,” Orio said. “E-CLIP will continue to serve as our mission enabler – offering not just holistic integration and livelihood support, but a renewed purpose.”

He assured residents of Northern Samar and the rest of Eastern Visayas of the military’s unwavering commitment to peace and security, and encourage active CTG members to avail and take advantage of the National Amnesty Program offered by the government. They may coordinate with their relatives or local chief executives to arrange for their safe passage and formalize their application for amnesty.

“We in the government forces, as your frontliners, assure you that we will never falter in our mission,” he said. “We will not rest until every terrorist who preys upon innocent Filipinos is brought to justice.”

Maj. Gen. Orio added that despite the atrocities committed by the armed group, the four slain individuals will be given a decent burial through coordination with the local government of Catubig, in accordance with the Army’s respect for human dignity and compliance to International Humanitarian Law.

Farmers’ agony ends as DAR inaugurates paved road

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
May 29, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – Residents of Barangay New Kawayan, a farming village north of this city, expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Agrarian Reform Secretary, Conrado Estrella III, for realizing their long cherished dream, a concrete road.

On Thursday, May 22 this year, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, led the inauguration and turnover of the 1.4 linear-kilometer Barangay New Kawayan-Sto. Niño farm-to-market road to the two remote villages for the maintenance.

Yu stressed that construction of farm-to-market roads in remote farming villages is among the priorities of the Marcos administration and one of the nine point agenda of Secretary Estrella.

He disclosed that the P21-million road project, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is funded under the agrarian reform fund (ARF).

Welefortes Bodaña, president of the Barangay 101 Vegetable Farmers Association shared that this has been their long cherished dream.

She explained that during rainy days before, the entire area becomes very muddy. One could hardly walk because the mud is up to here, Bodaña added pointing to her leg, just below the knee.

With the now concreted road, farmers here will no longer carry on their heads their harvests, or hire somebody to bring them to the check point, where buyers await, said Bodaña. The buyers, with their vehicles, now come to our farm to pick the vegetables, she exclaimed.

For Barangay Chairman, Rafael Manhuyod, he sees this project to bring a significant improvement in the quality of life, not only of the farmers but of all the residents in this area.

About 289 farmers are expected to benefit from this project.

International Day of Action for Women’s Health:

Women’s health is a right, not a privilege: Resist privatization, fight for free quality healthcare!

By GABRIELA Philippines
May 29, 2025

MANILA – On the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, GABRIELA Philippines joins women around the world in asserting that women’s health is a fundamental right – not a commodity to be bought, sold, or denied. In the Philippines, this right is under grave threat. The Marcos Jr. administration continues a dangerous legacy of slashing budgets for public health services while abdicating its constitutional responsibility to protect the people’s welfare – passing this mandate instead to private, profit-hungry corporations, who in turn squeeze ordinary Filipinos dry with the high costs of health care.

The Philippine public health system has been hollowed out by years of privatization under policies that prioritize public-private partnerships over direct public investment. This is clearly illustrated in the 2025 national expenditure program of the government, which saw the health department get a meager share of 4%. This translates to even lower funding for public hospitals and several key health programs like the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Program. Meanwhile, PhilHealth – an insurance company tasked to implement the state’s sham Universal Healthcare Law, that has instead diverted billions of funds to private hospitals – received zero funding, which effectively passed onto contributors the state’s duty to ensure coverage of indigents and indirect contributors.

This deliberate defunding and privatization of health care have dire consequences, especially for Filipino women who are the primary caregivers in their families and communities. As costs of medical care soar, women bear the brunt – paying out of pocket for basic health needs of the family, maternal care, medicines, and hospitalization. 2023 data from the government shows the top health financing scheme in the country being “household out-of-pocket expenses” more than government schemes and programs. Filipino women in the family also often delay or forego check-ups due to unaffordable consultation and diagnostic fees, leading to worsened conditions.

The particular impacts on women are stark, brutal, and alarming. Maternal mortality remains high, with about 59 maternal deaths per month in 2024 as reported by the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR). Maternal services remain scant and unaffordable, as there are only 3,238 birthing homes across the country – more than half of which are private facilities. CWR also reports that the Philippines holds the top spot in Asia with the most breast cancer-related deaths, while the country holds the 3rd highest incidence of the disease in the region. Additionally, about 22 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer daily – a horrific figure that hardly comes close to the actual number of women with this disease, as CWR notes that only 1% of the 54 million women in the country was screened in 2023. CWR further revealed that 65% of cancer cases in the country do not get diagnosed until its late stages where survival rate drops significantly.

In other words, state abandonment and the domination of private interests in health care harm and even kill already vulnerable sectors of Filipino women. GABRIELA asserts that health care is a state responsibility, not a business opportunity. We demand increased public funding for health services that will benefit women and the majority of the poor Filipino people. On this day of global action, we stand firm: Filipino women and the toiling Filipino masses deserve free and accessible quality health care. We will not be silent as our health and our lives are put on the line for profit.

HWPL celebrates 12th founding anniversary worldwide

Press Release
May 29, 2025

MANILA – In celebration of the 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace, international peace NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) brought together peace advocates, educators, and youth from the Philippines and other countries through a series of events promoting global unity and civic participation in peacebuilding.

Held simultaneously in 94 locations across 61 countries, including major cities in the Philippines, this year’s commemoration emphasized the shared responsibility of governments and citizens in realizing sustainable peace. The global movement traces its roots to May 25, 2013, when HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee proclaimed the Declaration of World Peace before 30,000 youth in Seoul, calling for unity beyond borders through peace education and civic action.

Among the highlights was the Asia Peace Forum 2025 titled “Crash Landing on You: Understanding the South and North Korea Divide, Pursuing Peace on the Korean Peninsula” held online on May 24. Inspired by the popular Korean drama, the forum engaged peace leaders and scholars from the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, India, and Nepal in discussions centered on the roots of the divide, the impact of war on citizens from both sides, and the role of youth and civil society in building a future of peace.

Keynote speakers included Mr. Yoo Byeong-Chu, Chairman of Korean War Allied Nations Friendship Association and Ms. Hyeju Park, Deputy General Director of HWPL Asia.

"And I hope that peaceful unification will be achieved so that the tragedy of pointing guns among the same people will never happen again. I hope that international law for the cessation of war will be established so that our future generations will never experience the unspeakable tragedy again," said Chairman Yoo.

In Metro Manila, the peace celebration continued with the Poster Making Contest themed “The Future of Peace and Prosperity,” which gathered 88 young artists from the Philippines and Japan in a hybrid event. The awarding ceremony was held on May 24 at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig. Through the event, 13 promising young artists dedicated to promoting peace through creative expression as part of the Peace in Arts and Culture Group gathered. The group will hold regular sessions twice a month, with plans for a collaborative mural project in the coming months.

As an NGO with special consultative status under the UN ECOSOC, HWPL continues to promote peace through international law, interfaith harmony, and grassroots peace education. “This movement is not just a celebration – it is a call to action for citizens of all ages,” emphasized HWPL Chairman Lee. “Together, we must become messengers of peace.”

Capping off the Philippine commemorations, the municipality of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental also joined the global celebration through an event titled “Bunghay Reporma: Thanksgiving and Peace Declaration” with the theme “Together in Love, Peace, and Unity – We Build a Prosperous Hinigaran.” The community gave thanks for a peaceful democratic process and expressed solidarity with HWPL’s vision by officially declaring its commitment to peace. This heartfelt gathering is a testament to how local unity and civic participation can connect with global peace efforts, making Hinigaran a proud part of the worldwide story of hope, harmony, and collective progress.

Communist terrorist killed in armed encounter in Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 29, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A Communist terrorist was killed in an armed encounter between the 87th Infantry “Hinirang” Battalion of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division against 20 heavily armed individuals in San Jose de Buan, Samar, on May 29, 2025.

The slain individual and the group are believed to be members of the Regional Security Force of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

The encounter occurred during a Focused Military Operation (FMO) and resulted in a 25-minute firefight. The Communist Terrorist Group withdrew from the area, leaving behind the body of an unidentified member. The military is currently working to establish the individual’s identity of the deceased in order to provide a proper burial.

In addition to the fatality, government forces also recovered several war materials, including three long magazines, one short magazine of 5.56mm caliber, 51 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, one bandolier, and various subversive documents.

No government personnel were killed or injured during the operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Kim M Ilao, Acting Commanding Officer of the 87th IB, lauded the troops for their decisive actions.

“We remain determined in dismantling EVRPC and their exploitation of our communities," Lt. Col. Ilao said.

Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, renewed his call for the remaining CTG members to surrender and reintegrate into society. He also reassured that the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) remains open to those who wish to abandon the armed struggle.

“Lagi pong bukas ang pintuan ng gobyerno para sa inyong pagsuko. Our intentions and promises are clear. No further harm will come to those who will choose to lay down their weapons and choose peace. Kasama at maaasahan niyo po kami sa pagkamit ng mas mapayapang bagong Samar,” said Maj. Gen. Orio.

PH 2025 elections did not meet int’l standards for free, fair elections –Observer Mission Report

Voter disenfranchisement, vote-buying, systematic repression, and foreign interference cited as key findings

By ICHRP
May 27, 2025

QUEZON CITY – The 2025 Philippine midterm elections “did not meet international standards for free and fair elections,” according to the final report of the International Observer Mission (IOM) released today, citing “grave and widespread violations” of human rights across the country. The mission’s findings point to a confluence of factors that severely undermined the integrity of the electoral process: voter disenfranchisement, widespread vote-buying, systemic human rights violations, the entrenched power of domestic political dynasties, and the foreign military influence in local political affairs.

“The rights of Filipinos to vote freely and without coercion were compromised,” says IOM Commissioner Lee Rhiannon. “The climate of fear, normalized vote-buying and militarization that surrounded the elections reflects a failure to uphold international democratic standards.”

The IOM’s conclusion is based on weeks of intensive documentation by international field teams deployed across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao during the election campaign and on election day, May 12. Observers conducted on-the-ground interviews with voters, poll watchers, campaigners, local officials, and civil society leaders, while remote teams tracked digital disinformation, overseas absentee voting, and media coverage.

The comprehensive report is the result of an independent international initiative that adopts a rights-based approach to monitoring the elections. This was organized by the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) and launched in 2022.

For the 2025 mission, more than 50 international human rights advocates took part, with field Observers deployed to priority areas with histories of election-related violence. The Mission partnered with local watchdogs such as Kontra Daya and Vote Report PH, while remote teams monitored digital disinformation, overseas absentee voting (OAV), and voting irregularities abroad.

“Our findings point to a widespread pattern of repression and vote-buying alongside threats of foreign interference,” said IOM Commissioner Andrea Mann. “The red-tagging of progressive candidates, vote-buying, disenfranchisement, and militarization are not isolated problems. These reflect a deeply compromised system.”

“Given the scale and severity of these violations, we conclude that the 2025 Philippine elections failed to meet international standards for free, fair, and democratic elections,” Mann stated.

Voter Disenfranchisement, Vote-Buying

“These elections violated key articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Philippines is a state party,” said ICHRP Global Council Chairperson Peter Murphy. The IOM Final Report documented 545 cases of electoral violations, including vote-buying, disenfranchisement, harassment, and even election-related killings and disappearances. “These abuses fundamentally undermined the rights of Filipinos to participate in free and fair elections,” he added.

The Mission highlighted the rampant voter disenfranchisement. Malfunctioning automated counting machines (ACMs), ballots misread as overvotes, and pre-marked or misprinted ballots disenfranchised thousands. COMELEC failed to explain why the machines ran on a non-certified software version, casting doubt on the integrity of the results.

According to the report, the disenfranchisement extended overseas, where online registration glitches and delayed pre-enrolment requirements led to a historically low 18.12% voter turnout among OFWs, far below even the usual participation rates. Workers and the urban poor were similarly excluded, as May 13 was not declared a paid holiday, forcing many to choose between voting and earning income.

Murphy also raised alarm over the scale of vote-buying, calling it “scandalous interference with the election.” The IOM alone, recorded 111 vote-buying incidents, with COMELEC receiving 158 formal complaints but issuing only minimal sanctions. Some party-lists, such as Ako Bicol, reportedly offered up to 16,000 PHP (~289 USD) per vote. “Mass poverty and entrenched inequality have enabled political dynasties and business-funded candidates to distort electoral outcomes,” Murphy stated.

He mentioned the recommendations from the IOM report on electoral reforms, including the adoption of a hybrid manual-automated voting system, addressing the inaccessible OFW registration process, and the declaration of election day as a paid public holiday.

Red-Tagging, militarization undermine free elections

“The 2025 midterm election failed to uphold the most basic democratic principle: the people’s uncoerced right to choose their leaders,” said IOM Commissioner Rhiannon. “The abuses by various arms of state power documented here reveal the extent of the failed Filipino electoral process. These abuses not only constitute electoral violations, they also constitute violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.”

Central to these violations, she pointed out, was the systematic use of red-tagging, which she described as "the most frequently reported violation." There were 112 documented cases solely by the Mission, while a staggering 1,445 cases were reported to the IOM local election watchdog Vote Report PH. "It is used to smear reputations, deter campaigning, and prevent people from voting," Rhiannon explained.

The Commissioner recounted disturbing cases of red-tagging and intimidation: from tarpaulins branding progressive candidates “NPA” and “terrorist” in Southern Tagalog to the display of fake coffins marked with blood and names of activist groups across the country. “In Western Visayas, soldiers interrogated children as young as five. In Abra, the military handed out ‘surrender papers’ in exchange for financial aid or a chance to ‘clear’ one's name,” she added. Rhiannon emphasized that these abuses were not isolated but part of a “well-funded campaign involving the police, military, and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).”

“The unchecked labeling of progressive groups as insurgents has fostered a climate of fear, suppressed political participation, and severely undermined democratic space,” Rhiannon said.

Violation of national sovereignty highlighted

IOM Commissioner Colleen Moore pointed out the timing and scope of the U.S.-led Balikatan military exercises, which overlapped with the Philippine 2025 midterm elections, as a major distortion of democratic space. “The concurrent staging of large-scale war games with over 15,000 foreign and local troops during an electoral campaign is not just poor judgment. It is an outright violation of national sovereignty of Filipinos,” Moore said.

She emphasized that the exercises were “framed by government officials and administration-aligned candidates as defensive maneuvers against an imminent threat, but in reality, it contributed to manufacturing a climate of fear designed to steer public opinion toward pro-U.S., pro-Marcos candidates.” According to the IOM report, this convergence of militarization and electoral politics "compromised the conditions necessary for a free and fair vote."

The IOM Commissioner noted that candidates advocating an independent foreign policy were vilified as “Beijing’s puppets,” while dissent was drowned out by the state narrative equating opposition to the exercises with disloyalty. "The international community must recognize that ongoing military cooperation, such as Balikatan, directly contributes to political repression and distorts civic discourse," Moore stated. She referenced recommendations from the report calling for an end to foreign military activities and security aid to the Philippines during electoral periods and beyond.

Observer mission recommendations

The report issued a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at addressing deep-rooted structural issues in the country’s electoral and governance systems. The report emphasizes that many of these recommendations echo those made in its 2022 findings. This is evidence, it states, of “the persistence of systemic issues that continue to shape electoral processes in the Philippines.”

Among its primary calls are the adoption of a hybrid election system that allows for both manual and automated vote verification, the urgent passage of the long-delayed Anti-Dynasty Bill, and measures to ensure nonpartisanship and transparency of the COMELEC. The IOM also highlighted the need for legal reforms that would empower voters to report violations such as vote-buying without fear of retaliation.

The IOM extended its appeal to the international community, calling for sustained scrutiny of the Philippine electoral process and human rights situation. It specifically calls for the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC, describing it as a “central apparatus of red-tagging, intimidation, and political repression.”

The IOM urges the Philippine government to criminalize red-tagging, outlaw the use of private armies, repeal the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC) as essential steps toward restoring democratic space and accountability. These measures, the report states, are vital to protecting civil society, enabling peaceful political participation, and rebuilding public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

As Commissioner Moore emphasized, “Free and fair elections cannot occur in an environment where voters are manipulated by fear, opposition voices are silenced, and foreign powers shape public discourse.” The Commissioners underscored that their report amplifies the voices of Filipinos already bravely speaking out, and reflects a shared call to uphold every people’s right to choose their leaders free from fear, coercion, or foreign interference.

DPWH Samar 2nd DEO conducts cascading of Document Tracking System (DoTS)

Press Release
May 26, 2025

CATBALOGAN CITY – In its continued effort to promote transparency and enhance efficiency in government transactions, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) successfully conducted a one-day cascading session of the Document Tracking System (DoTS) on May 23, 2025.

The activity was led by budgetary personnel who previously attended the DoTS training and was participated in by selected job order employees and representatives from various sections and units, including the offices of the District Engineer and Assistant District Engineer.

The program commenced at 8:00 AM with an opening message from Ms. Mizpah Lyn A. Ko, Chief of the Administrative Section, who emphasized the importance of DoTS in fast-tracking document processing and fostering accountability across all sectors of the office.

Mr. Romeo A. Julaton, Administrative Officer IV, served as the main resource speaker. He provided an overview of DoTS based on recent issuances, highlighting the system's functionality, user roles, and required compliance measures, including the penalties for delays. Mr. Julaton detailed the application of DoTS in civil works, consultancy, and procurement of goods, providing clear guidelines, process flows, and sample documents for each type of transaction.

The afternoon session continued with the discussion on procurement of goods and proper documentation procedures, followed by insights into transaction termination and modification. Mr. Lloydwin Lobreño, IT staff, was also acknowledged for his technical role in supporting DoTS operations.

The session officially concluded at 4:38 PM, reinforcing the DPWH Samar 2nd DEO’s commitment to digital innovation and service transparency.

PAGPARIG-ON: 8ID showcases resolute strength in massive military exercise

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 21, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Aimed at enhancing combat readiness, crisis response capabilities, and multi-layered staff coordination in enhanced Territorial Defense Operations (TDO) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR), the 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division flexed its full strength and operational precision during the launch of Exercise “PAGPARIG-ON” on May 21, 2025.

“PAGPARIG-ON,” a Waray word meaning “to strengthen,” lives up to its name by projecting power and tactical proficiency in both natural and human-induced crises.

At the core of this exercise is the synchronized movement of battalions across strategic points in Eastern Visayas, designed to test the rapid deployment and response capabilities of Joint Task Force Storm’s combat units through a live simulation of combat operations and humanitarian assistance. Tactical units maneuvered with precision, simulating the full spectrum of operations with direct involvement from the 8ID battle staff and planners in the staff exercise (STAFFEX) down to the battalion level. This was geared toward honing crisis action planning and command decision-making within the context of territorial defense operations.

“Through PAGPARIG-ON, we can broaden our reach and strengthen our defensive posture across our area of operations. As an integral part of your dedicated Army, we are committed to serving the nation and remain steadfast despite limited HADR capabilities by providing essential support and immediate response to areas affected by natural disasters or even human-induced conflicts such as war,” said Lieutenant Colonel Joemar N. Buban, assistant chief of staff for civil-military operations, 8ID, and spokesperson for the PAGPARIG-ON exercise.

Moreover, the PAGPARIG-ON exercise incorporates the reserve force of the Ready Reserve Battalions under the 8th Regional Community Defense Group, Philippine Army, to test their readiness to complement frontline units not only in times of conflict but also during peacetime HADR efforts.

Lt. Col. Buban also emphasized that the exercise is more than just exposure: “This is how we build ironclad strength and interoperability among our units. This is us, the Stormtroopers, gathering strength and ensuring the war is won before it begins.”

NMP reaffirms QMS with continued ISO 9001:2015 Certification

Press Release
May 16, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) has successfully maintained its ISO 9001:2015 Certification following the successful completion of the 1st Surveillance Audit conducted by SOCOTEC Certification International Philippines at its main office in Tacloban City and liaison office in Makati City on May 16, 2025.

The audit team, composed of Capt. Arcel T. Andres and Capt. Nicanor B. Altares, assessed NMP’s quality procedures, manuals, and systems documentation against the ISO 9001:2015 standard. Utilizing the 3P Methodology – People, Paper, and Physical Environment – they evaluated the agency’s compliance with its Quality Management System (QMS) through interviews with process owners and internal auditors, review of documented information, and inspection of facilities and equipment.

Capt. Nicanor Altares commended the NMP for its exemplary records management practices and lauded the process owners for their comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their respective areas. He also expressed gratitude for the full cooperation extended by the process owners throughout the audit activity.

Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario conveyed his appreciation to the external auditors from both NMP Manila and Tacloban for their meticulous scrutiny and attention to detail during the evaluation of NMP's processes and operations. He emphasized NMP's unwavering commitment to pursuing excellence, acknowledging that there is always room for improvement, and reaffirmed the organization's dedication to continually enhancing the performance of its services.

Following a comprehensive external audit, SOCOTEC Certification Philippines, Inc. formally acknowledged NMP’s successful implementation of the ISO 9001:2015 QMS standards. The audit confirmed NMP's adherence to international standards, reflecting the organization's commitment to excellence in maritime training and research.

Based on the audit findings, SOCOTEC recommended NMP for continued ISO 9001:2015 certification, reinforcing the institution's dedication to delivering high-quality services and its ongoing pursuit of organizational improvement.

This recognition underscores NMP's role in advancing the competencies of Filipino seafarers and contributing to the maritime industry's development through rigorous quality management practices.