Another fast craft launched in Balamban

For tonight’s special presentation on Straight from the Sky, we bring you something unique in the government bureaucracy. That it can change for the better is already a feat. We’re referring to the changes happening at the Province of Cebu today, which most of us thought could never happen to a local government unit. Many people thought that such changes were next to impossible, most especially that no new laws were used to implement these drastic changes in attitude, conduct and the well-being of the employees.

To talk about these changes, we have tonight Atty. Manolete Dinsay, Consultant for Management Development, Mrs. Joey Lufe Pasculado, Supervising Administrative Officer and Mr. Noli Vincent Valencia, the Human Resource Management Officer of the Province of Cebu. How were they able to instill a new work discipline in the rank and file of the Provincial Capitol is a story worth telling. So watch this show on SkyCable’s channel 15 at 8:00 pm.

One would think that since we’ve attended a lot of ship launchings at the shipyards in Balamban especially in FBMA or in the Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, these events would start to bore you. We were there last May for the launching of the Pentalina that is now currently used in the Orkney Islands at the northernmost island of England. For me, ship launchings are never boring; it’s akin to meeting a new pretty girl. I wonder why ships are always addressed in the feminine? Well last Saturday morning we huff once again to Balamban for the launching of FBMA’s latest Roll-on, Roll-off passenger (Ropax) vessel dubbed project no.1024 and officially christened as “Betico II (pronounced be-ti-CHU) by the official delegation from the French territory of New Caledonia in the South Pacific islands.

The New Caledonian delegation were headed by President Philippe Gomes of the Southern Province government, President Neko Hnepeune of the Loyalty Island Province and his deputy Cono Hamu and Alain Descombels member of the Southern Assembly and chairman of the Economic Development Commission. Christiane Waneissi of the Southern Province interpreted for the delegation that only spoke in French. Rarely do we in Cebu media meet two presidents in one table. That’s exactly what happened last Saturday with Mr. Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz CEO of FBMA and Doug Border FBMA’s Chief Operating Officer.

This launching was extra special for FBMA because Pres. Philippe Gomes pointed out; there were originally eight shipbuilders that vied for the contract to build the Betico II. Finally it came down to two bidders, FBMA and the Australian shipbuilder that built the Betico I. But FBMA’s reputation of quality fast craft vessels bested the Aussies and won the bid.

As New Caledonia is a French territory, any maritime vessels that is ordered by the French has to pass through the very stringent standards of the Department of Maritime Affairs of the French government, which sent an official to check out the quality work of FBM. Pres. Neko told us that the vessel under construction not only met, but also exceeded the standards of France. I guess this includes the European Union as well.

Cebu Governor Gwen F. Garcia who graced the launching told the New Caledonian delegation that 10 years ago, it was her father Gov. Pablo Garcia who launched the first vessel ever built in FBMA. So FBMA now has more than 10 years expertise in building good quality high-tech fast craft vessels in this globalize market. Today, FBMA fast craft can be found in many countries, from Hong Kong to Macau, Mexico to the Netherlands, in the United Kingdom and now in New Caledonia.

Whenever a vessel is launched in Balamban, it is always a proud day for us Cebuanos, especially that these latest clients are English and French, who were once great naval powers. While the Philippines was never a naval power, it truly makes us proud that Cebu-made fast craft vessels have already gained a robust international reputation of high quality crafts.

I was with fellow Star columnist Wilson Lee and Manila Standard’s Victor (formerly Inquirer Cocktales columnist) Agustin for the short hop to Balamban and back. As we were already in Balamban, Tony Moraza suggested that we should show our Manila guests the nearby Tsuneishi Shipyard. It was the first time these two media personalities saw Balamban.

I knew that Tsuneishi was in the middle of its expansion program. But to my surprise they have tripled in size and a graving dock that would fit a Panamax and a half vessel is now in the process of completion. When all this is finished, the production at the Tsuneishi Shipyard would double and from the present 5,000 employees, they would hire 4,000 more. This is what we call progress. Thanks to the quality work of FBMA.