August 19, 2024
NPC has taken a significant step towards enhancing data privacy in the Philippine maritime manning sector
The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing data privacy in the Philippine maritime manning sector by forming the Manning Sea-Based Sector under the Data Privacy Council. This initiative aims to foster continuous engagement and compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 within the industry.
The NPC envisions the Data Privacy Council as a platform for collaboration among various sectors, facilitating increased adherence to data privacy regulations and supporting the development of tailored programs for each sector.
The Manning Sea-based Sector elected its representatives on February 6, 2024, and conducted its Oath-taking ceremony on March 13, 2024.
The appointed representatives are:
C/E Jean Vincent Abobo – Representative
• ALMA Trustee, Chairman & President of Solstad Offshore Crewing Services Philippines, Inc.
Mr. Leo Bolivar – Vice Representative
• Country Manager, International Registries Singapore Pte. Ltd., Representative Office
Ms. Clarice Mae N. Orbiso – Secretary
• Hartmann Crew Philippines, Inc, Quality Management & Compliance Section Head
On August 16, 2024, the Manning Sea-Based Sector, in coordination with the National Privacy Commission and the Executive Data Privacy Council, organized a Training Workshop for all Data Privacy Officers in the manning industry. The workshop focused on strengthening compliance efforts and sharing best practices within the sector.
“Through this workshop and other planned initiatives, the manning sector demonstrates its commitment to actively participate in establishing robust mechanisms that protect the data privacy rights of seafarers,” said CE Jean Vincent Abobo, Representative of Manning Sea-based Sector in the Data Privacy Council and President & GM of Solstad Offshore Crewing Services Philippines, Inc. “This is particularly important as public awareness of data privacy continues to grow.”
“In a world where data security is not 100% guaranteed, our focus is to reduce the odds of data breaches and protect the personal information of our data subjects in the best possible way. The journey starts with awareness of the Data Privacy Act of 2012, compliance with its provisions, operationalizing its requirements, and the continuous pursuit of excellence through initiatives and adherence to best practices,” added Mr. Leo Bolivar, Vice Representative of the Manning Sea-based Sector and Country Manager at International Registries Singapore Pte. Ltd., Representative Office.
The face-to-face workshop, conducted by the NPC, was attended by Executive Data Privacy Council Officers, Sectoral Data Privacy Officers, and Data Privacy Officers from nearly 90 different manning agencies. The comprehensive training covered the first two of four Data Privacy Modules:
• Module 101: DPA Overview
• Module 201: Operationalizing Data Privacy Programs
Special guests included Atty. Joshua Urolaza and and Atty. Avy Pakinggan from the National Privacy Commission (NPC), while EDPC (Executive Data Privacy Council) Mr. Bernedict Lozano – EDPC Auditor, AdSpark and Mr. JC Retardo – EDPC Secretary, Maya Philippines served as guest speakers.
“Data privacy is paramount for the Philippine maritime manning sector,” emphasized Giovanni Tuapin, President of Hartmann Crew Philippines which hosted the first Training Workshop for the Data Privacy Officers. “It safeguards sensitive crew information like health records, financial details, and contact information. By protecting this data, we uphold the trust of our seafarers, ensure compliance with international regulations, and maintain the reputation of the Philippine maritime industry as a world-leading source of skilled and responsible seafarers.”
