Quake-affected seafarers get aid

FILIPINO crew members and their families who were affected by the earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu received cash assistance from their employer AIDA Cruises, a German cruise line, during a charity event held in cooperation with Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (MMC) last Dec. 5 at the MMC office in Cebu City.

During the event, AIDA’s senior manager for Recruitment Fleet Imke Mecke and MMC’s AIDA Fleet Director Abigail Berenguer expressed their sympathy to the affected crew members.

Mecke handed over the checks totaling US$10,000 to the affected families.

Mecke also assured crew members who were affected by super typhoon Yolanda of AIDA’s support.

Simultaneously, AIDA conducted an annual two-day Career Caravan to offer job opportunities to qualified applicants.

During the caravan, Mecke also announced the arrival of two new AIDA vessels in 2015 and 2016, which will be manned by Filipinos.

Since 2009, AIDA has been conducting career caravans in the Visayas region because according to Mecke, “the hospitality and excellent qualification of the Visayans are highly appreciated by the German guests onboard.”