OREANDA-NEWS. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) today announced that its group seafarer manning company Magsaysay MOL Marine, Inc. (MMM) held a long-service awards presentation ceremony for Filipino seafarers in Manila on November 21, and hosted a gathering for seafarers' families the following day.

Awards and recognition went to seafarers with 20 years of service aboard MOL-operated vessels, and 265 people, including award recipients and their families, were on hand for the ceremony. Representing MOL at the ceremony were President Muto and Senior Managing Executive Officer Masaaki Nemoto, who praised the recipients' long service with MOL and urged them to continue their work with a renewed focus on safe operation.

One award recipient commented: "I will never forget how much MOL cares for seafarers and our families. Our families have faith in our safety while we are onboard our vessels at sea, and I feel that my family is well supported during my absence. I want to continually advance with MOL."

The family gathering was held the following day at an amusement complex in Manila, drawing over 3,500 seafarers and their families. President Muto expressed his gratitude for the families' understanding and support of MOL seafarers and highlighted the important role played by Filipino seafarers - a role that will become more critical in the future.

"The family gathering is an event we really look forward to every year," said one family member. "We realize that MOL and MMM do a great job not only looking after our working father but also taking care of the family during his absence."

MOL continually conducts such programs in the Philippines and other countries that are home to its multinational maritime workforce, striving to provide a pleasant working environment while expressing appreciation for their contributions to the company's success.