As the platinum sponsor of the ISWAN - Philippines Seminar 2024, MCTC reinforces its dedication to supporting the maritime industry and its workforce.
On July 4, 2024, the AMOSUP Convention Hall in Intramuros, Manila became a hub of inspiration and support for the maritime community as the ISWAN – Philippines Seminar 2024 took center stage. Among the supporters and sponsors of this significant event was MCTC, a global leader in catering management and training. In this interview, MCTC shared its dedication to the maritime community and underscored its unwavering commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of seafarers through quality nutrition and comprehensive support.
A commitment to quality nutrition
MCTC specializes in providing healthy, nutritious meals to vessels worldwide, emphasizing the wellbeing of crew members at sea. Their core mission revolves around ensuring that seafarers have consistent access to high-quality ingredients and are served meals that promote good health. However, MCTC’s dedication extends beyond meal provision; they are equally committed to educating galley crews and seafarers on essential health principles. By doing so, they empower these individuals to adopt and maintain healthy eating habits, ultimately enhancing their quality of life both on board and onshore.
Aligning with ISWAN: A shared vision
Before the ISWAN – Philippines Seminar 2024, MCTC has long been a constant advocator of ISWAN’s vision to better the lives of seafarers and their families. Both organizations are dedicated to improving the lives of those who work at sea, and this partnership was a natural fit. MCTC, with its team of expert culinary training consultants, dietitian-nutritionists, and a global network of suppliers, aims to provide top-tier services to those onboard vessels. Their goal is to provide seafarers with a sense of home, ensuring they remain nourished and energized while away from shore. True to MCTC’s vision, communal eating spaces, whether it’s a home’s dining room or a ship’s mess hall, serve as the heart of any gathering place. These spaces offer seafarers a chance to unwind, relax, and connect, fostering a sense of community amid and beyond the daily grind.
Empowering, supporting, and connecting seafarers
The theme of the seminar, “Seafarers: Empowered, Supported, Connected,” perfectly aligned with MCTC’s initiatives. MCTC has developed a range of programs designed to elevate the wellbeing of Filipino seafarers and their global counterparts. A key initiative is their catering competency development program, which motivates and supports seafarers by raising galley standards, empowering catering crews, and promoting healthy meal options.
MCTC’s initiatives are holistic, aiming to keep seafarers’ morale high and promote overall health. These initiatives include a fitness challenge, Family Health and Nutrition conferences, wellbeing webinars, newsletters, cooking competitions, and the celebration of Cook’s Day. Regular vessel visits also play a crucial role, helping to keep the crew connected to shore and providing them with access to high-quality fresh ingredients and recipes from home.
To further support seafarers, MCTC offers specialized training for Chief Cooks in various cuisines, including Filipino, Asian, and Indian dishes. These training programs equip culinary professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles, helping to keep seafarers connected to their cultural roots, even while at sea.
A vision for the future:
MCTC’s involvement in the ISWAN – Philippines Seminar 2024 reflects their broader vision for the maritime community—fostering a greater sense of community and solidarity among seafarers. By providing opportunities for experience sharing and networking, MCTC believes that seafarers can learn from one another and build lasting professional relationships.
During the seminar, Ms. Dominique Beato, MCTC’s Culinary Training Consultant, addressed the audience, emphasizing the company’s dedication to enhancing the lives of seafarers and the critical role of galley staff in maintaining crew wellbeing. She stated:
“The reason we do what we do is because our CEO identified a gap in the support of the galley staff onboard. He noticed that, yes, there is an engine team, yes, the deck is complete; but what about the chief cook, what about the messman? This is a department that is very important because it supplies the food for the whole crew. Food is the most essential part of your everyday life. Food makes us happy; and food is the center of celebration especially when we are away at sea.”
Ms. Dominique’s speech highlighted MCTC’s dedication to ensuring that galley staff are well-supported with the knowledge, skills, and support recognizing their vital contribution to the overall welfare of seafarers.
MCTC’s participation in the ISWAN – Philippines Seminar 2024 was a testament to their ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of seafarers. Through their innovative programs and unwavering support, MCTC continues to make a significant impact on the lives of those who work at sea, ensuring they are empowered, supported, and connected, no matter where their journey takes them.
For those who missed out on this awe-inspiring event, the full seminar is available to watch here:
Other sponsors were [Gold] CF Sharp Crew Management Inc., Zodiac Maritime, International Registries Inc. – Far East, K&L Covenant Marketing, [Silver] Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Philippines, Pacific Basin, Mayfair We Care Philippines, Scorpio Ship Management, [Supporting] Hartmann Crew Philippines, Bahri Ship Management, IMEC Philippines, Fleet Services Management, MTM Next Wave, Bank of Commerce, and The Online Booking Corporation.