CEBU, Philippines - President Aquino, on behalf of the Philippine Coast Guard, awarded Cebu-based Cokaliong Shipping Lines last October 18 for the bravery and heroism of the crew of its MV Filipinas Cebu.
The Filipinas Cebu came to the rescue of the passengers and crew of the MV Trans-Asia Malaysia of Trans-Asia Shipping Lines just before it sank off Iloilo a couple of months ago.
Aquino handed the award to Cokaliong Shipping founder and CEO/COO Chester Cokaliong, who accepted the award on behalf of the crew of his MV Filipinas Cebu.
The award was given during the 110th founding anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard, where Aquino was the guest of honor and keynote speaker.
Also on hand to witness the awarding of Cokaliong was Transportation and Communications secretary Mar Roxas and PCG commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag.
The award was the latest in a string of achievements for Cokaliong and his company. This year, the Province of Cebu, through its Garbo sa Sugbo Awards, and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry each named Cokaliong Entrepreneur of the Year.
Cokaliong Shipping, now with a fleet of nine vessels plying the Visayas and Mindanao, boasts of some of the youngest ships in the country today and has been consistently acknowledged, through numerous awards and citations, for its cleanliness and safety record.
It has also been attracting attention and gaining admiration for the ambiance and hotel-like accommodations on most of its ships. (FREEMAN)