CEBU, Philippines — From one vessel to 16 vessels, 35 years later, Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc. continues its journey of sailing to various destinations across the country, upholding the highest standards of maritime safety.
Chester Cokaliong, the founder of the 35-year-old shipping company, was just 28 when he ventured into the business, borrowing P12 million in seed capital from his mother, Gregoria. At the time, he was regarded as the youngest player in the shipping industry.
Now 63 years old, Cokaliong, the shipping magnate who serves as the company’s chief executive officer and chief operating officer, remains as passionate as ever. He is now considered one of the most seasoned leaders in the industry.
“The shipping business is not for everyone. Those who have a faint heart will have a heart attack,” said Cokaliong during the company’s 35th founding anniversary celebration on December 8, 2024, drawing laughter from the over 800 guests in attendance.
“But that’s true,” Cokaliong added, emphasizing, “You cannot engage in shipping if you are faint-hearted. Only those with a strong heart can withstand the pressure of shipping, especially in the passenger business.”
As part of the company’s milestone, Cokaliong announced the upcoming arrival of their 17th ship, Filipinas Bohol, in April this 2025. This addition is part of the company’s fleet modernization and expansion.
When it started 35 years ago, the shipping lines started with a single ship, MV Tandag, which operated on the Cebu-Tandag, Surigao del Sur route.
Cokaliong Shipping Lines’ growth throughout the years was also highlighted in a video message by Senator Imee Marcos, who lauded the company’s humble beginnings.
“It was a long time ago, many, many ships ago. Three and a half decades later, Cokaliong Shipping operates 16 ships serving 16 major ports across the Visayas and Mindanao regions,” she said.
“Its humble beginnings as a one-boat story have grown into a respected name in the Philippine maritime industry. Truly, the journey of Cokaliong Shipping is nothing short of inspiring to all of us,” Marcos added. She was supposed to be the event’s guest of honor but was unable to attend due to bad weather in Tacloban.
The senator congratulated the shipping line, calling it a true Filipino success story “born of hard work, genuine perseverance, and unwavering commitment to serve.”
“Even more extraordinary than its growth and progress, Cokaliong Shipping is distinguished by an unbeatable safety record—zero casualties. Nobody else is like Cokaliong Shipping. There is no shipping line that can beat this record of maritime safety, and Cokaliong Shipping has maintained it for decades of excellent and safe service,” Marcos said.
This impeccable safety record, Marcos noted, speaks volumes about Cokaliong Shipping’s commitment to the highest standards of service and genuine care for the welfare of its passengers and crew.
“Throughout the years, Cokaliong Shipping has become a partner in nation-building, driving economic growth, employment, and transport in the regions it serves. It connects key ports, provides opportunities for local businesses to thrive, and has become an integral part of the country’s maritime sector,” the senator added.
Moreover, Marcos highlighted the company’s corporate social responsibility programs, including disaster assistance and support for educational initiatives.
“Cokaliong Shipping exemplifies the Filipino value we are so proud of—the bayanihan spirit,” she said.
The senator expressed confidence that the company will continue its tradition of excellence and service to the Filipino people for another three and a half decades.
“Beyond all these accomplishments—the service, the industry, the remarkable contribution to our transportation growth—I would like to add, for me, that Cokaliong Shipping signifies friendship. In the long, troubled journey of life, we meet a few treasured friends along the way.
Chester is certainly one of mine. We should treasure all the friends we make, as I treasure Chester. They are the very best gifts we have this Christmas and in the years to come,” Marcos concluded.
The event was attended by the shipping line’s partners, suppliers, and well-meaning friends, including The Philippine Star Media Groups President and CEO Miguel Belmonte, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia, former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr., other local officials, and representatives from various government agencies. — (FREEMAN)