The President of the Republic of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino III, visited Austal’s shipyard in Balamban, Cebu last week to formally mark the facility’s opening.
The event was attended by approximately 300 people, including Austal management and employees, local officials and other guests including Philippine Transportations and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. Also in attendance was the Minister Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner of the Australian Embassy in Manila, Anthony Weymouth.
During the visit the President toured Austal’s modern shipyard and was briefed on its operations by Mr Joey Turano, President and General Manager of Austal’s Philippine Shipyard Operations; and Mr Greg Jason, Austal’s Chief Financial Officer; before unveiling a commemorative plaque.
During his speech the President remarked on the growth of the shipbuilding sector in the Philippines, adding: “ Today, we have the honour of formally welcoming to our country yet another company that will accelerate the growth of this sector: Austal … At the moment, you may still be a growing company in our country, but I cannot overstate the impact of your arrival in the long run.
“… as much as I am here to congratulate you on your opening, I would also like to tell you that our administration will continue supporting your industry to make it easier for companies like you to build ships here … Our government will not betray your trust, and neither will our people. You saw the skill and natural talent of the Filipino worker. More than that, you bet on their abilities; and I can say with utmost certainty, you made the right choice .”
In welcoming the President to Austal, Mr Turano reflected on the progress Austal has made, both internationally and in the Philippines.
“ Twenty five years ago, Austal commenced operations in Australia with a vision to build high quality commercial vessels for the international market. Today, Austal is a global defence prime contractor; a world leader in the design, construction and support of defence and commercial vessels; and an electronic systems integrator.
“ Austal took its vision further when it acquired this facility a little more than a year ago and began a series of further investments because it saw the potential for creating a centre of excellence in delivering world-class ships and support services for local and international markets, ” he said.
“ Today, that vision is being realised. The impressive skills and experience of the people here in Cebu is central to that, and I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the great contribution of our 300 Filipino staff, and those who have joined us from Australia and elsewhere. Working together we have been able to successfully combine Austal’s superior technology with high quality, highly efficient manufacturing capability to continue the Austal tradition of producing truly world class ships .”
Austal’s Philippines shipyard has recently completed its first ship, a highly advanced world-first trimaran design for the European wind farm market. Its next ship, which is well underway, is a car and passenger ferry which Austal believes will be the largest ferry ever built in the Philippines. Another three wind farm vessels will follow it, ensuring work for the shipyard until at least the end of 2013.
[mappress] Austal, January 21, 2013