Japanese shipping firm donates to Mindanao relief

MANILA, Philippines—The Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has contributed $30,000 to relief efforts on Mindanao in the wake of the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Sendong (international name: Washi).

MOL president Koichi Muto said in a statement released via email that the company was assisting relief efforts through Manila-based manning firm Magsaysay MOL Marine, Inc. (Magsaysay-MOL). MOL may provide further assistance as the situation in Mindanao unfolds.

“We wish to convey our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the typhoon,” Muto said. “We received monetary donations from many people in the Philippines, including our seafarers and their families after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in March. We sincerely hope for a swift recovery to the area and a quick return to normal life.”

Muto said MOL and the Philippines have “a deep relationship.” The company recruited and trained many of its seafarers at its manning and training center in Manila.

Magsaysay-MOL is the MOL Group’s manning company in Manila that was established with partner Magsaysay Maritime Corp. in March 1973.

MOL contributed to various relief efforts in the Philippines before.

When Typhoon Frank struck in June 2008, MOL responded to a request from the Philippine government and provided transport of aid supplies through the training ship named Spirit of MOL. When Storm Ondoy struck in September 2009, the training ship crew members and Magsaysay-MOL employees volunteered for cleanup and support activities, and the company donated cash to relief efforts.