The Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC) held its annual Creating MORE Currents forum on November 14 at Shangri-La The Fort, BGC, gathering maritime and business leaders for a day of open, thoughtful discussions on workplace realities, cultural differences, and the human experiences that shape seafaring communities.

PTC and Jebsen PTC participated in the event, represented by Mr. Bjorn Jebsen (Board of Director), Ms. Thess N. Lunazaga (Vice President for Crewing Operations), Mr. Jaime S. Agub Jr. (HR and Admin Manager), Ms. Normita S. Hernandez (Manager, Family & Crew Relations), Capt. Alfredo Gomugda, and Capt. Nathaniel Gayo.

A key part of the program was the forum’s willingness to address topics not usually explored in traditional conferences—an approach emphasized by PNBC’s leadership. Discussions touched on themes such as death, rituals, traditions, mental health challenges among seafarers, incidents of suicide on board, and the importance of recognizing warning signs and response pathways.

Ms. Normita Hernandez took part in the session “Families Divided: Lethal Rights, Deadly Rites,” where panelists examined how Filipino and Norwegian cultural differences influence family dynamics, grieving practices, and expectations after a fatality. The conversation highlighted how, despite these differences, trust can be established and strengthened when all parties recognize shared values and uphold the dignity and humanity of those involved.

Other sessions explored cultural contrasts between Filipinos and Norwegians, including individualism versus kapwa, forgiveness as a cultural factor, and how these perspectives shape decision-making in sensitive workplace situations. Throughout the day, participants actively reflected on how understanding these nuances can lead to better communication, stronger partnerships, and more compassionate support systems for seafarers and their families.