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Philippine Edition Issue No. 4 >> October 2005 |
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Philippine Edition Issue No. 4 >> October 2005 |
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M A I N P A G E : News & Events |
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Global Cargo Council Inc. (GCCI) Celebrates its 10th year of service to the Philippine cargo industry |
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The dream was to be able to gather accurate market movement (tonnage). Now, after ten years, cargo leaders rely on GCCI for market information, industry movements, and formation of policies. GCCI is a coalition of approximately 37 airlines operating in the Philippines (online and offline). In their meetings, rate structure are discussed, trends in the cargo industry. Interlines are discussed, issues resolved. For the first time in the Philippine air cargo industry, there exists now an association that tackles the issues besetting the air cargo industry, and a body that represents them with the different government agencies in the Philippines (prior to the formation of GCCI, official airline associations are only BAR and AOC, which is basically a passenger association).
As former member of GCCI (Korean Air Cargo 1990-1998, United Airlines Cargo 1998-2002), I deem it proper to recount how GCCI was formed, who were the “founders”, and what made GCCI different from other airline associations. I honestly believe that GCCI raised the professionalism of the cargo industry. I’ve interviewed Ms. Madel Martin, President of Aerotel Ltd Corporation, and who is now the President of GCCI, on the history of GCCI. In her words, this is how GCCI was formed.
“It was in September of 1995 when Ms. Lilian Ngo (former Malaysian Airlines Sales Manager) invited Madel Martin (former Cargo Manager Martinair Philippines) for a lunch at the Coffee Shop of Westin Philippine Plaza. We also asked for other friends in the Airline Cargo Industry to join us for an informal get together. We were joined by Buddy Madrigal (former Asst. Cargo Manager of Japan Airlines), Raffy Virata (former Cargo Manager of Lufthansa), Rico Katigbak (former Cargo Manager of Northwest-ITI), Mon Magno (former Sales Manager of Philippine Airlines - Cargo) and Bok Munoz (former Cargo Manager of Thai Airways). The topics of conversation varies from Market update, Philippine cargo history and finally putting up a serious association of Cargo Airline Representatives. With so much topics to talked about we didn't even notice the time until the waiter asked us if we're going to order our dinner.
After that first informal meeting, we started to call each other and take seriously our plans of putting up an association. Everyone had done their part of inviting other friends in the Cargo Airline Industry. Raffy Virata initiated the first meeting by hosting a lunch at the Pinausukan Restaurant in Roxas Blvd. In that meeting there were about 15 airlines who attended the meeting including some Cargo Manager expats. It was also agreed by the group that Mon Magno be the Honorary Chairman being the flag carrier. The first meeting followed by a series of meeting while members are growing in numbers. In November 1996, the group decided to hold an election of officers for 1997 to serve a one year term. The first set of officers were Raffy Virata (President), Buddy Madrigal (Vice President), Madel Martin (Secretary), Louis Nouchi (Treasurer) and Terry Bennett (Auditor). It was in this term that the officers worked on its By Laws and SEC papers to formalize the Association. We were able to register the name Global Cargo Council, Inc. in August of 1997. During this term we were able to get export air cargo statistics from all member airlines and collated for member airline information. Towards the end of 1997, GCCI held the First GCCI Golf Tournament in TAT Pilipinas attended by the member airlines and invited freight forwarders. In November 1997, another election was held for the following sets of officers. In August 1998, the association came up with it's first fund raising event called "On The Rise" and handed the donation to Ayala Foundation in behalf of the recipient The event was co- sponsored with PAIR-PAGS and tickets were sold to the Cargo agents during the party. The second major event for that year was the 2nd Golf Tournament held at the Evercrest Golf and Country Club. In this year, the association were able to break the barrier among the members and become more open in terms of market information. The camaraderie became more stronger among the members wherein everyone would give a helping hand to a member who is in need. During the term of Mr. Jimmy Zambrano, he brainchild the very First GCCI Industry Awards. This is in recognition for the outstanding Achievers of the Freight Forwarding Industry wherein the highlight is "The Best Forwarder of the Year" and "The Lifetime Achievement Award". With the success of the first awards night, the association made this as an annual event for the Industry. This year on our tenth year, we are glad that the association has maintained it's integrity in the Industry. We were able to overcome every challenges that besets this industry. “ To GCCI, congratulations on your 10th year anniversary and more power to you!
By: Leo M. Tagle / General Manager
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