December 10, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Growing from a single vessel to 16 after 35 years, Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc. continues its journey of sailing to various destinations in the country, bringing the highest standards of maritime safety.
Chester Cokaliong, founder of the 35-year-old shipping company, was only 28 when he ventured into the business and borrowed P12 million as seed capital from his mother, Gregoria.
Now 63, the shipping magnate, CEO and COO of the company, is still driven by much passion.
“The shipping business is not for everyone. Those who have a faint heart will have a heart attack,” said Cokaliong during the 35th anniversary celebration last Dec. 8.
“You cannot engage in shipping if you are fainthearted. Only with a very good heart can (one) withstand the pressure of shipping especially in the passenger business,” Cokaliong continued.
He announced that a new ship, Filipinas Bohol, their 17th, will arrive by April as part of the company’s fleet modernization and expansion.
Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc. was founded in 1989 with the MV Tandag on a single route, Cebu-Tandag, Surigao del Sur. Its 16 ships now service 16 major ports in the Visayas and Mindanao.
“(From) its humble beginnings as a one-boat story, it has become a respected name in the Philippine maritime industry and truly the journey of Cokaliong Shipping is nothing short of inspiring to everyone of us,” Sen. Imee Marcos, the event’s guest of honor said in her video message as she was stuck in bad weather in Tacloban.
The senator congratulated the shipping line as 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,” she said.
The event was attended by the shipping line’s partners, suppliers as well as friends including Philippine Star Media Group president and CEO Miguel Belmonte, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia, former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas and other local officials. —The Freeman
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