A CEBUANO maritime executive and former international ship captain has been named to the prestigious 2025 Who’s Who in Global Maritime Leadership.
Capt. Rodien Paca ranked third on the list of global leaders who have significantly shaped the maritime and logistics industries.
Currently, the chief executive officer of eight port and logistics companies in the Philippines, Paca is recognized for his pioneering contributions to ship management, floating ship repair, port manpower strategy and the integration of artificial intelligence into logistics operations.
A native of City of Naga, Cebu, Paca’s recognition comes at a pivotal moment, as the Philippines has regained its position as the world’s leading supplier of seafarers. He noted that since 2010, the Philippines had fallen behind China in supplying maritime labor for commercial vessels.
“The Covid-19 pandemic helped us. Nobody wanted to hire Chinese crew anymore due to quarantine concerns. Another global event that helped us is the war between Ukraine and Russia — our two biggest competitors — who are now fighting each other. When this war erupted, we became number one again,” said Paca, in an interview. “We are back in maritime supply.”
He added that maritime schools in the Philippines have also stepped up, bringing the country on par with global standards. In fact, he said schools are now urged to develop programs equivalent to European Union standards.
“This is because you are sending your people to Europe,” he said.
Paca is a certified port lecturer by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad), a role that has taken him across Europe, Asia and Africa for the past 17 years. His global exposure and firsthand experience as a ship captain for over a decade have shaped his strategic insights into port services and logistics infrastructure.
“The landscape of shipping, port management and logistics education now knows no boundaries, as a Filipino is now sharing his knowledge around the world,” said Paca. “This recognition, I hope, will inspire more young Filipino seafarers to pursue further education and share their expertise globally.”
Rising from ranks
According to Paca, many Filipino seafarers are now rising through the ranks — from being ordinary crew members to becoming executives.
“During my time, when we talked about ship management, we were seen only as mid-level workers. But times have changed. In the early 2000s, those in ship management began taking over office jobs. The position I now hold — giving lectures around the world for the UN — was once exclusive to Westerners. You see, we keep growing and evolving, from simple seamen to office managers to shipowners, and now to global lecturers,” said Paca.
He emphasized that Cebuano seafarers, including students, should pursue further education if they want to thrive in the industry.
“Being a seaman isn’t only about becoming a captain,” he said.
Moreover, as a strong advocate for innovation, Paca has fused advanced logistics technologies with practical training and ethical business practices.
His leadership has transformed his companies into competitive players in the supply chain sector — covering inland transport, freight forwarding, warehousing and tech-enabled logistics services.
Paca’s journey from humble beginnings — working menial shipboard roles before earning his captain’s stripes — to becoming an internationally respected maritime leader, underscores his commitment to education and perseverance.
He holds an MBA in Logistics and Port Strategy and a PhD in Port Strategy and Shipping Management from European universities, complementing his decades of maritime experience.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paca is actively involved in faith-based initiatives through the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, promoting a culture of integrity and spiritual grounding in business.
Paca’s inclusion in the 2025 Who’s Who in Global Maritime Leadership not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights the global competitiveness of Filipino maritime professionals and their vital role in shaping the future of the global logistics and shipping industries. / KOC