Cebuano maritime entrepreneur makes waves in global leadership

CEBU, Philippines — Captain Rodien E. Paca, a Cebuano maritime entrepreneur and former international ship captain, has been named to the 2025 “Who’s Who in Global Maritime Leadership,” ranking third among the world’s most influential figures in shipping and logistics.

Currently the CEO (chief executive officer) of eight port and logistics firms in the Philippines, Paca was recognized for his innovations in ship management, floating ship repair, port workforce development, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into maritime operations.

A native of the City of Naga, Cebu, Paca’s recognition comes at a critical time for the Philippines, which has re-emerged as the world’s leading supplier of maritime labor.

In an interview, he cited geopolitical shifts and pandemic-era disruptions as driver for the country’s return to dominance—overtaking China and capitalizing on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, historically two of its main competitors in maritime labor supply.

“Global events realigned demand,” Paca said.

“During the pandemic, Chinese crews faced significant quarantine restrictions, and the conflict in Eastern Europe created further vacuum. This gave the Philippines a unique opportunity to reclaim its position,” he explained.

He credited the country’s maritime schools for responding decisively, aligning curricula with European Union (EU) standards to support global deployment of Filipino seafarers.

Beyond his executive roles, Paca has served as a certified port lecturer for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for the past 17 years—delivering training across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

A former ship captain with over a decade of experience at sea, he holds an MBA in Logistics and Port Strategy and a PhD in Port Strategy and Shipping Management from institutions in Europe.

Paca’s leadership has repositioned his companies as competitive players in the regional logistics space, spanning inland freight, warehousing, port services, and tech-driven logistics.

He is also a vocal advocate for innovation, calling for digital transformation within legacy systems to future-proof the sector.

“The days of seeing Filipino seafarers solely as mid-level crew are over. Today, we are shipowners, executives, and global educators,” Paca said.

Paca’s personal trajectory—from menial shipboard duties to international recognition—reflects broader shifts in the maritime labor market, where Filipino talent is climbing higher into leadership and ownership roles.

He remains active in values-based leadership networks such as the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, promoting integrity and ethical conduct in maritime commerce.

His inclusion in the “2025 Who’s Who in Global Maritime Leadership,” highlights Southeast Asia’s rising influence in global shipping and shows how the Philippines’ maritime workforce is becoming more skilled and internationally connected.