This is what Ian R Garcia, CEO of the TSM Shipping (Phils) knew and has held close to his heart as a legacy from his father, the late Chief Engineer Florentino T. Garcia Sr., when he joined the company in 2006.

TSM Shipping (Phils.), Inc. established in 1988, is founded on the values of transparency, integrity, and competency; the same values, Garcia has used as foundation for his work ethics and vision.

“We constantly innovate to provide opportunities and promote a better quality of life for our employees, seafarers, and their respective families,” because people are TMS’ greatest assets.

Among the greatest innovations, so far, include the TSM Privilege Card Program. It entitles members to affordable housing and car loans, insurance policy and coverage, health and wellness programs, prepaid health insurance cards, and valued postpaid plans among other privileges.

“We keep our people safe, secured, and protected, in or out of work,” Garcia shared, his insurance background permeating his far-reaching vision of a workforce with the best quality of life.

“We also have the TSM Recruit App, the first app-based recruitment tool in the Philippine maritime industry. It was launched amid the COVID- 19 pandemic to allow seafarer applicants to apply for a job even without leaving their homes,” he proudly shares.

It is no wonder why TSM Shipping has been honored as TOP Performer by the DOLE-POEA many times. 

“We’ve not only consistently passed all certification audits for ISO 9001 and Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 from DNV, we’ve also maintained high standards and maritime industry professionalism,“ Garcia continued.

TSM Shipping (Phils.), Inc., embraces its corporate social responsibility and encourages a positive impact on the environment, employees, communities, and stakeholders. 

Thus, is has been an active member of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) since 2008. 

“PBSP is the country’s largest corporate-led, non-profit social development foundation that aims to fight poverty through trailblazing corporate citizenship programs that help improve the living conditions of those who are in need,” he explained.

“One of PBSP’s key initiatives with TSM Shipping (Phils), Inc., is The Hunger Project. But, more than this, we’re also partners with with Kythe Foundation and the Philippine Red Cross, among others,” Garcia said. 

Being CEO of TSM Shipping, however, is just one of the many seats he’s occupying for the homegrown TSM Group, the global conglomerate whose influence reaches far and wide.

He’s President of TSM Holdings (Phils.), Inc., and TSM Equities (Phils.), Inc.; holds top-level business roles for TSM Maritime Services (Phils.), Inc., TSM Dry Shipping (Phils.), Inc., TSM Chemical Tankers (Phils.), Inc., and Solvang Philippines, Inc.

Garcia is a graduate of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and an honorary member of the Class of 1991 of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA).