2015 Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP)

In line with the 20th National Seafarers Day (NSD),  winners of the 2015 Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) sponsored by Westerrn Union were presented during the #NSD celebration last September 27, 2015 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.

As one of the panel of judges, the chosen. ones are seen as the embodiment of the "ideal seafarer," displaying "integrity, passion, assertiveness, dependability and camaraderie" that will allow them to become globally competitive Filipino seafarer. The other judges include Fr.Paolo Prigol of the Apostleship of the Seas (AOS), Capt. Rodolfo Estampador, chairman of the Conference of Maritime Manning Agencies, Engr. Mike Marasigan formerly of the Professional Regulatory Commission, and Aris Gamboa of Western Union.

This year is the  longest panel interview for the annual search for the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) in line with the 20th National Seafarers day (NSD). Lasting almost 15 hours, we started at 8am and finished at 10:30pm for the panel interview of 42 hopefuls who given 15 minutes each to answer the questions propounded by the judges. . The nationwide search started in 2011 and gave recognition to students for being academically excellent, highly competent in practice, in good moral standing and active in their respective communities.

 #‎TOMSP2015 include :
.1. Alvin M. Acuido, BS Marine Engineering, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
2. Archie V. Artizona, BS Marine Transportation, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
3. Angelo P. Decena, BS Marine Transportation, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy
4. Florencio S. Deypabulos, BS Marine Transportation, University of Cebu
5. Rey Phillip J. Gallos, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation
6. Mark P. Pagdato, BS Marine Transportation, John B. Lacson Maritime Academy
7. Shiela R. Rosales, BS Marine Transportation, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
8. Christian J. Santiago, BS Marine Engineering, John B. Lacson Maritime Academy
9. Bernard M. Sorbito, BS Marine Engineering, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation
10. Val Ralph S. Velasquez, BS Marine Engineering, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy ‪#‎20NSD ‪#‎nationalseafarersday ‪#‎aos ‪#‎pinoymarino ‪#‎filipinoseafarer #‪#‎apostelshipofthesea

20th ‪#‎Nationalseafarersday Message of DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz

"While sea-voyaging could be part of our second nature, there is an opportunity for you, the current generation of Filipino sailors, to differentiate yourselves from our ancestors. Most of them worked with rudimentary instruments and passed-on knowledge and traditions. You have a choice to make good of your professions with advanced technology, various opportunities to train further in the different aspects of shipping operations and the hands- on experience to work with the best of your peers as well as the leaders in the global industry.

 There is much to learn and much to gain in the world of seafaring. Your education and training is a continual process. Just like any other learner, you build on your previous gains. But unlike any other, you practice what you learn out there, where there will only be you, your team, your ship and the big blue ocean. As you sail during good or bad weather, there are uncertainties that only the well earned experience can properly respond to. You can say you have done your part when your ship has arrived safely on port.

And so I pose a challenge to all of you present here today to enable each Filipino seafarer to be the best that he can be, compliant with global education and training standards but more importantly carrying with him the values of a dignified global Filipino worker."