2016 Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines

In line with the 21st National Seafarers Day (NSD),  winners of the 2016  Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMS) sponsored by Western Union were presented during the #NSD celebration last September 25, 2016 at the SMX Mall of Asia  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's  panel interview for the annual search  started at 830am and finished at 7:30pm for the panel interview of 34  hopefuls who were 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. 


 Former president Fidel V. Ramos earlier issued on July 9, 1996 Proclamation No. 828 declaring August 18 as National Seafarers Day wherein  the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) Philippines was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sector in   activities related to the celebration of said event. The purpose of the Proclamation is to give due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime country. Later,  Proclamation No.1094 was issued in 1997 by President Ramos which moved NSD    to every  last Sunday of September every year.  This year 's NSD theme is "MARINONG PILIPINO: TATAK NG KAHUSAYAN!" 

The 2016 TOMS  are: 

1. Mark Kelvin C. Abarado Marine Transportation Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific

2. Andre’ Chad C. Acosta Marine Transportation Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific 

3. Prince Noel C. Cainap Marine Transportation John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod

4. Jan Carlo A. Carpio Marine Transportation Southwestern University-Maritime Regiment

5. Prince Nani A. Co Marine EngineeringJohn B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo

6. Manasseh M. Disto Marine Engineering University of Cebu-Lapu lapu and Mandaue

7. Juelle Jade B. Espiritu Marine Transportation Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific

8. John Marwin D. PalmaMarine Transportation Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila

9. John Carl T. Tagulalap Marine Transportation John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo Inc.

10. Sabrina Mccoy Villaruz Marine Transportation Colegio De La Purisima Concepcion