Ilonggos dominates Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMS)

Four Ilonggo-speaking maritime students dominated this year’s list of Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMS) were presented during the 21st National Seafarers Day (NSD)   celebration last September 25, 2016 at the SMX Mall of Asia  in Pasay.

The four students are :

1. Prince Noel C. Cainap of  John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod (Marine Transportation)

2. Prince Nani A. Co  John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo (Marine Engineering)

3. John Carl T. Tagulalap  John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo  Marine Transportation)

4 . Sabrina Mccoy Villaruz  Colegio De La Purisima Concepcion (Marine Transportation) 

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 Atty, Dennis R. Gorecho of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law office, , 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 as 34  hopefuls  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!" 

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data showed that there are 44L,826  Filipino seafarers with POEA approved contract deployed in 2014. On the other hand, , the deployed seafarers in 2015 brought in US$5,792,459,000 as dollar remittances. The seabased sector’s remittance comprise at least 22% of the total dollar remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). These remittances help spur domestic consumption in the  Philippines  and a key ingredient in the country’s drive to achieve higher but sustainable growth. Filipino seafarers are the top choice in the international maritime industry because of their industry, compassion, resilience and good grasp of the English language.

Father Paulo Prigol, chaplain of  AOS Manila said in the SAMBUHAY missalette: "The seafaring profession, by its nature, is marked by circumstances that create ‘abysses’ like family separation and isolation, lack of communication, travelling the world but being seldom at home, being considered or called ‘one day millionaire’, etc. thus, to cross this abyss seafarers and their families need support, or using the maritime language, a compass. The compass gives direction....The compass brings the ship and her crew members to the port of destination...The faith and courage of Juan’s family and millions of other families were tested next to the extreme, but like Lazarus, they never gave up and kept sailing till safe shores." 

The other  2016 TOMS  are: 

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

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

3. Jan Carlo A. Carpio  Southwestern University-Maritime Regiment (Marine Transportation )

4. Manasseh M. Disto  University of Cebu-Lapu lapu and Mandaue (Marine Engineering) 

5. Juelle Jade B. Espiritu  Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (Marine Transportation)

6. John Marwin D. Palma Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila (Marine Transportation) 

Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho  is a graduate of UP College of Law (1998)  and  is currently a junior partner of Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan (SVBB) law offices  who heads the seafarers’ division. He is a  speaker on  nationwide paralegal seminars on  seafarers rights.  He is presently the executive vice president of the Maritime Law Association of the Philippines (MARLAW),  and an active  member of the Maritime Forum Inc. , the National Seafarers Day (NSD) committee and International Pro Bono Network. The SVBB law works hand in hand with various seafarers welfare  organizations such as the Apostleship of the Seas (AOS) Philippines, Luneta Seafarers Welfare Foundation (LUSWELF), International Seafarers Welfare Assistance Network (ISWAN) and United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) . He is a legal commentator on maritime issues on print, radio and TV. A co-anchor of the radio program Bantay OCW Usapang Marino aired over Radio Inquirer/ DZIQ every Wednesday 10:30am to 12noon. For comments, please send  email  at info@sapalovelez.com or call  09175025808/ 09088665786. 

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

2014: Nineteenth National Seafarers' Day

The Nineteenth    National Seafarers' Day was celebrated on  September 28,2014     with the theme "MARINONG PILIPINO:HALIGI NG PAGBABAGO!  " at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

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) 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. 

The  forth   batch of   recipients for the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) search (in line with the National Seafarers Day) were awarded on that day.  It  gave recognition to students for being academically excellent, highly competent in practice, in good moral standing and active in their respective communities. 

Elijah Jose C. Barrios (John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo) Inc.) Boy George R. Benavente, John B.Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod Inc; Niño C. Copones ( Mariner's Polytechnic Colleges Foundation-Canaman Campus); Shiela May M. Diaz  (Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific CGSO Campus);  Emmanuel D. Dotillos Jr. (University of Cebu LapuLapu and Mandaue); Christian John B. Fajarito ( Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Inc.); Frank Stevens O. Mendoza (Asian Institute of Maritime Studies); Roger Roland S. Roullo (Philippine Merchant Marine Academy);  Joseph Ryan S. Sanchez (DMMA College of Southern Philippines); and John Lawrence G. Tabanao (Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific CGSO Campus)

The high mass was celebrated by  Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongsioko while Vice-President Jejomar Binay was the keynote speaker. 

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) 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. 

Ironically, the Philippines almost lost its slot on the historical first thirty ratifying countries of the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (MLC2006).  It took the Philippines six years to ratify MLC2006 on August 13, 2012 after it became a signatory of the so called international magna carta for seafarers rights. The convention sets out minimum standards and fair working conditions for seafarers worldwide. Philippines is the thirtieth (30^th) country to ratify MLC 2006 out of the 314 signatories and one of the first thirty ratifying countries required for the convention to take effect.

The 22nd National Seafarers Day is all  set on September 24,2017  with the theme "Marinong Filipino: Nag-uugnay sa Mundo!". 

The #NSD22 #NSD2017 activities nationwide led by the #ApostleshipoftheSea ( #AOS ) include the Memorial at Sea, High Mass, Oratorical/ Art/ Photo Contest, Harana by the Bay, Boodlefight, Karaoke challenge, and the Search for Top Ten Outstanding Maritime Students. One of the highlights is the Grand Parade to be participated in by more than 4000 stakeholders from maritime schools, government agencies, manning agencies, training centers, maritime organizations, unions, families and private institutions

National Seafarers' Day posters

The  Philippines  is considered as the major supplier of maritime labor globally as it is  estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four complements  on board a vessel at any time.

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data showed that there are 367,166  Filipino seafarers with POEA approved contract deployed in 2013. In 2014, the deployed seafarers  brought in US$5,575,722,000 as dollar remittances. The seabased sector’s remittance comprise at least 22% of the total dollar remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Recognizing the vital role of Filipino seafarers towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime country,  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) was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sector in   activities related to the celebration of said event. Later,  Proclamation No.1094 was issued in 1997 by President Ramos which moved NSD    during the last Sunday of September every year. 

Now on its twentyfirst th  (21^th)  year,  this year’s NSD fell on September 25, 2016 with the  theme  “MARINONG PILIPINO: TATAK NG KAHUSAYAN!!”

2013: Eighteenth National Seafarers' Day

The Eighteenth    National Seafarers' Day was celebrated on  September 29, 2013    with the theme "MARINONG PILIPINO:PATULOY ANG PAGUNLAD " at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

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) 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. 

The  third   batch of   recipients for the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) search (in line with the National Seafarers Day) were awarded on that day.  It  gave recognition to students for being academically excellent, highly competent in practice, in good moral standing and active in their respective communities. 

1.Derwin P. Alcazar of Malayan Colleges-Laguna

  2.Mark Angelo B. Brillo of Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation(MPCF)-Camarines Sur

  3.Isagani A. Cañal of DMMA  College of Southern Philippines

  4.Jo- Mari G. Hieras of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific(MAAP)-West Campus

  5.Monteo I. Ho of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific(MAAP)-East Campus

  6.Mark Joseph D. Norico of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific(MAAP)-West Campus

  7.Laarni Grace R. Pangilinan of Philippine Merchant Marine Academy(PMMA)-Zambales

  8.Micho O. Santillan of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation- Bacolod Inc.

  9.Khennan John S. Suarez of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University- Arevalo Inc.

  10.John Patrick C. Vea of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific(MAAP)-East Campus

The    winners of the 2013  Oratorical contest for maritime students  are Kim G. Fernandez, Champion Orator of J.B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo) Iloilo; John Dave Padojinog 2^nd Place of J.B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Molo) Iloilo; Arcturus D. Dordas 3^rd Place of Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion College, Roxas City

The high mass wias celebrated by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle while Vice-President Jejomar Binay was the keynote speaker.With such high profile guests and attendees,
 

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) 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. 

Ironically, the Philippines almost lost its slot on the historical first thirty ratifying countries of the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (MLC2006).  It took the Philippines six years to ratify MLC2006 on August 13, 2012 after it became a signatory of the so called international magna carta for seafarers rights. The convention sets out minimum standards and fair working conditions for seafarers worldwide. Philippines is the thirtieth (30^th) country to ratify MLC 2006 out of the 314 signatories and one of the first thirty ratifying countries required for the convention to take effect.

Per 2013   government data, there were  367,166 documented seafarers deployed abroad with employment contracts approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)    with dollar remittances reaching US$5.215  billion.  

The 21st National Seafarers Day (NSD) is all set on September 25, 2016 with this year's theme "MARINONG PILIPINO: TATAK NG KAHUSAYAN!", Activities  in Manila include:

September 18 : - 7:00 am Memorial at Sea, (PCG grounds)
September 22 - 1:00pm Oratorical/ Art/ Photo Contest (AMOSUP)
September 23: 1:00pm Boses ng Marino Karaoke challenge (LUSWELF Kalaw)
September 25:
7:00am Grand PParade (assembly SMX parking lot)
8:30am High Mass (SMX Mall of Asia)
9:30am Program (Awardingf of contest winners and Top Ten Outstanding Maritime Students.

One of the highlights is the Grand Parade to be participated in by more than 5000 stakeholders from maritime schools, government agencies, manning agencies, training centers, maritime organizations, unions, families and private institutions