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

2012: Seventeenth National Seafarers' Day

The Seventeenth    National Seafarers' Day was celebrated on  September 30, 2012   with the theme "MARINONG PILIPINO:DAKILA PA RIN ANG KAGITINGAN! " at the Philippine Coast Guard.

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 Filipino seafarers are not only major contributors to the country’s economic growth, they are also ‘saint potentials’, thus said  Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle during the 2012   NSD celebration. The archbishop was referring to Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod as he noted that  these two martyrs of the Philippine Catholic Church  were seafarers and missionaries at the same time before they became saints. He added that Ruiz and Calungsod sailed to other countries and died for a mission: “to teach the Good News.”

“You should be instruments for what is good work and not of temptations,” he added. 

“The Filipinos today are sailing everywhere. Bring with you the best of the Filipinos.

The  second  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. Ace R. Alvarado- John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation- Bacolod Inc.

 

2.Goodfrey A. Bolivar John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation- Bacolod Inc.

3.Edrian T. Echague  Philippine Merchant Marine School-Las Piñas

4.John Eric A. Flores  Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, Baras, Camarines Sur

5.GC Rey L. Gonzalbo  Philippine Merchant Marine Academy

6.Thaddea Pearl M. Hangad-University of Cebu, Lapu Lapu & Mandaue

7.Mac Edimer P. MacutayTechnological Institute of the Philippines, Manila

8.Felix B. Reyes\NAMEI Polytechnic Institute

9.Mark Collin P. Solas John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, Iloilo

10.Daniel T. Tumadiang Jr. John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, Iloilo.

The    winners of the 2012  Oratorical contest for maritime students  are
Milton Klark A. Borja as Champion Orator of Maritime Academy of Asia & the Pacific (MAAP) Bataan; Virgello Orbiso, Jr, 2^nd Place of Cebu Technological University, Carmen, Cebu and Gio Q. Pastrana, 3^rd Place of Lyceum International Maritime Academy (LIMA) Batangas.

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 2012   government data, there were  366,865 documented seafarers deployed abroad with employment contracts approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)    with dollar remittances reaching US$4.835 billion.   Present data showed that there were 367,166 Filipino seafarers deployed in 2013  with dollar remittances of US$5.575 billion in 2014. 

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

2011: Sixteenth National Seafarers' Day

The Sixteenth National Seafarers' Day (NSD) was celebrated on September 25, 2011 with the theme "MARINONG PILIPINO: LAKAS NG PAGKAKAISA! " at the Manila Cathedral..

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.

Per 2011 government data, there were 369, 104 documented seafarers deployed abroad with employment contracts approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) with dollar remittances reaching US$4,340 billion. Present data showed that there were 367,166 Filipino seafarers deployed in 2013 with dollar remittances of US$5.575 billion in 2014.

This year's NSD gave recognition to the first batch of recipients for the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) search for being academically excellent, highly competent in practice, in good moral standing and active in their respective communities. They are:

1.Allyson Agustin Technological Institute of the Philippines, Manila

2. Bryan Segovia John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod

3. Jan Asley Valenzuela John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod

4. Daryll Dadole Asian Institute of Maritime Studies-Pasay

5. Florence Peter VirtucioLyceum International Maritime Academy Batangas

6. Luis Nico Enciso Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, Camarines Sur

7. Mark Anthony GasconJohn B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo Iloilo

8. Marville Cullen EspagoMaritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific Mariveles, Bataan

9. Rizaldie Zambra Jr. John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, Iloilo.

10. Steven Ryan P. Arillo John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, Iloilo.

The winners of the 2011 Oratorical contest for maritime students are Grand Winner: Prince Justice dela Cruz of Lyceum International Maritime Academy, LIMA-Batangas for “THE FILIPINO MARINER: THE UNIFYING STRENGTH IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY”; Second Place:Milton Klark A. Borja of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, MAAP-Bataan for “MARINONG PILIPINO, LAKAS NG PAGKAKAISA” and Third Place:Deegee V. Gavile of Technological institute of the Philippines, TIP-QC for “FILIPINO MARINERS: UNITE AS ONE”.

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

2010: Fifteenth National Seafarers' Day

The Fifteenth   National Seafarers' Day was celebrated on  September 26, 2010  with the theme "MARINONG PILIPINO: DANGAL NG BAYAN KO! " at the Manila Cathedral.. 

The  recipients for the  2010  Outstanding Seafarers of the Year Award  (OSYA) include   MR. DEMOSTHENES C. QUINONES,CAPT. RICARDO M. SAUNAR and CAPT ABELARDO M. PACHECO

The    winners of the 2010  Oratorical contest for maritime students  are Grand Winner: Cdt 1st Class Jed Nicolas Del Corro of Philippine Merchant Marine Academy- Zambales  for "THE PRIDE OF OUR NATION SAILING WITH THE BEST”; Second Place:Mdpn. Rhyss Manuel J. Aventura of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, Iloilo City for “MY VALUES…MY PRIDE AND SAFETY” and Third Place:Mdpn. NicasioB. Pisueñajr. of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University -Arevalo, Iloilo City for “MARINONG PILIPINO… DANGAL KO.. STOP PIRACY NOW”

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. 

Per 2010   government data, there were   347,150documented seafarers deployed abroad with employment contracts approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)    with dollar remittances reaching US$3.806 billion.   Present data showed that there were 367,166 Filipino seafarers deployed in 2013  with dollar remittances of US$5.575 billion in 2014. 

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

Ecumenical Memorial Rite for the Deceased Seafarers

A job of a seafarer is not exactly a walk in the park.  He performs duties and responsibilities as instructed or as necessary. What makes the job more difficult, aside from exposure to fluctuating temperatures caused by variant weather changes, the job obviously entails laborious manual tasks conducted in a moving ship, which makes for increased work-related stress. In some instances, a seafarer unfortunately dies due to illness or injury. The shipping industry and seafaring  profession are likewise  not without incident or peril. There are  maritime disasters that result in the loss of life of and injury to Filipino seafarers .

Part of the annual celebration of the National Seafarers Day (NSD) is the  " ECUMENICAL MEMORIAL RITE FOR THE DECEASED SEAFARERS"  Prayers are offered and flowers are thrown to the open seas  as families and friends pay homage  to them. 

The organizers said "The Flowers are the expression of the fragrance and beauty of love given and received. May this wreathe thrown into the sea carry to all the deceased  seafarers the message of our love and gratitude as we know that by the power of God there is no distance of time or oceans but a mutual waiting for our eternal reunion in peace. Dear departed seafarers, you have completed your final watch, now rest in peace."

"We pray, Lord, that you continue protecting all seafarers from all harm,injuries and death as they travel the oceans of the world and lead them home to the embrace of their loved ones. Today, we remember in a special way all the seafarers who have reached the eternal haven with you. Receive them in your heavenly home and may our faith in you be a source of consolation and strength for their families, knowing that those who have died are now living with you and yet are not far from their loved ones."

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.  It is now celebrated  on its 21st year with   theme  "MARINONG PILIPINO: TATAK NG KAHUSAYAN!"

Under an employment contract duly approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administratio (POEA), in the case of work-related death of the seafarer, during the term of his contract the employer shall pay his beneficiaries the Philippine Currency equivalent to the amount of Fifty Thousand US dollars (US$50,000) and an additional amount of Seven Thousand US dollars (US$7,000) to each child under the age of twenty-one (21) but not exceeding four (4) children, at the exchange rate prevailing during the time of payment.

Case law explains that "[t]he words 'arising out of' refer to the origin or cause of the accident, and are descriptive of its character, while the words 'in the course of' refer to the time, place, and circumstances under which the accident takes place. As a matter of general proposition, an injury or accident is said to arise 'in the course of employment' when it takes place within the period of the employment, at a place where the employee reasonably may be, and while he is fulfilling his duties or is engaged in doing something incidental thereto."

However, there are instances when  heir are denied of the death benefits which lead to the filing of cases. Courts are called upon to be vigilant in their time-honored duty to protect labor, especially in cases of disability or ailment. When applied to Filipino seafarer, the perilous nature of their work is considered in determining the proper benefits to be awarded. These benefits, at the very least, should approximate the risks they brave on board the vessel every single day. 

In the case of Racelis vs United President Lines (UPL) November 12, 2014  G.R. No.  198408,  the Supreme Court said that  while it is true that a medical repatriation has the effect of terminating the seafarer's contract of employment, it is, however, enough that the work-related illness, which eventually becomes the proximate cause of death, occurred while the contract was effective for recovery to be had. A further exposition is apropos.

Consistent with the State's avowed policy to afford full protection to labor as enshrined in Article XIII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, 64 the POEA-SEC was designed primarily for the protection and benefit of Filipino seafarers in the pursuit of their employment on board ocean-going vessels. As such, it is a standing principle that its provisions are to be construed and applied fairly, reasonably, and liberally in their favor. 

Guided by this principle, the Court recognized that a medical repatriation case constitutes an exception to the second requirement under Section 20 (A) (1) of the 2000 POEA-SEC, i.e., that the seafarer's death had occurred during the term of his employment, in view of the terminative consequences of a medical repatriation under Section 18 (B) of the same. In essence, the Court held that under such circumstance, the work-related death need not precisely occur during the term of his employment as it is enough that the seafarer's work-related injury or illness which eventually causes his death had occurred during the term of his employment

2009: Fourteenth National Seafarers' Day

The Fourteenth      National Seafarers' Day was celebrated on  September 27, 2009  with the theme "FILIPINO SEAFARERS: Angat ka pa rin!  " at the  LUSWELF T.M. Kalaw Ermita, Manila. 

The  recipients for the  2008  Outstanding Seafarers of the Year Award  (OSYA) include  CAPT. VICTOR Y. ALVIOLA ( for Contribution to the Maritime Manpower); CAPT. ABELARDO PACHECO (Contribution to the Maritime Industry); MR. SANTIAGO ADRIANO (Community Service); MASTER & CREW MEMBERS OF M/V TARPON ( Valor). 

The    winners of the 2008  Oratorical contest for maritime students  are Grand Winner  Ak-Him U. Requina of Asian Institute of Maritime Studies Pasay City for “FILIPINO HEROES”; Second Place:MidnNiccolo Paolo D. Arenas of Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation,Baras, Canaman for “GOD AND THE FILIPINO SEAFARERS”; Third Place Midn Luis Nico A. Enciso of Mariners' Polytechnic College Foundation Baras, Canaman for “MY LIFE AS A SEAFARER”

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. 

Per 2007  government data, there were   266,553 documented seafarers deployed abroad with employment contracts approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)    with dollar remittances reaching US$2.236 billion. The number dropped from 274, 497  of the previous year, 2006.   Present data showed that there were 367,166 Filipino seafarers deployed in 2013  with dollar remittances of US$5.575 billion in 2014. 

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