Around five hundred students, faculty and staff of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc., accessed Zoom to nourish their understanding of the blue economy in line with the celebration of the Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) today, September 27.
With a theme, "Lacsonians Leading the Way: Sustainable Solutions for a thriving Blue Economy," keynote speakers tackle the understanding, exploring, and role of seafarers in the blue economy.
Welcomed by Capt. Nestor L. Baluya, BSMT Department Program Head, he was followed by three speakers discussing their respective topics: Mr. Ducovnee Bergel P. Dumaquit, ENEOS Ocean Shipmanagement Pte. Ltd. Singapore; C/M Daryne D. Castañeda, BSMT faculty; and Ms. Mary Ann A. Panes, Registration Officer, MARINA Region VI.
Right after all topics were discussed, an open forum answered the queries of students regarding the topic with Mdpn. Jhonard P. Quirino as the first student to ask his matters.
"So given the ongoing territorial disputes, between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea, to what extent do geopolitical tensions impact the development of the blue economy?"
"South China Sea currently is very blurry even though we are in UNCLOS; if you see in the laws of the sea, unfortunately China doesn't want to give in for what is for the Philippines and what is for China," Mr. Dumaquit stated in response to the open forum question.
With that in mind, Mrs. Rohena Z. Miranda, Head of Student Affairs and Services, highlights how students can help protect the oceans "by participating and engaging themselves in environment protection, like coastal cleanups, planting of mangroves, [and] river clean-ups." As insights flowed during the webinar, Atty. Roel Saguid made his agreement with the input of C/M Castañeda, urging students to study maritime law.
"The issue of the blue economy requires the correct understanding of our maritime zones and the laws that regulate the use of our maritime domains," Atty. Saguid affirmed.
Right after, C/M JC A. Billones launched the official start of the Art Contest and Mobile Photography Contest, with Capt. Kester R. Ledesma, faculty assistant to the Dean, putting the online event to a close.
The webinar was organized by the Polaris Class Organization and advocates for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed by the United Nations: Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
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