Story by Mdpn. John Kirk Shadi Magsael
Pubmat by Mdpn. Jade Apdua
Photo from Maritime Industry Authority Regional Office VI's Facebook Page
The Maritime Industry Authority Regional Office VI (MRO6), together with the Department of Transportation (DOT) conducted a program at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc., as part of the international celebration for the Day of the Filipino Seafarers yesterday, June 25.
The event catered maritime stakeholders from the Philippine Ports Authority PMO Panay/Guimaras, Philippine Coast Guard District-Western Visayas, and Department of Migrant Workers Region VI as well as maritime education and training institutions, medical clinics, and shipping operators.
A holy mass led by Rev. Fr. Generous Gee Gonesto, OSA, kicked-off the celebration which later on witnessed the sharing of inspiring messages coming from four invited seafarers: Capt. Arnold L. Baleรฑa, 2/M Dainelle Roel S. Secapuri OIC-NW, C/E Cyril P. Cerbania, and 3/E Juven T. Tupas, OIC-EW.
The program proceeded to acknowledge and present a "Plaque of Recognition" to the honorary guest, Capt. Roybel Sualibios Taboboโan Ilonggo master mariner and an alumnus of this university, who commanded M/V Han Yi, one of the first vessels to respond to the May 25 incident off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, India when M/V MSC ELSA 3 capsized and sank due to a mechanical failure.
In the last part of the program, 11 newly appointed deck and engine officers took their oath and donned their shoulder boards.
Themed โMy Harrasment-Free Shipโ, a campaign launched by the International Maritime Organization with a bold initiative to promote a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea, the celebration reaffirmed the global communityโs commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment for all seafarers across the globe.
Day of the Filipino Seafarers or International Seafarers' Day is an annual celebration commemorating seafarers' unique contribution to the world economy and society.
Reference: https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1HvNhJYndZ/