WIMAPHIL

𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗢 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: 𝗔 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦

On September 30, 2024, the Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation-Legazpi City (MPCF-LC) hosted the closing program of the Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo), spotlighting the critical role of maritime conservation and the seafaring community's responsibility in environmental stewardship. The hybrid event took place at the AVR of Mariners Main Campus.

The program opened with a message from Ms. Merle Jimenez-San Pedro, President of Women in Maritime Asia (WIMA Asia) and WIMA Philippines and MPCF-LC, on the pivotal role of women in maritime leadership and cross-regional collaboration.

Ms. Lydia B. Cervantes, Co-Chair of MANAMo, introduced the segment and acknowledged representatives from various sectors, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP MG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

A key highlight of the event was the Oath to the Ocean, a symbolic commitment made by maritime stakeholders to prioritize the protection and preservation of marine ecosystems. This oath, taken by representatives from government agencies, shipping and manning companies, and students, served as a unified pledge to uphold sustainable maritime practices, reduce pollution, and safeguard the biodiversity of the seas.

Lastly, Dr. Nila B. Oñate, who represented the institution at the WIMA Asia Conference in Busan, South Korea, provided a recap of the international event, emphasizing the importance of global maritime cooperation and their benchmarking with two maritime institutions in Busan.

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗔𝗗𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗔 𝗕. 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗠𝗔 𝗦𝗛𝗘-𝗧𝗢-𝗦𝗘𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗧 𝗠𝗣𝗖𝗙-𝗟𝗖

The Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation-Legazpi City (MPCF-LC) had the honor of hosting a meeting with MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, organized by the Women in Maritime Association (WIMA) She-to-Sea. This event not only provided an opportunity for engaging in discussions about maritime education but also celebrated Administrator Malaluan's birthday.

The gathering, held at the AVR Room at MPCF-LC on 26 July 2024, was attended by a diverse group of students, faculty, maritime professionals, and the MARINA Region V Director and personnel.

The highlight of the event was Administrator Malaluan's inspiring speech, where she expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the innovative WIMA She-to-Sea initiative. She commended MPCF-LC for its commitment to maritime education and for being one of the few institutions to implement such a program. "I am thrilled to see how MPCF-LC has embraced the WIMA She-to-Sea program," Administrator Malaluan said. "It is rare to find schools that actively support and promote the involvement of women in maritime fields, and this initiative is a testament to the college's forward-thinking approach."

The MPCF-LC community left the event energized and motivated, with renewed enthusiasm for advancing their maritime careers and supporting gender diversity and inclusivity in the industry.