Western Union, a leader in global payment services, recognized the ten outstanding maritime students of the Philippines this year.
Every year since 2010 and during National Seafarer’s Day, Western Union awards ten top students chosen from a pool of maritime school nominees across the country who have shown academic excellence, competence in practical skills, good moral standing and engagement in serving the community
“Western Union has always believed that Filipino seafarers are some of the best in the world. They’ve made a huge contribution to this country and thus, we honor these outstanding students and future seafarers,” said Western Union country director for the Philippines Jeffrey Navarro.
This year’s ten outstanding maritime students are Mark Kelvin Abarado and Andre’ Chad Acosta of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific-Kamaya Point (West Campus), Prince Noel Cainap of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod, Jan Carlos Carpio of Southwestern University Maritime Regiment and Nani Prince Co of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo.
Also in the list are Manasseh Disto of University of Cebu-Lapulapu and Mandaue, Juelle Espiritu of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific-Kamya Point CGSO Campus, John Marwin Palma of Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila, John Carl Tagulalap of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo Inc. and Sabrina McCoy Villaruz of Colegio De La Purisima Concepcion.
Aside from doing well in class, these students also show excellence in helping to make their communities better.
“With the theme, ‘Filipino Seafarers: Excellence moves communities for better,’ Western Union awarded the students who showed commitment to improve the lives of others. As Western Union moves the Filipinos for better, we also want the winners to move their communities for better,” added Navarro.
The winners underwent a stringent screening process including interviews, exams and an essay writing contest. The outstanding students were each awarded a trophy and P15,000 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City in celebration of the 21st National Seafarers’ Day.
“More than the prize money and trophy, the TOMS winners embody the qualities of future exemplary seafarers, an honor that is truly priceless,” said Navarro.
National Seafarers’ Day is celebrated every last Sunday of September as declared in Proclamation No. 1094 signed by President Ramos in 1997.