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FEATI University CME Students are Seaworthy
September is especially memorable for the College of Maritime Education (CME) because of National Seafarers’ Day (NSD), a day that is nationally observed and reserved for the thousands of Filipinos whose bread and butter is seafaring. Maritime Week 2012 with its theme, “Marinong Pilipino: Dakila pa rin ang Kagitingan,” was adapted by CME in keeping with the NSD celebration. Nationally, the September 30 event began with a memorial at sea for seafarers who died on duty, which was held at the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters.
This was followed by a Eucharistic Mass dedicated to the more than 300,000 Filipino seafarers around the globe celebrated by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle. Men and women in uniform belonging to various maritime institutions then paraded from the Luneta Seafarers Welfare Foundation (Luswelf) office to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) gymnasium. While National Maritime Week is observed under the leadership of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) with the support of the Philippine Coast Guard, there’s nothing stopping academic institutions with maritime programs like FEATI University from preparing their own maelstrom of activities to celebrate the occasion.
This year, CME strove to increase student participation by enticing them to participate in various non standard and creative ways. PIRATES, the official CME student organization, played a major role in organizing and holding the activities at the University. Capt. Hernando S. Eusebio, Deputy to the CEO for Maritime Affairs gave his energetic backing to the College to drive home to the students the significance and importance of this celebration.
The program of activities in the University began in the previous week with a parade of teams and Maritime Week opening program for the sports fest, followed by the Mr. & Ms. CME competition. Opening Day was capped by the formal blessing rites of FEATI University’s Fast Rescue Boat officiated by Rev. Fr. Froilan Renato Briones, SSS, Superior of the House of Sta. Cruz Parish.
After the traditional FEATInian Prayer by PIRATES Sgt-at-Arms Jesabelle Gamlanga, Entrance of Colors by the 275TH NROTC Unit and the National Anthem by the FEATI Brass Band, FEATI University President Dr.-Ing Adolfo Jesus Gopez and Capt. Eusebio gave opening remarks.
PIRATES President Derick John Mestio presented the participating teams, with Mr. Jhon Jefferson Omay lighting the athletic competition torch. The teams then took the Oath of Sportsmanship led by Dexter F. Ceniza, 2011 Darts competition 2nd placer.
CME Superintendent Engr. Edmon S. Aloc made the Declaration of the Opening of Maritime Week, which was implemented by a Ceremonial Ball Toss by 2/M Andy de la Cruz, CME Faculty member.
The Mr. and Ms. CME competition, hosted by PIRATES Adviser Prof. Deody Fabroa then followed. After the Judges were introduced, the contestants proceeded to the Casual Wear and Talent Portion. Intermission numbers by Mr. Jairomel Augustin, 2nd Year BSMT and by the Realist Dance Crew gave the contestants and judges the time to prepare and keep score, respectively. The CME Uniforms were also on display for the appreciation of all, particularly the freshmen. The program concluded with the awarding of Carlo Cobrado and Halourd Mae Romano as Mr. & Ms. Talent, respectively; and Heart Baylon and Lhara Martinez as Mr. & Ms. CME, respectively. The Closing Remarks were delivered by Superintendent Aloc.
Capt. Eusebio hopes that the CME students will soon finish their programs and take their place among the thousands of Filipino seafarers working around the world. Aside from the generous financial haul (about US$4 billion has been reported in remittances for 2011), a profession as a merchant mariner brings with it the opportunity to see the world. He added that “CME students are definitely seaworthy, literally and figuratively speaking, because they are trained, equipped, and taught the value and honor of the profession.” The University has also made great strides in upgrading its facilities in keeping with the technology of the world’s modern shipping fleets, even as the BSMT and BSMarE programs are continuing to higher levels of Accreditation.
Congratulations to the men and women of the CME, PIRATES adviser and CME professor Deody Fabroa, and the PIRATES AY 2012-2013 Governing Body: President Derick John Mestio-President; Vice President Jurist Tarun; Secretary Roberta Jane Rivera; Treasurer Joseph Bryan Percil; Auditor Kim Anjojo Rivera; PRO Carlo Almazan; Business Manager Rocky Amene; Jhon Jefferson Omay, Heart Baylon, Richmond Lee, and Sgt-at-Arms Jesabelle Gamlanga; FUSSC Representatives Mary Jane Jarabilo-BSMT, James Bautista-BSMarE, Bea Lois Montaril-BSCA; Lhara Martinez- Muse; and Escort, Ezekiel Paul Mendoza, for a job well done! (AMD)
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