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Philippine - Australia - Saipan Province National Seafarers’ Day Celebration ‘10 |
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The National Seafarers Day (NSD) celebrations have reached another milestone – 15th year of tribute to our Filipino seafarers honoring their valor and recognizing their hard work and patience which contribute a lot to the country’s economy. |
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The 15th year National Seafarers Day coincides with the “2010: Year of Seafarer”, that was declared by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to give the maritime communities the opportunity to recognize the seafarers. The NSD ’10 committee has agreed on the theme for this year’s celebration as MARINONG FILIPINO: Dangal ng Bayan Ko! This encapsulates the meaning and significance of the celebration. Indeed, Filipino seafarers deserve to be recognize as such for they too are ambassadors witnessing to our Filipino culture, values and faith. Truly Filipino seafarers are the pride and honor of our country not only in their economic contributions to the country but more so Filipino seafarers are known worldwide for being deeply religious, giving witness to the faith with concrete and visible signs and gestures. |
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From September 20 -26, 2010 several activities were lined up for the NSD celebration such as Oratorical Contest, Poster Making Contest for the Maritime students in order to enhance the skills of the students in modern art as the main objective. The participation of the Maritime schools was overwhelming. The Boses Marino Challenge was an open competition for all seafarers. This joyous activity for seafarers in different ages and experiences at sea became a venue for them to be truly Filipino who love to sing.
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The NSD Outstanding Seafarers Awards were given to the three Outstanding Filipino Awardees of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). They were Mr. Demosthenes C. Quinones, Capt Ricardo M. Saunar and Capt Abelardo M. Pacheco. Their attitude of being calm and alert in the face of adversity and the challenges at sea and their adeptness to battle the storm not only to save their own life but also that of the crew so they merited to be the year’s awardees.
The Memorial at Sea was celebrated in the PCG Vessel off the Manila Bay to remember and pray in community for all those seafarers who have died at sea, hospitals and at home. The offering of the wreath and roses at sea was a gesture of affection to those who have gone ahead of us and a consolation to the bereaved families. |
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Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales in his homily during the Mass emphasized that globally Filipino Overseas Workers are welcomed and sought-after because of their characteristics: friendly, hardworking, persevering and have deep faith in God.
The NSD is an eventful day that offered also the opportunity for the different agencies both private and government including NGO and the Church to work and celebrate together for the Seafarers.
To all seafarers near and far… our deep salute and gratitude!
Sr. Marivic P. Ching sjbp |
