On March 14, 2024, Magsaysay Elementary School celebrated the culmination of the Adopt a Ship program with a series of exciting school-based activities. Gracing the event were special guests from Marlow Navigation, including Capt. Dranreb Maraňon, Ms. Jeanne Araga, and Ms. Iya Caguingin, as well as the AASI Team led by IMO Ambassador Mr. George Hoyt alongside C/O Jeffrey Aldas. Present in full force was the MES community headed by its school head Ms. Berlyn Daguro. Ms. Daguro warmly welcomed everyone and expressed deep gratitude to AASI and Marlow Navigation for their steadfast support. Capt. Maraňon shared his inspirational journey from humble beginnings to becoming a captain, emphasizing resilience and fortitude. George Hoyt highlighted the importance of teamwork and the pursuit of dreams, striking a chord with the young audience. The students of MES captivated everyone with dance and song performances, showcasing their talent and dedication. Rich Rhien Villamor shared an emotional story about life as a seafarer's daughter, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by seafaring families. C/O Aldas sincerely thanked all involved, accentuating the collective effort that led to the program's success at MES. Mr. Alvin Flojo provided a detailed overview of the program flow and contest mechanics, ensuring that everyone was well-informed about the day's activities. Mr. Hoyt took a moment to recognize the Social Science teachers and the school head with an IMO pin, honoring their dedication to academic excellence and sustainable development. The event concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Manabat, who thanked the guests and expressed hope for continued collaboration
As part of the closing event, MES organized a series of engaging activities, providing a platform for students to showcase their skills and knowledge. Grade 4 students participated in a Boat Making Contest, creating impressive vessels from recycled materials with special guest as judges. Grade 5 students keenly took part in an Interactive Quiz Game, answering questions on tablets. These questions were based on topics discussed during their Adopt a Ship sessions and included those they had raised with maritime officers onboard. The competition was intense, with the top three scorers emerging as winners. Meanwhile, Grade 6 students battled in a board game inspired by Snakes and Ladders, designed to test their knowledge of geography and maritime-related topics. To advance on the board, they had to correctly answer a series of questions, moving forward with the roll of a dice. The game was intense, with students racing to reach the finish line and claim victory. The event concluded with certificates and cash prizes, generously sponsored by Marlow Navigation, awarded to the winners. Candies were distributed to all participants, adding a sweet touch to the celebrations. It was a special day filled with a sense of accomplishment and shared excitement. As the event drew to a close, George Hoyt experienced a touching moment with the heartfelt embrace of the students, underscored the profound impact of the Adopt a Ship program on their lives. It was a day that left everyone with a deep sense of fulfillment and a renewed commitment to fostering educational excellence and global awareness.