Marlow Navigation Activity at San Roque Elementary School (SRES)

On January 17, 2024, San Roque Elementary School (SRES) took a bold step towards fostering creativity and skill development by organizing a school-based activity titled "Creative and Talented San Roquenians Adopt A Ship Program Contest." The event, consisting of Poster Making, Slogan Making, and Bottle Painting contests, aimed to enhance the students' creative learning and skill development under the theme ”Clean Seas: Combating the Waves of Pollution.”

A total of 36 students from grades 4, 5, and 6 enthusiastically participated in the activity, utilizing their creativity, artistry, and skills to delve into the theme of pollution prevention, protection, and conservation of the marine environment. The participants successfully conveyed powerful messages through their creative artworks, aligning with the specified criteria.

Mrs. Jane Rama, the school head, opened the program with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to the Adopt A Ship (AAS) team and Marlow Navigation, through the presence of Capt. Gil Christ Jayma, for their presence and support. She discussed the theme, judging criteria, and reminded the participants of the activity rules. Capt. Jayma, in his speech, thanked the school for the warm welcome and underscored Marlow Navigation's dedication to supporting innovative academic initiatives. He emphasized the collaboration with Adopt A Ship as a means of enhancing student learning experiences through various activities and providing valuable support to the school. Chief Officer Jeffrey Aldas provided participants with ideas for their artwork by exploring the causes and effects of marine pollution, along with conservation and protection practices for the marine environment. After an hour of creative efforts, the artworks underwent evaluation, and the winners were identified. All participants were presented with certificates, while the winners were awarded cash prizes. The first-place recipient received 1,500 pesos, the second-place recipient received 1,000 pesos, and the third-place recipient received 500 pesos. Consolation prizes, accompanied by certificates, were also bestowed upon non-winners. The success of the activity was significantly attributed to the support and generosity of Marlow Navigation, as they contributed financial assistance for the prizes.

The winning participants were invited to the stage for the awarding ceremony, where the judges and special guests received certificates of participation as a gesture of appreciation. To convey their gratitude, the school presented the winning artworks to Marlow Navigation as a token of appreciation for their invaluable support. The event concluded with immeasurable joy and sense of accomplishment among the students.

George Hoyt, FNI, IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador and Chief Officer Jeffrey Aldas, Adopt A Ship Coordinator, recently embarked on a transformative visit to 8 San Pedro schools in Laguna, in collaboration with the Schools Division Office. The purpose of Ambassador Hoyt’s visit was to personally witness and engage with the students, teachers, and school heads involved in the Adopt A Ship (AAS) program across eight schools in San Pedro. Expressing his gratitude to the dedicated members of the academic schools for their generous commitment to facilitating the program, he acknowledged them as essential partners in enriching students' interactive learning through Adopt A Ship program. Recognizing their pivotal role in promoting sustainable development goals, he honored them with an IMO pin, personally giving one pin to the leaders of each school. Hoyt actively participated in various activities during his visit with the AAS Team and school supervisors,. He interacted with students and visited classrooms, imparting valuable geography lessons, and encouraging students to identify countries on a world map. The engagement also involved addressing maritime-related questions, fostering a dynamic and insightful discussion with the enthusiastic students. Hoyt's joyful demeanor and genuine enthusiasm resounded with the students, creating an engaging and positive atmosphere during the discussions. Witnessing the students' eagerness to learn about maritime topics and geography left Hoyt visibly delighted. One notable highlight of his visit was the participation in a school-based activity organized by one of the schools. The event featured contests such as poster-making, galleon design, and lantern making. Hoyt, alongside members of one of the company partners, Wallem Westminster, served as judges and assisted in awarding prizes to the talented winners of the contests, further encouraging a sense of achievement among the students. The following day, Ambassador Hoyt, renowned maritime advocate, extended his visit to two pioneering schools, Rosario Complex Elementary School and Chrysanthemum Village Elementary School, where AAS was initially introduced and had previously been implemented, in collaboration with Doehle Shipping and BSM Shipmanagement in 2023. Delighted to reconnect with the children, he shared joyful moments with the students and expressed gratitude for the Christmas cards personally made by students from various schools. Hoyt commended the tremendous work of all these educators and expressed sincere gratitude for the very warm welcome extended by everyone he visited. His visit not only strengthened the AAS program but also left an enduring impression on the students, teachers, and school communities in San Pedro, Laguna. This served to underscore the significance of maritime education and a heightened sense of global awareness through Adopt A Ship programs.