This year’s celebration of the National Maritime Week featured the theme on “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”. This highlights the importance of the various stakeholders in the maritime industry on the shared responsibility of everyone in protecting the oceans, which sustains our livelihoods and global trade.
Jebsen PTC opened the week with a special greeting from Thess Lunzaga, VP of Crewing, who wished all Global Maritime Professionals (GMPs) a happy Maritime Week. She highlighted the vital role of GMPs in powering global trade and expressed her gratitude for their contributions in moving the world forward. She also encouraged everyone to take part in the activities prepared especially for them.
The morning session featured an engaging talk, Discharging Cargo and Distress, conducted by the Sailors’ Society Mr. Ace Gonzales, Director of the Sailors’ Society Philippine Office, spoke on stress management and shared practical ways for seafarers to cope both at sea and onshore. Techniques such as deep breathing, practicing gratitude, building social connections, and regular exercise were emphasized. GMPs even joined a demonstration of the 4-7-8 breathing method, with lucky participants winning prizes. The morning ended with snacks handed out to GMPs in attendance.
In the afternoon, GMPs enjoyed the GMP Service Hub, where Family and Crew Relations, along with partner booths from FMCC, Sun Life Grepa, and EastWest Healthcare, provided valuable information and assistance to any inquiries or concerns of the GMPs. Giveaways were also given to the GMPs who visited as a treat.
Jebsen PTC hosted the first ever PTC Sustainability Fair on September 23 to highlight how small, conscious choices can help protect our oceans and the environment. The fair showcased eco-friendly and sustainable products, giving seafarers and their families practical ways to support a healthier planet while creating opportunities to learn, shop responsibly, and make a positive impact. Vendors such as Bambuhay and The Eco Shift offered eco-friendly and sustainable products, while participants picked up practical tips on caring for the planet—all while enjoying a day of purposeful shopping. one of the first 100 buyers today and receive a Special Edition Tote Bag from FCR.
The Family and Crew Relations Team along with Janice Capile, AVP from JPMI Crewing flew to Iloilo to celebrate with seafarers and their families at the AMOSUP Activity Center on September 27, 2025. The event themed, “Pamilya Padayon sa Pag-isa” brought together more than 70 seafarers and their families. The day was filled with learning, bonding, and fun as families interacted with each other and got to know the FCR team.
To close the celebration of National Maritime Week, a short program was held featuring a fun quiz, raffle, and the much-anticipated announcement of the winners of the Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity poster-making contest for the children of our GMPs. Ms. Thess Lunzaga, VP, opened the program with her welcome remarks.
The winners of the poster-making contest were:
- Junior Category: Venise Brielle Empenado, 9 years old (daughter of Rudy Empenado from Bahri principal)
- Senior Category: Ronica Mae Briones, 15 years old (daughter of Rommel Briones Sr. from MCS principal)
Venise Brielle Empenado and Ronica Mae Briones artworks
There was an interactive sustainability quiz where GMPs and employees got to participate answering questions related to the celebration and the PTC Gorup initiatives on sustainability. Employees who supported the PTC Sustainability Fair also had the chance to win prizes in the raffle draw.
Winners of the Sustainability Quiz
The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Janice Capile, AVP, who expressed her gratitude to all attendees and also offered prayers for our seafarers and their families who may have been affected by the recent earthquake in Cebu.
Through these activities, Jebsen PTC stayed true to the theme of the celebration by honoring our oceans and creating opportunities to support those who make global trade possible. The National Maritime Week celebration was a chance to recognize the hard work of our seafarers, promote their well-being, and strengthen the sense of community.