Meeting with the Schools Division Superintendent and City Mayor of San Pedro

On August 5, 2024, SDS Mr. Rogelio Opulencia invited IMO Ambassador George Hoyt to participate in an event at Pacita Complex 2 Elementary School, where school bags and supplies were officially distributed to students. The event also included the City Mayor, Honorable Art Mercado, alongside distinguished local government officials. The AASI Team received a warm welcome from School Head Mrs. Leticia Deciar and the entire PC2ES community. During the event, Mr. Hoyt delivered an inspiring message to the students, highlighting the importance of education and emphasizing how fortunate they are to have a mayor dedicated to investing in their educational future. He also underscored the ongoing partnership with the Schools Division Office of San Pedro and reiterated his commitment to providing equal opportunities for both boys and girls through the Adopt a Ship program. As a special gesture, Mr. Hoyt presented the mayor with an IMO pin in recognition of his steadfast commitment to sustainable development and educational excellence, while also stressing the importance of maritime awareness among young learners. Following the event, Mr. Hoyt engaged in a discussion with Mayor Mercado about the Adopt a Ship program. He proudly presented the mayor with student-created artworks and a board game developed by one of the participating schools during their AAS activities. Mr. Hoyt outlined the program’s growth from two to twenty schools, with plans to expand into secondary education next year. He highlighted the program's achievements, trajectory, and its value as an educational tool for students. Additionally, Mr. Hoyt and Mr. Opulencia discussed future plans, including an inter-school competition for the board game and the development of simulator software to be placed in San Pedro, which would eliminate the need for students to travel to Manila to visit shipping companies. The program received high praise from Mayor Mercado, who expressed his full support. The meeting was highly productive, with significant and impactful plans set in motion. Mr. Hoyt was delighted to have the support of both the educational sector and the city mayor in advancing a transformative learning program that will greatly benefit the students of San Pedro.