ANGLO-EASTERN Closing Ceremony with LRCS, P1CES and SV3AES

The Adopt A Ship closing ceremonies held in partnership with Anglo-Eastern, were successfully conducted on November 21, 2025 at Laguna Resettlement Community School, Pacita Complex 1 Elementary School, and Southville 3A Elementary School. The series of events served as a meaningful culmination of a cycle filled with learning, inspiration, and strengthened collaboration between the maritime industry and the academic community.  

SV3AES Closing Ceremony

The first ceremony was held at Southville 3A Elementary School, where School Head Berlyn Daguro warmly welcomed all attendees. In her message, she highlighted the value of the Adopt A Ship Program in fostering maritime awareness among learners. She expressed her gratitude to the teachers for their commitment in integrating the program into classroom instruction, commended the students for their enthusiasm and curiosity, and recognized the collective efforts that led to the successful implementation of the program. She also expressed hope for continued and expanded collaboration in the coming years.

Messages of inspiration from the Anglo-Eastern delegates set a motivating and forward-looking tone for the event. Deputy General Manager Ms. Rachel Derder encouraged students to remain curious and to recognize that learning is a continuous journey, emphasizing the vast opportunities within the maritime industry. Recruitment Manager C/E Jayson Garcia inspired the learners to consider seafaring as a future career, underscoring the importance of discipline, focus, and perseverance as essential qualities for success at sea. Director Capt. Neeraj Dhingra shared his concern about the declining interest of young people in maritime careers, but expressed optimism that programs like Adopt A Ship can help change this trend by deepening students’ understanding and appreciation of the maritime profession. He emphasized the industry’s vital role in global trade and expressed hope that early exposure would inspire more learners to pursue seafaring as a meaningful and rewarding career.

IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador Mr. George Hoyt delivered a powerful message highlighting the importance of teamwork and its relevance in the shipping industry. He also emphasized gender equality in maritime careers, encouraging learners to believe that opportunities such as becoming ship captains are open to all. He further shared insights on Anglo-Eastern’s global presence and the many opportunities available to aspiring maritime professionals. C/OFF Jeffrey Aldas expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support of teachers, the active participation of students, and the commitment of Anglo-Eastern ship officers throughout the program. The ceremony also featured interactive activities, including games and question-and-answer sessions, allowing students to further engage with the speakers and deepen their understanding of maritime life.

The event concluded with the recognition of participating teachers, maritime officers, and partner representatives through certificates and tokens of appreciation in acknowledgment of their valuable contributions. Mr. Celso S. Galleto delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the positive impact of the program on the students of SV3AES and looking forward to more successful collaborations in the future.

LRCS Closing Ceremony

At Laguna Resettlement Community School, School Head Nenet Cuaño opened the program with a warm and uplifting message, expressing appreciation for the collective efforts of all participants. She encouraged the learners to dream bigger, aim higher, and take pride in being part of a program that has broadened their perspective beyond the classroom.

The program featured a series of inspirational messages from Anglo-Eastern speakers. Rachel Derder encouraged the pupils to remain determined in pursuing their goals and to continue applying the lessons they have gained through the Adopt A Ship Program. C/E Jayson Garcia shared his personal 20-year journey in the maritime industry, highlighting the importance of hard work, perseverance, and discipline in achieving one’s aspirations, and emphasized how the program helps equip learners with meaningful knowledge for their future. Capt. Neeraj Dhingra expressed his joy in engaging with the students and shared his hope of seeing them one day join the global maritime workforce, particularly with Anglo-Eastern.

In his special message, George Hoyt emphasized the importance of teamwork, reminding the pupils that the world depends on shipping, and shipping depends on dedicated seafarers. C/OFF Jeffrey Aldas extended his gratitude to everyone involved for their commitment and contribution to the success of the program.

The Anglo-Eastern team facilitated engaging and interactive games that added excitement and energy to the celebration. Awards were then given to Quiz Bee winners, including the Young Mariner Awardee, followed by the distribution of certificates and a photo opportunity with the participants and guests. The program concluded with closing remarks from Mylin Zaide, who expressed heartfelt gratitude and reminded everyone of the value of community support, echoing the sentiment that “it takes a village to raise a child” and the importance of continuously doing good. The event ended on a meaningful note with the message: “Learning never stops.”

P1CES Closing Ceremony

At the last school, Pacita Complex 1 Elementary School, School Head Dr. Renante Soriano welcomed all guests with sincere appreciation for the Adopt A Ship Program, recognizing not only the learning opportunities provided but also the technical and instructional support extended to the school.

Inspirational messages were once again delivered by Rachel Derder, C/E Jayson Garcia, and Capt. Neeraj Dhingra, who reinforced key themes of perseverance, curiosity, discipline, and the importance of dreaming big. George Hoyt further reminded the learners of the vital role of the maritime industry in global trade and emphasized the value of teamwork, helping students develop a deeper awareness of the seafaring profession and its global significance.

C/OFF Jeffrey Aldas expressed his gratitude to all partners, teachers, and officers who contributed to the successful implementation of the program, acknowledging their dedication and support. The event was further enlivened by interactive educational games that encouraged active participation and engagement among the learners.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Myla Cunanan, who left a lasting impression as she led the pupils in an energetic and joyful “Hey! Hey, Captain!” call accompanied by music. She ended the ceremony by inviting the students to give a salute and express their appreciation with a heartfelt “Maraming Salamat Po.”

The series of closing ceremonies across SV3AES, LRCS, and P1CES reflects the strong impact and success of the Adopt A Ship Program. Beyond promoting maritime awareness, the initiative has inspired aspirations, strengthened character, and built meaningful connections between learners and the global seafaring community. Through shared experiences, real-life stories, and mentorship from maritime professionals, students are increasingly empowered to envision a future filled with purpose, confidence, and opportunity.

The success of the Adopt A Ship Program stands as a testament that when schools, maritime stakeholders, and communities work together, they help shape a generation that is informed, inspired, and ready to navigate the world with confidence.