Empowering Women in the Maritime Community



CU-CME Celebrates Seafarers Day

By: Wilson Dave B. Santander



“Women are rising in the ranks of men, and are breaking the stereotypes that are hindering their abilities”. Those were the words of the President of Capitol University, Atty. Casimiro D. Juarez .Jr during his opening remarks on the Day of the Seafarers celebration on June 25, 2019 at the University Gymnasium.

The event, with the theme “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community” was attended by the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Marines, the Philippine NAVY, Philippine National Police, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority of Misamis Oriental, STELLA MARIS, and various Maritime Institutions, was intended to raise awareness for the female seafarers that are serving on board vessels in both domestic and international vessels, including the importance of gender equality in improving the performance in the work force. The event also highlighted the contribution of women in the Maritime community and in various fields, and how they made a huge difference because of the contributions they provided to their profession and career.

The event included speakers who have served on board vessels and had their fair share of different trials and tribulations, just like 2/M Christy Lane S. Talion, who shared how she helped a woman give birth to twins on the ship she was on, whilst everyone else watched helplessly she stood up and helped the woman even if she did not know what to do. “I always heard a voice in my head telling me what to do, and I knew it was God who helped me during that time” said 2/M Taleon.

The next speaker was 2/M Angelie Joy D. Gallur, 2/M Gallur was an alumna of the College of Maritime Education (CME) in CU who shared how she experienced gender biases during her time as a cadet and as an officer on a vessel. “Women empowerment is not about making women stronger, but instead, it is about changing the way women are being perceived.”she stated.

The last speaker was Pastor John Jericho P. Madriaga, who talked about how gender equality is slowly changing society for the better.

The event concluded with the giving of tokens to the speaker and closing remarks by the Port Manger of the Philippine Ports Authority of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan De Oro City, Engr. Isidro V. Butaslac .Jr.


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