PHILIPPINE WOMEN's SEAFARER GROUP LAUNCHED

2008-09-23 11:18:17 - ILOILO CITY. Women's organization leads Maritime Week celebration in Iloilo

A women's organization that was borne out of the need to respond to issues and concerns of women in the maritime industry is now in the forefront of the National Maritime Week celebration here that kicked off Monday.

MORE PHILIPPINES NEWS: www.balitapinoy.net

The Women in Maritime Philippines (WIMAPAHIL) - Iloilo Chapter led by Dr. Ma. Teresa Sarabia, vice-president of the St. Therese-MTC Colleges, spearheaded the poster making contest that focused on the theme of the celebration - 'Go Zero on Marine Pollution, Maritime Incidents/Accidents and Marine Officers Shortage."

Sarabia said the winning entries will be used for the 2009 calendar of the WIMAPHIL to raise the awareness of the community about the issues.

Female students of various maritime colleges and universities in Iloilo were also inducted as members of the WIMAPHIL during the celebration.

As future seafarers, Sarabia said the organization could help them know their rights.

'They will be the ones who will be going into the maritime industry. They have to know how to fight for their rights to become later on the future officers, not only rank and file,' she said.

The organization likewise launched its newsletter with Annabel Petinglay, the Bureau Chief of the Philippines News Agency here as editor.

WIMAPHIL is composed of the women officers and staff of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), academe, media and those who are into shipping and manning fields.

The organization is in the forefront in responding to issues and concerns of women in the maritime industry, Sarabia said.

The group's projects included the seminar on coastal environment protection and preservation, and awareness seminar about Human Immuno Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) for seafarers' wives.