Cebuano skipper honored as "Seafarer of the Year"

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebuano ship captain Ruben Macabenta Magallanes from Madridejos town in Bantayan Island brought so much pride and honor to his fellow Filipino mariners after being honored as "Seafarer of the Year" during the 2024 Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global Awards last Thursday, November 14, at the Shangri-La The Fort in Manila.

One of the highlights of the annual industry-leading marine crewing conference dedicated to the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing the future of seafaring, the prestigious award is given to an active seafarer or a crew who have stood out in the past 12 months by making a real difference to their fellow crew member, the operations of their ship or employer, or have had a measurable impact on the maritime industry.

The panel of judges that includes representatives from the Danish Maritime Authority, International Maritime Employers' Council, International Transport Workers’ Federation, International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network, and The Mission to Seafarers acts independently to provide a transparent and robust evaluation across the six categories, each of which focus on specific elements of improving the lives and careers of seafarers.

After a thorough selection process by the experts, the 45-year-old Magallanes who is presently connected with Philippine Transmarine Corporation (PTC) Makati under MMA Offshore based in Perth, Western Australia stood out from the rest of the finalists on the way to earn the judges' nod as "Seafarer of the Year."

"I really did not plan to join any event such as this," shared Magallanes, a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) graduate from the University of Cebu (UC). "But someone from the crewing office of PTC Makati nominated me, something that I did not expect much as I was just trying to do my job as best as I could. But I'm thankful to all the people who trusted and nominated me. This win could not have been possible without them."

"I'm overwhelmed, so grateful to God and to everyone who supported me. I did not expect to win as I was aware that there were other nominees who were equally deserving. Being shortlisted as finalist is already a blessing that I am thankful for, winning is a bonus way beyond my expectations. I am happy and extremely grateful," Magallanes ended. (CEBU NEWS)