First Outstanding Filipino Seafarers Award given

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Maritime Training Council (MTC), the International Maritime Organizations (IMO) and Smart Communication, Inc. recently recognized three outstanding Filipino seafarers who consistently  demonstrated exemplary  competence, professionalism, and commitment to the maritime industry.

Master Mariner Abelardo Pacheco, electrician officer Demosthenes Quiñones, and  Master Mariner Ricardo Saunar were the first recipients of the Outstanding Filipino Seafarers Award, besting 26 other nominees from all over the country.

Pacheco was cited for displaying bravery and leadership during the kidnapping of their crew by Somali pirates in 2008. Quiñones greatly enhanced the image of Filipino seafarers through his consistent design and delivery of training programs for new electricians. Saunar, for his part, demonstrated presence of mind and decisiveness during the 2010 Chile earthquake. 

The three Filipino seafarers received a plaque of appreciation from DOLE , MTC and IMO. SMART awarded each of them brand new mobile phones and checks  amounting to  P300,000, courtesy of SMART Pinoy and SMART Link, SMART’s communication services that specifically cater to the needs of overseas Filipinos.