Roxanne A. Mamano, 20, BS Marine Transportation
“I always dreamed of becoming a Flight Stewardess but when I was in my 10th grade, I had a change of heart. Our school decided to conduct a tour in Maritime Academy of Asia Pacific (MAAP) and that’s where it all started. I met a few cadets and they shared their experiences to us. They showed us the different instruments and equipment on board the ship and even explained the use of it. Their experiences inspired me a lot and that led to my interest in the Maritime Industry.”
“Every time someone knows that I am taking up Marine Transportation, the first thing that they ask is “What are you doing here? Why did you choose Marine Transportation as your career?”. At first, it was very discouraging for me. We all know that the majority of population in the maritime industry are men, and many people think that women have nothing to do on board ship. But as you can see the world is progressing every day and becoming more inclusive. Maritime industry has always been viewed as a job for men but I don’t think jobs should have gender barriers which is why I took the courage to take up this track. Society shouldn’t dictate our interests and dreams. There are a lot of women who fear to be in the maritime industry and for me it’s all in our mind and if you believe in yourself and if you have strong determination to pursue your dreams, we can make the impossible possible.”
“The horizon leans forward offering you space to place new steps of change.” WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE.
“Women are constantly being judged as it is said that females are “weak” but we have to break the stigma. I believe in the saying that what boys can do, girls can do better. We can even excel in doing things that they’re good at.”
“What makes me proud as a female is that I’m one of those who can go against all odds. There are times that there are people who try to make me realize that I’m not capable of doing a man’s job because I’m incompetent and weak. Some of them even told me to quit but I won’t let that stop me from chasing my dreams, instead I will make it my strength and motivation to prove myself to them that I can also do better.”
“Women Empowerment for me is nurturing the strengths and capabilities of ours while giving more support to the weaknesses. It can also be about breaking the patriarchy and proving the notions that society has been labeling us, like gender barriers in jobs.”
Maryjoy Balag, 21, Bs Marine Engineering
“I took this course to prove that the maritime industry is not just for men. It is also for women like me, working on board is fulfillment to myself because I dream of working on a ship, travel for free and have a good salary to help my parents and for them to be proud of me. People working with what they love is passion. It makes them proud, complete and successful. Most women align their careers based on their character reference or capability to do something. Women in the maritime industry have skills and knowledge that are suitable for working on board. There are characteristics that a woman should have if they want to enter the world of Poseidon. We, women should have guts, fortitude and trust ourselves for us to survive the life at sea, and if we have these characteristics we are capable of working on ships with men and raise the flag of women in the maritime industry.”
“I have wisdom, my own characteristics and I am beautiful not by looks but with a heart. I strongly believe that as a woman, I am born to be unique and a precious gift from above. I am emotionally, physically and menatally strong. I am a woman who is good at multi tasking, organizing and prioritizing things that is why I can manage my professional and personal life simultaneously with ease. I do believe that behind every successful woman is the woman herself.”
“Women empowerment can be defined in many ways. Women empowerment means accepting your flaws allowing and believing you can do more. By the word itself empowerment, it refers to the process of increasing women’s access to participate equally having equal rights to education, economy and society.”
Ma. Sharmain Ann C. Ambus, 26, BS Marine Engineering, Supreme Student Council President
“As a graduate of BS in Industrial Education major in Power Plant Engineering Technology, I have knowledge in operating machines, Electrical and Electronics which I can use in this field. I took up this course to help my family financially by getting a well-compensated job in the future, at the same time, I have the chance to travel the world for free. Lastly, it’s really my dream to become a Chief Engineer.”
“Yes. We all know that maritime industry is dominated by men, this is the time to change and correct the norms, values and human misconception on seafaring industry being often mistaken to be exclusively for men.”
“There are times that my capabilities are being questioned. I feel like I need to work so hard to let them see my worth and prove to them that I can also do what a man can do and my gender should not be the basis to judge my skills and capabilities. Being a leader is one of my strengths, making reasonable and effective decisions with confidence for my subordinates. I stand up for my beliefs. Women are known for being strong when it comes to handling emotions, they are good in organizing, prioritizing and multi-tasking which made me even prouder to be one of them.”
“I do believe that women empowerment is your ability to use your voice and take action to change the world and it’s more of a woman uplifting woman, embracing individual differences, weaknesses and strength. Inspiring each other to love and accept their flaws and not letting anyone belittle them. As Newton’s third law of motion stated “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” It’s always your action that can help change the way you are aiming or looking into something, especially in women empowerment. “
It is with great pleasure that West Bay College has taken part in the education of these young women who have a promising future in the maritime industry. We wish to break the stigma of maritime courses being exclusively for men. The world is changing and gender norms are no longer what they used to be. We wish to see more of the youth breaking barriers and pursuing what they are truly passionate about no matter what society dictates upon them. More power to these #BinibiningMarina