Rodolfo Estampador: The little big captain

The little big captain
Yashika F. Torib August 26, 2020 https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/08/26/business/maritime-business/the-li...

More than a decade of writing and researching for the maritime industry revealed its global relevance, socioeconomic impact, and the colorful characters behind its immensity and depth. Early on, this writer has learned to discern that with an industry packed with highly educated and multi-awarded sectoral experts, it is easier to identify an individual according to his or her personality.

Regardless of where they stand in the rungs of educational, corporate, or ship hierarchy, these personalities are often preceded by their characters: those who are remarkably calm, tactful, and affable much like the ambassadors, and those who are feisty and passionate in their endeavors that even the sound of their names would send the crooked shuddering and retreating along with their dubious deeds.

The latter are the rare kind, you could even count them on one hand. Such was their passion for what they believe is right for the industry that they could steadily and intellectually take on a dozen arguments without a flinch.

Rodolfo Estampador. Even the enunciation of the name resonates with strength.

This Cebuano was one of the true “old salts” of Philippine shipping, sailing through the era when ships were made of wood and men were made of steel. He graduated at the Philippine Merchant Marine School (PMMS) in 1954, became a captain in 1963 and was awarded Port Captain of the Year by the Bureau of Customs in 1969. His list of accomplishments and career highlights since then trailed endlessly on and many maritime personalities have attested to his caliber as a maritime professional.

“Very vocal but never arrogant,” writes Ramon Tionloc, the former deputy administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). “Capt. Estampador would debate with anybody on the value of professionalism in the promotion of the marine profession. His call for a continuing improvement in maritime education and training is unwavering. He has always said that ‘many are called to be captains but only a few are chosen’”, he continued.

The octogenarian would slightly remind us of Carl Fredricksen, the elderly widower in Pixar’s cartoon film “Up”. Small and rotund, tight-lipped, piercing eyes, and stern expression. One would say that it has become his default resting face even on photo opportunities.

It was his physical stature that earned him the moniker ‘the little captain’ amongst his peers. Nonetheless, his pursuit of the welfare of Filipino seafarers was unequaled; “he is a man for others,” Tionloc said. Within maritime circles though, he is fondly called ‘Stampy’, a shortened and cheery version of his surname.

“I’m in my 80’s but there’s still some fight in me,” Estampador reiterated.

His strength stems from the personal pains of seeing how the society and government view seafarers as mere exportable manual labor. “It is a profession that requires proper knowledge in engineering, electricity, navigation, oceanography, meteorology, trade, law, and most especially, health and safety. It is imperative to have the maturity and wisdom to apply all those things together to motivate an entire crew and bolster global trade,” says his daughter, Cristina.

“My father is passion personified. That virtue comes with a strong sense of justice and courage. He is never daunted by mere excuses especially when there is a meaningful cause at stake. He is a perfectionist. He also has a strong sense of optimism. For him, obstacles are just challenges and God always has a solution; he believes that we just need to have faith to be able to recognize them,” she added.

Armed with a genuine love for the profession, seafaring in his genes, and decades of experience, Estampador still stands proud along the long blue line of maritime professionals.

“Being out at sea and manning the helm felt like second nature. It was like I was destined to be here,” he concluded.