Youngest Pinoy ship captain Angelo Panganiban to seafarers: Just aim high

Youngest Pinoy ship captain to seafarers: Just aim high
Yashika F. Torib August 24, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/24/business/maritime/youngest-pinoy-...

OLD sea salts and veteran master mariners from the '70s and '80s would usually consider a very young ship captain to be an affront to the seafaring profession. Anyhow, they came from a time when a generation of seafarers would survive the wrath of the high oceans with decades of brunt, brawn and brains.

In the olden days, it would take seamen almost half of their lifetime to be promoted to captain.

In the past decade, however, the global seafaring profession has seen a new trend in the speed by which mariners advance through their ranks. The number of board licensure examinations was lessened to two, principals are more generous with shipboard promotions, and the labor-intensive work was replaced by computers, automation and digital information.

Among those who benefited from this positive change in the maritime industry is Angelo Panganiban, a Batangueño who earned his master mariner license at the young age of 25 and was promoted onboard as ship captain at the age of 28.

This earned him the title of "youngest licensed master mariner in the Philippines" up to the year 2017.

"It was overwhelming but at the same time gratifying. When I was given that title several years back, I had flashbacks of all the struggles, sleepless night, and sacrifices. It gave me the confidence I needed to assert more on what I want to achieve, as it only proves that nothing is impossible," Panganiban said.

As with many Filipino seafarers, Panganiban was enticed by the promise of seeing the world whilst having a lucrative job. He came from a poor family in Batangas and dreamed of providing a better life for them.

He juggled three scholarships at the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas and completed his bachelor's degree in Marine Transportation in 2012 as magna cum laude.

"It was a very challenging and demanding profession, but knowing that I play a vital role in the transportation of goods being delivered to countries and forwarded into everyone's home makes all the struggles and sacrifices worth it. Every promotion I received unlocked my potential and inspired me to strive harder toward captainship," he recalled.

Panganiban worked his way up the ranks ang got promoted to chief mate by 24 years old. Four years later, he was already commanding a ship. He also earned a master's degree in Maritime Education.

The young captain was not immune to criticisms from those who believe he is way too young to be a master mariner. Nevertheless, he trudged on and pursued his dream.

"I enjoy the challenges I face every day in commanding a multimillion-dollar ship. Working with fellow Filipino seafarers also makes me proud.

"As I see my family gradually having a better and more comfortable life, it is an affirmation that I am on the right track. All of these motivate me even more to work at sea."

During his vacations, Panganiban teaches part-time in his alma mater and serves as a volunteer with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary in Southern Tagalog with the rank of auxiliary commander.

He is also into trading in the stock market and cryptocurrencies.

"For my fellow seafarer who are working hard to provide for their families, just continue aiming high. Get the maximum advantage of being onboard, and never stop learning. Persevere and work hard to be ready and fully deserving of the next ranks," he said.