Life lessons from Ilonggo seafarers

Life lessons from Ilonggo seafarers
Liez’l Marie Ejeda June 30, 2025 https://pia.gov.ph/life-lessons-from-ilonggo-seafarers/

Whenever the vast blue ocean is calling, Filipino seafarers often respond to the mission with brave hearts, fervent prayers, and renewed faith. They leave behind their families while conquering the changing tides and adapting one season after another. Their kind of love is bound by grit and immense sacrifice.

The thriving maritime industry equates to the huge demand of keeping global trade moving. From shore to shore, trade becomes much alive with these vessels that deliver raw materials, goods, and essentials. Thanks to the seafarers—the heart of maritime transport service who help generate substantial revenue for economies, particularly through remittances.

Lest people forget, huge responsibilities are heavy laden among them. With all these technical aspects of shipping to safety protocols and personal concerns, they are equipped with the skills apt to navigate life beyond waters. Their humble beginnings from maritime schools to training institutions in the concrete jungle, and onboard the ship contribute to nurture their full potential.

As the world celebrates the Day of the Seafarer every June 25, it is only timely to reflect on the anecdotes of Ilonggo seafarers who toil round-the- clock in the name of sacrifice, love, growth, and financial freedom.

Capt. Edward Grecia, who hails from Iloilo City, recalled his experience navigating a challenging passage around Cape Horn situated in southern Chile.

Gigantic waves as high as 10 to 12 meters, coupled with severe winds and poor visibility, greeted them. It would have been extremely dangerous for the crew and the ship to continue on its original course; thus, the change of plan was made after careful evaluation and weather monitoring. In terms of leadership and management, he acknowledged that every person is unique and each circumstance necessitates a different strategy.

This calls for a striking balance – knowing when to be firm and when to be understanding, when to demand performance and when to back off and offer assistance.

“By being consistent, respectful, and communicating clearly, I try to set the tone. When people feel appreciated, heard, and seen, they perform better at work. For this reason, in addition to providing instructions, I also keep lines of communication open to hear their thoughts, worries, and even how their day is going,” Capt. Edward emphasized.

He likewise lauded Ilonggo seafarers known for their calm disposition and strong work ethic, making them excellent team players. They typically maintain their composure and concentration under pressure, which helps create a more stable and collaborative work environment.

“Despite their humility, many Ilonggos are willing to step up when called upon. They exhibit quiet leadership, setting an example rather than using coercion. You can rely on them to provide consistent, considerate service whether it’s assisting others, maintaining equipment, or adhering to safety protocols,” according to Capt. Edward.

Meanwhile, Second Officer Benjamin Baduya once had a childhood dream which was far from becoming a seafarer. All he wanted was to be a soldier, but he took a different route.

“Growing up in the southern part of Iloilo, passing through towns, getting glimpses of big houses, I developed a fascination for it. Eventually, curiosity arose and I had to ask who owns such houses. Seafarers, they say, and from there, it grew on me to be one,” Benjamin shared in an interview.

From simple wishes, then came the realities of his chosen career. As a navigating officer, his usual grind includes preparing the voyages for the vessel, ensuring the vessel takes optimal, safe route, checking the weather and navigational warnings that may hinder the vessel from getting towards the destination. Not to mention are the added tasks that may be assigned to him.

Benjamin’s 17 years in the maritime industry is never a walk in the park. It taught him lessons towards family and good health. Sure, the take home pay is big enough, but money is not everything.

“Family is everything. Mental health is a thing, especially in the seafaring industry. Observing my predecessors, I can say that time spent apart from your family, cliché as it may sound, can never be taken back. No amount of money can ever cover up to those times when you should’ve been there with your family,” he said.

A seafaring career prepares one to become more adaptable. It drives mariners to learn new cultures as they work with other nationalities and challenges to defy cultural and gender stereotypes.

Such is the case of Second Engineer Mark Louie Nirza, a native of Pavia town. He learned how to become adaptable in various circumstances.

Louie narrated that some jobs require thinking outside of the box, some require dealing with other people who might have different takes on the matter. At the end of the day, they have to finish the job, mostly under pressure, but without compromising safety and personal relationships with people he works with.

He further advised aspiring seafarers to be prepared in enduring tough times most especially in dealing with finances.

“Most aspirants dream to become seafarers because of the financial freedom it might come with but fail to realize that seafaring is a contractual job. In order to prepare for the future, save and invest your hard earned dollars but do not forget to reward yourself for enduring challenges onboard,” Louie uttered.

For Ralph Oliver Ejeda who works as an Oiler in a bulk vessel, he expressed his desire to pursue wise investments, noting that a job at sea is not forever. He devotes his time with his family and channels his resources into the field of agriculture come vacation.

Oliver conveyed that his passion towards livestock farming and cultivating land for farming are among his options should he retire from seafaring. He is optimistic that soon he will reap the fruits of his labor. That someday he will not have to endure long voyages at sea when there are bright prospects available here.

Life onboard a vessel presents opportunities for both professional and personal development. Every journey teaches maritime practitioners something new, whether it is dealing with unforeseen circumstances, increasing operational effectiveness, or simply enjoying the gift of travel and adventure.

But more than the promising career of being seafarers, they still find comfort and refuge in their families. The video calls, photos, and online messages somehow bridge the physical distance. They yearn to be present, make special memories altogether. For now, their loved ones await them. And soon enough, there will be no more bidding adieu. (AAL/LMLE/PIA Iloilo)