The Family and Community Relations (FCR) team held the Virtual Awarding Ceremony for the “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” Poster-Making Contest for the children of Jebsen PTC Global Maritime Professionals (GMPs) last October 11 via Zoom.

The program opened with an inspiring message from Ms. Thess N. Lunzaga, Vice President for Crewing, who shared how heartwarming it was to see the daughters of our GMPs express their talents and advocacy for the ocean. She said it was “a true testament to the involvement of families in the work of our seafarers,” and encouraged the kids to keep using their creativity to honor their fathers and remind everyone of the importance of protecting our oceans.

The awarding of winners was led by Ms. Normie S. Hernandez, FCR Manager.

In the Junior Category, 9-year-old Venise Brielle Empenado from Zamboanga del Sur was named the winner. Her father is Pumpman Rudy Empenado from Bahri, and she was joined by her mother, Aivy Rose Empenado, during the ceremony. Mrs. Empenado shared that she found out about the contest on Jebsen PTC’s Facebook page and immediately encouraged Venise to join, knowing her daughter’s love for drawing, which Venise eagerly took on.

Venise’s artwork showed the Earth surrounded by the ocean, with a compass, steering wheel, and anchor. She also drew inspiration from her memory of the polluted Pasig River, using brown and blue tones to show the contrast between dirty and clean waters, with a clear message: “No Throwing of Garbage.” Mrs. Empenado proudly shared that Venise dreams of becoming a doctor someday.

In the Senior Category, 15-year-old Ronica Fae Briones, daughter of Ronnel P. Briones Sr. from MCS, also made her family proud by taking home the top prize. Ronica thanked Jebsen PTC for the recognition, saying it was an honor to represent her father and that this achievement was not just hers but his as well.

Both winners received a Certificate of Recognition, gift certificates, and special tokens for their efforts and creativity.

Through this contest, Jebsen PTC continues to celebrate the creativity and passion of seafarers’ families while promoting care for our oceans. The company remains committed to supporting and deploying GMPs, helping their children, like Venise and Ronica, turn their dreams into reality.