THE Search for the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) officially named its 2026 awardees on Sunday, Sept. 20, honoring ten student mariners during a ceremony at Bulwagang Manggagawa in Cubao, Quezon City.
The awardees, officially designated as Batch Bagsiklahi, emerged from a nationwide search that began with submissions from maritime institutions across the country.
The competition was narrowed down to 20 national finalists who underwent final panel interviews and evaluation before the top ten were selected.
The 2026 Ten Outstanding Maritime Students:
• Christian Lloyd Adaya — DMMA College of Southern Philippines
• Kim Japhet Amarille — St. Joseph Institute of Technology
• Wency Wrenz Arellano — John B. Lacson Foundation University–Arevalo, Inc.
• Lemuel Cabog — Midway Colleges Inc.
• Lady Rhaine Hunther Cancaida — Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP)–CGSO Campus
• Laxrey Janne Dahilan — Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP)–CGSO Campus
• Rachelle Mae Dela Cruz — PMI Colleges–Quezon City
• Ivan Inojales — Asian Institute of Marine Studies (AIMS)
• Sen Sinangote — Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP)–IMMAJ Campus
• Christine Joy Tenio — St. Joseph Institute of Technology
Preserving a legacy of maritime excellence
Considered the premier nationwide distinction for Filipino maritime cadets, TOMSP recognizes future seafaring professionals who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service to their communities and the maritime sector. Traditionally held alongside National Seafarers’ Day and National Maritime Week celebrations, the program highlights the role young maritime leaders play in maintaining the Philippines’ standing as a global leader in seafaring talent.
Anchored on the theme “Daloy. Alon. Habi.,” this year’s ceremony brought together family members, academic mentors, industry partners, and members of the TOMSP Alumni Community, which led the program’s official revival.
As the second cohort inducted since the search was re-established, Batch Bagsiklahi carries forward a long-standing tradition of excellence, joining a distinguished network of alumni who serve across the global shipping industry.
The Manila Times
