HAVEN FOR ‘YOUTH IN MARITIME’ OPENS IN MANILA
MARITIME youth leader and former International Maritime Organization (IMO) goodwill ambassador Yrhen Balinis spearheaded the opening of an office of the “Youth in Maritime” recently in Manila.
In deference to an old sailors’ Sunday tradition, the “seemannssonntag,” the Youth in Maritime office aims to provide a haven for all youth in the maritime and host celebrations while pursuing empowered discourse that would benefit the youth while bridging the gap with stakeholders and government offices in the maritime industry.
This maritime custom is observed every Thursday by the crews of merchant ships and members of the German Navy, both at sea and on land, where various events and ceremonies are organized by maritime organizations, shipping companies, and port authorities. Activities may include church services, memorial ceremonies and community events to raise awareness about the importance of seafaring professions.
Balinis pays homage to this old sailor’s tradition and hopes that it can inspire and bring together young maritime enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. The launch of the office at the start of 2024 represents a collaborative effort to create an environment fostering education, mentorship, and opportunities for a brighter maritime future.
Balinis aims to set up a weekly event to meet people from government offices like the Dept of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), and maritime stakeholders for dialogues and information sharing that will benefit young maritime leaders.
Balinis enthused, “I have to ensure that since this is an Office Of The Youth In Maritime, I have to put their interests at heart and that it is not about me.”
When asked how he envisions connecting more youth in maritime for the Philippines, Balinis responded, “The most doable is through the Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs), Maritime Training Institutions ( MTIs) and of course, the Local Manning Agencies (LMAs) since they have the first-hand database of the youth.”
He also mentions pursuing collaboration for youth projects with industry honchos like Merle SanPedro Jimenez of the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) and Cristina Garcia of the ALMA Group.
The office is located on the third floor of Scandic Palace, Emilia Street in Palanan, Makati City.
The office is currently not a membership-based organization, and as such, it is all-inclusive to those who want to visit.