Archie Bemida, a proud member of the pilot batch of PTC Sea Mariners from 2015, recently visited PTC, where he was warmly welcomed by PTC CEO Gerardo Borromeo and Executive Managing Director Christina S. Manzano. Archie's journey began as one of 40 Grades 5 and 6 students from Lakeview Elementary School in Muntinlupa who completed the Sea Mariners Program, a youth development initiative jointly implemented by PTC and the PTC-CSJ Foundation.
The program, designed to promote marine conservation awareness and an appreciation of the Philippines' maritime heritage, also instilled core values among the youth. Inspired by this experience, Archie pursued his secondary education with a maritime strand at Tunasan National High School, solidifying his interest in a career at sea.
Seven years after his initial exposure to the maritime world, Archie is now entering Malayan Colleges of Laguna to pursue culinary arts, with the aspiration of becoming a chief cook on a vessel. Archie's journey reflects the long-lasting impact of the Sea Mariners Program, as his mother proudly shared that he still treasures the certificate he received from the program, a symbol of the spark that ignited his passion for the sea.