Wanted: Outstanding Seafarers of the Year
Nomination is now open for the Outstanding Seafarers of the Year Award (OSYA).
The annual search for the country's outstanding and dedicated Filipino seafarers whose professionalism and competence have exemplified the best of Filipino values seeks to give honor and recognition to Filipino seafarers for their valuable and commendable contribution to the maritime industry and the nation, said a Commission on Filipinos Overseas website article.
The award, first conferred in 1999 by the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS), may be given posthumously.
Qualified Filipino Seafarers, at least twenty-one (21) years old, of good moral standing, and employed for at least one (1) year in the Philippines or abroad, may be nominated in the following OSYA categories:
a. OSYA for Contribution to the Maritime Manpower shall be conferred on Filipino seafarers for their exceptional or significant contribution to progress and development of Philippine maritime manpower;
b. OSYA for Valor shall be conferred on Filipino seafarers who showed selfless dedication to shipmates and heroism beyond the call of duty;
c. OSYA for Contribution to the Maritime Industry shall be conferred on Filipino seafarers for their recognized professional competence and/or distinguished performance in the international maritime profession; and
d. OSYA for Community Service shall be conferred on Filipino seafarers for their contributions or philanthropic services which have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines.
Nomination forms may be obtained at the AOS Office or can be downloaded at the CFO website. Deadline for the submission of nominations is on August 29, 2008. All nominations must be submitted to the OSYA Committee, Apostleship of the Sea-Manila, Rm. 28, 2/F Laiko Bldg., 372 Cabildo St., Intramuros, 1002 Manila, P.O. Box 2927 CPO Manila 1099. (CFO/PIA/A.Lumaque)