EDITORIAL: The Vision, The Mission, IMPOSSIBLE?

By FELICITO DIMZON III, Chief Editor
ADMIT it or not, when searching for a good educational institution where we plan to finish our degree, the list of considerations will never be empty.

Editorial cartoon by MICKAYE NAKPIL

We always look after the school’s popularity, the location, proximity of home to school, facilities, and even uniform. These are but few of the typical things that can be found in each student’s “qualifications” of a good school. 

But in a larger sense, have you ever thought of considering the quality of education that your chosen school could provide?

Is the institution true to its commitment of giving you the quality education you need, considering today’s competitive climate? Or at least, even before choosing such institution, have you ever considered taking even a glance on its mission and vision?

It is a fact that in PNTC Colleges Manila, when one walks along its hallway and continue towards the elevator, he can see the nicely framed school’s vision and mission.

This represents how the school values its commitment to its learners.

The vision and mission posted are the new versions. The first one was created on April 18, 1994 when the school was still starting to operate and was still using the original name Philippine Nautical Training Institute (PNTI).

Are you not curious about why the school changed it? Was it unattainable or unrealistic? In the first sentence of the old one, we can assume that the school will be the college of excellence and distinction in higher education and training in the Philippines. Same as what is meant by our new version of School’s vision.

PNTC still tries to prove its excellence through our hard working professors. They strive hard to equip us with knowledge we need for us to be effective in our chosen careers. We have our supportive administrators who never cease to find more things or ideas that help us develop more.

Let us also cite our facilities like the library which—although just starting— contains reading materials enough for us to search and study our lessons; computers that we can use to surf the internet for adequate information; classrooms, where we can experience a peaceful ambiance designed for a suitable learning environment.

Meanwhile, the old vision states that, PNTC Colleges will provide multidisciplinary programs that are valuable, sustainable and relevant to higher employability and global technological developments.  

This is also clearly seen in PNTC. They are providing different trainings and programs that are relevant to the course. We have the Ship Familiarization of SEA 101. Maritime students get the opportunity to go on board and learn through a Shipboard Training Officer (STO), who thoroughly explains everything that we shall encounter during our actual work.

On the other hand, the Sea Trip of Watchkeeping Deck 201 gives maritime students the chance to experience one week of actual shipboard, ship familiarization, emergency preparedness, and ship operations observation, among others.

The ship travels from Manila to Cebu, Ozamis, Zamboanga, back to Cebu and finally back to Manila; Merchant Marine Regimental Program (MMRP) and Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) for third year maritime students give trainings for basic safety and survival procedures at sea. No doubt that through these trainings, we can expect for greater opportunity to be employed quickly than other maritime schools.  

The old mission states that PNTC Colleges is the leading educational provider of maritime and allied courses that provides an exceptional learning environment which is also stated at our new mission.

PNTC is firmly holding its commitment to provide exceptional learning. So how can we attain this?

It is clearly stated by our old mission that, through innovative, advance technology, competent faculty and staff, and supportive management, we can imagine that even before, PNTC has been doing its best to provide students high quality of education through cooperative efforts of the faculty and management.

Now, how can all of these help the students? Well, the old mission states, students are encouraged and empowered to reach their highest potential in the pursuit of personal achievement and professional excellence.

At this point, we can see that what was stated before is the same as the new. There is no reason for us to doubt the capabilities and dignity of the school.   They changed it, not because it is not attainable.

They changed it to be more effective and direct when it comes to molding learners. Now, it is our turn, students, to have our own vision and mission.

Our vision: PNTC will be known as an outstanding educational institution with a heart for excellence in maritime and business education;

Our mission: To make PNTC the number one maritime and business school in the Philippines.

Together with the undying support of the faculty and administration—we can do this, can’t we, cadets? Aye, Sir! 

ON THE DOT: Gratitude to Filipino Seafarers

By CHRISTOPHER DE VERA

“We count on you being' there,

        twenty four hours around the clock,

Protecting' us everywhere

The more I get around this world,

The more I realize that the greatest force

        found anywhere

Is right before my eyes…”

ABOVE is an excerpt from the song “The Great Defender” by Lee Greenwood.

Being a mariner is wonderful yet challenging. They travel to different countries, search their journeys and meet different kinds of people. They are also able to try varieties of food from various cultures; but most of all; their families enjoy the benefits of their hard works.

On other end, the biggest challenge a seafarer encounters is dealing with moments away from loved ones—just travelling and working.

Life is not easy inside the ship. Seafarers are experiencing an almost incurable problem called homesickness. Worse, is when they are not given the chance to see their children grow because of their jobs.

Worst, is when children hardly recognize them as a “father.”

Not to mention fire, seafarers’ worst enemy is the predictable unpredictable waters.  Typhoons and the fury they unleash can easily wipe out anything that is on the sea surface in an instant, and that includes boats and ships.

Although they are trained well to deal with onboard problems, no one has ever had the strength to win over the forces of the elements.

Happiness only comes when the ship reaches the shore, as seafarers will again get in touch with their loved ones.  Coming aboard, sailing, going back then sail again—this is a seafarer’s life.

This is the proof of their strength and brevity. Being Filipinos, mariners are known to be the most industrious sea persons among others.

The maritime industry is one of the major sources of U.S. dollar remittances that surely contribute to the growth of the Philippine economy.

Currently, maritime organizations in the Philippines are hosting activities, events and programs that will make Filipino seafarers highly competitive. In doing so, Filipino seamen will be able to meet standard requirements prior to sailing.

Truly, Filipino seafarers are modern heroes of our country.

As a student of the PNTC Colleges, I am inspired to be part of the next generation of Filipino seafarers.

I salute all Filipino Seafarers for their immeasurable years of continuous service!

IDEAS ABOARD: Smoking, the Killer Vice

By JEAN-LOUISE VALDEZ and MARCOANTONIO DELA ROSA

Sin tax on, government warns, TV adds tell...when to stop?

WHAT is the first thing that comes to your mind whenever you hear the word cigarette?

Fun. Stress reliever. Social status indicator.

There are probably a hundred reasons why people smoke. But to many, as seen on packages, cigarette smoking is dangerous to one’s health.

Students comprise a significant percentage of smokers. Many of them save a portion of their daily or weekly allowances so they can buy cigarettes, which prices have skyrocketed after the sin tax bill was implemented.

Yet, they still buy.  

Most students measure a distance not by meters or kilometers anymore but by how many sticks they can consume. When they walk from a jeepney terminal to school, “it’s just two sticks away,” as they say it.

Many students can be seen at the back of school buildings, walking, or standing by common places, smoking their lungs out, oblivious of the dangerous repercussions. 

Some students resort to using e-cigarettes, which range from P1000 to 2000. E-cigarettes use juice, burnt through an electronic gadget to produce smoke. But because of little satisfaction over “juice smoke,” students still crave for the real thing.

Despite knowing smoking’s ill effects, many still continue smoking.

Advertisements, awareness campaigns, and government and private initiated programs have been organized to stop smoking in as early as a student’s life, but to little, if not, totally no avail.

One of the world’s famous writer, John Grisham, wrote a book about smoking, which was few years later put into a movie “Runaway Jury” with Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz.

The setting revolved around a girlfriend and her boyfriend as part of a jury to decide on a law suit between a wife, whose husband died of smoking and the big cigarette companies. The jury ended up deciding in favor of latter.

Even the tobacco companies themselves warn smokers on their own TV advertisements: “Government Warning: Cigarette Smoking Is Dangerous To Your Health.”

There could be thousand programs and laws to eliminate smoking but all will be futile if not curbed at a young age.

The best time to stop: now, while still young.

The best people to help one to stop: parents, teachers and yourself.

Away from this killer vice, teenagers will have more rational mind to use when studying, if not contribute to the betterment of the community and the society.

Meanwhile, smoking parents and teachers cannot tell their children not to smoke. Much like how Robin Hood cannot tell children not to steal. 

Perhaps, it is the best time for the government and private sectors to shift their gears and put their focus on the parents and teachers to effect real change and condemn smoking. 

VIEW POINT: The Benefits of Having Standard Workbooks in Maritime Subjects

By MARK LOUIE RIVERA 

“A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face.  It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy.”

THIS is just one of the many quotations from renowned writers and novelists emphasizing the importance of books.

Today, students often use computers, instead books to do research works. While there is nothing wrong with this development, as long as students use the computer technology responsibly, textbooks and workbooks still offer well-researched information and facts. Few people would disagree, but there is really nothing like snuggling up with a good book. They say it is a time-worn activity that can never be reproduced by a computer—no matter how small.

Having standard textbooks and workbooks for Maritime Subject gives us concrete and first-hand knowledge. Also, using these books is more convenient since you can bring them any where and any time at no electronic costs; as compared with gadgets, which need energy supply, demanding connections and Internet access. 

Technically speaking, if you are reading from a CD, aside from the computer, you will need a sophisticated operating system, a browser and an Internet connection; all of these, of course, will entail added requirements and most of the time, expenses. Workbooks can also be used as lesson trackers. In cases there are no classes due to typhoon signal warnings or holidays, workbooks will always be our study partners. They will give us lesson guides to catch up with whatever lessons we should have discussed in the classroom during those suspended days.

Yes, they can be students’ reviewers too. Since examinations are objectively based on the book, one can either choose to go back to previous lessons, or to do advanced readings for future lessons. From the opinions collected from cadets through random interviews, we can infer one solid idea: that textbooks and workbooks for Maritime Subjects are necessary and more convenient. Ultimately, they give standard facts and information, as they serve as subjects’ official books. In this way, standardized learning is observed.

Taking care of books is way easier than spending money for your gadgets!

NSTP and CES: In Action

By MARK LOUIE RIVERA
NATIONAL Service Training Program (NSTP) and the Community Extension Service (CES) are both subjects and programs taken by college students. It requires students to conduct some activities that can help community and the people.

           

PNTC Colleges conducted many activities in line with this function.

           “Pamaskong Handog ng PNTC Colleges,” a feeding program and relief goods distribution were simultaneously held in Quezon City, Dasmariῆas, Cavite and Intramuros, Manila. These activities gave an opportunity for the PNTC students to feed selected children, who needed additional attention because of malnutrition.

Meanwhile, last January 2012, PNTC students donated trash cans to barangays of Zone III, San Agustin II and San Agustin III in Dasmariῆas Cavite. They paid courtesy to the chairmen of respective barangays, with the presence of school officials.

For PNTC students, these trash cans shall signal the start of cleanliness for the residents of those selected barangays. By the help of those trash cans, they can segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradabl materials for proper waste management and disposal.

Students also carried out a clean and green activity to an adopted barangay in Dasmariῆas, Cavite. With their cleaning tools, students cleaned and picked up plastic, paper, leaves and other human discards—extending to minor roads and side walks.

They also cut wild grasses that hinder water flow from canals, which then cause flooding. It was also a way to avoid contamination that can lead to proliferation of dengue-causing mosquitoes in the community.

It did not stop there. A drug prevention and control campaign in the same places was conducted. This served as an information drive for the youth and people about the many different life-threatening effects of illegal drugs.

Lastly, students conducted a blood letting activity in collaboration with the De La Salle University Medical Center. They gathered all types of blood, to help address blood supply insufficiency on emergency situations involving delicate patient operation and blood transfusion, among others.

Female Seafarer..why not?

Confessions of female captains wannabe

By MARK JAVE ASEO

 "IF others can, why can’t I?”  This quotation best explains the struggles of female seafarers wannabes  nowadays.  Women of full determination, courage and perseverance in achieving their dreams and goals in life.

Marie Abigail Orcajada, an 18-year old  Marine Transportation student (MT32-A7) believes that being a female seafarer is not a big deal.  Interest and determination lead one to become a professional seafarer, according to her.

She admits though that her being a marine student is not purely her decision. She asked guidance from her family prior to attending PNTC Colleges, as she believes that her family will give the best choice for her.

She lives in a principle that goes, “push yourself to the limits.”

“I don’t have any idea on this Marine Transportation course which I am taking up now but I have realized that it is not important if you already knew the things you are dealing with. Instead, doing your best and giving importance to it will make things right,” Abigail said in an interview with this writer. 

“Aiming at things that you really wanted does not really matter, as long as you are able and willing to pursue these dreams,” she added. 

Another seafarer wannabe Julie Anne Danao from MT32-A2, with same age and course as Abigail believes that there are only two kinds of people:  “people who are stupid and pretending to be stupid.”

Julie regards this as the best principle she has ever encountered.

“Don’t let yourself ruin your life with nothing or should I say don’t be a person who [refuses] to know things around you, or else you do not deserve a place in this world,” she said in a separate interview.

Julie continued: “Learn to appreciate things and explore.  After all, these things would help you improve  your personality and [boost] your self-esteem.  Prove to everyone that being a woman is not a hindrance to a progressive life.”

To many, Marine Transportation course may not be for ladies, but Abigail and Julie are early proofs that women can.

They both believe that people—men and women—can exist in a world with equal opportunity, where women can do things just as men usually do.

Intelligence and strength do not matter at all times. Strategy plays a great role to exist and survive in this world.

Their stories tell us to live in a principle that says, “strong determination and perseverance are the great factors of one’s personality development and progress.”

Arnis as Part of PNTC Curriculum

By JOHN DALLORAN
IF Japan has karate and Korea has taekwondo, the Philippines has its own martial arts called arnis.

Arnis, also known as kali or eskrima, refers to a category of Filipino martial arts that “emphasizes the use of weapons, whether it be fighting sticks, blades or improvised weapons.”

In arnis, the weapons are regarded extension of the body.

Arnis mentor and faculty member Mr. Benedict Cruz said that he is glad that PNTC Colleges decided to include arnis in its sports curriculum.

“Learning arnis is not that easy. It needs your mind to be focused, and most importantly,  you should be physically fit to obtain the right execution of the sport,” Cruz said in an interview.

Arnis is just like other martial arts that is not only for self-defense. It is also promoted and encouraged by the Department of Education and the Higher Education Commission as part of the Physical Education programs.

It should be noted that in 2010, former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 9850 or the law declaring arnis as the national martial art and sport; mandating that an arnis competition is the first to be played at the annual national games.

Today, PNTC students are enjoying the benefit of this art. They are also willing to share their knowledge in this sport that every Filipino should always be proud of.

Arnis is played in three basic forms: the Single Cane or Solo Baston, the Double cane or Double Baston and the Unique Spada y Daga, literally translated to sword and dagger.

Players can basically participate in two types of arnis sports, the anyo or form, and the laban, or full combat competitions.

Sequences of movements using two batons include the anyo. Competition will be judged based on the execution of the anyo and the creativity of overall choreography of the performance.

Gracefulness combined with strength and force is needed to execute these forms properly.

Meanwhile, in the full combat competition, players are required to strike their opponents’ different body parts with one baton. Any attack using bare hands or feet is considered a foul.

Scores depend on the number of strikes each player could deliver. Agility and quick thinking combined is required to have a high score in this type of competition.

However, some competitions allow full contact between players. Competitors could grapple, disarm, and block their opponents.