30/08/2026
LOOK : Twenty maritime students from across the nation have been named national finalists in the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) 2026 search, advancing to the final round after a rigorous paper screening that evaluated them beyond academic performance alone.
The screening, held Aug. 29 at the STI Maritime Training Academy here, assessed nominees across four key dimensions: academic and professional excellence, responsible leadership, social responsibility, and project proposal. The criteria were designed to measure not only what students have achieved in the classroom but how they have applied their education to serve their communities and address maritime sector challenges.
A 12-member panel of professionals and leaders from the maritime industry, academe, and civil society reviewed the submissions. The screeners were 2/O Dionel Alfaro, Dr. Gil Cruz Jr., C/O Janine Elican, Michaela Gomez, Ma. Teresa Inocencio, Gemillyn Rose Lat, RJ Navarro, Francis Oliver Pama, Antonio Salido, Ellen Santos, Angel Secretaria, and Cyrus Taclob.
TOMSP is one of the country's longest-running recognition and formation programs for maritime students. Since its inception, it has recognized 145 alumni from institutions nationwide. After a five-year hiatus, the program returned in 2025 under the leadership of its alumni community — the first edition to be run entirely by TOMSP alumni.
This year's finalists represent 14 maritime higher education institutions spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, reflecting the broad geographic reach of the program and the depth of maritime talent across the country.
The TOMSP 2026 National Finalists are:
• Christian Llyod Adaya, DMMA College of Southern Philippines
• Kim Japhet Amarille, St. Joseph Institute of Technology
• Wency Wrenz Arellano, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Arevalo, Inc.
• Nathanielle Basilan, Mariner's Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Legaspi City (Albay), Inc.
• Wayne Jacel Bugtong, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific – IMMAJ Campus
• Lemuel Cabog, Midway College Inc.
• Lady Rhaine Hunther Cancaida, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific – CGSO Campus
• Laxrey Janne Dahilan, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific – CGSO Campus
• Rachelle Mae Dela Cruz, PMI Colleges – Quezon City
• Kyle Espinas, Mariner's Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Canaman
• Chris Andrew Felicitas, University of Cebu – METC
• John Daryl Gabayeron, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation – Bacolod, Inc.
• Ivan Inojales, Asian Institute of Maritime Studies
• Earl Luiz Militar, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation – Bacolod, Inc.
• Ranie Pi-Ig, PanPacific University
• Elijah Vien Quintos, Asian Institute of Maritime Studies
• Sen Sinangote, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific – IMMAJ Campus
• Christine Joy Tenio, St. Joseph Institute of Technology
• Chrystel Jhade Tupas, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Arevalo, Inc.
• Jhunel Villacastin, MAPUA Malayan Colleges – Laguna
The institutions represented in this year's cohort are the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, DMMA College of Southern Philippines, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation – Bacolod Inc., John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Arevalo Inc., MAPUA Malayan Colleges – Laguna, Mariner's Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Canaman, Mariner's Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Legaspi City (Albay) Inc., Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific – CGSO Campus, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific – IMMAJ Campus, Midway College Inc., PanPacific University, PMI Colleges – Quezon City, St. Joseph Institute of Technology, and the University of Cebu – METC.
The journey culminates Sept. 20 at the Bulwagang Manggagawa, APSU-ALU-ITF Building in Quezon City, where 10 of the 20 finalists will be named the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines for 2026. The awarding ceremony will bring together industry leaders, educators, and alumni to honor the next generation of Filipino maritime leaders.
