A Meaningful Morning at Ozamiz Port
OZAMIZ CITY - The Philippine Ports Authority–Ozamiz led the opening ceremony of National Maritime Week 2026 at Ozamiz Port on September 21, bringing the national celebration into the city’s own maritime setting. The event followed this year’s theme, “Marinong Pilipino: Matatag sa Alon, Matibay sa Hamon,” which recognizes the resilience and dedication of Filipino seafarers. The national observance is being held alongside the 31st National Seafarers’ Day and the 27th National Maritime Week, with preparations involving PPA, MARINA, the Philippine Coast Guard, OWWA, and other maritime organizations. In Ozamiz, the ceremony provided a local space for that national message to be expressed.
Many Hands Behind the Maritime Community
The Ozamiz gathering also reflected how many groups contribute to the city’s maritime activities. Shipping lines joined the celebration together with the Coast Guard Sub-Station Ozamiz, Coast Guard Station Misamis Occidental, Coast Guard Sub-Station Tangub, and other maritime stakeholders. Their participation gave the occasion a collaborative character, bringing together organizations that have different responsibilities but share an interest in a safe, functioning, and productive maritime sector. The national 2026 observance similarly emphasizes cooperation among government agencies, private maritime organizations, and other stakeholders. For Ozamiz, whose port connects passengers, vessels, businesses, and communities, the gathering offered an opportunity to appreciate the people working behind those everyday maritime activities.
Saluting Those Who Keep Sailing
Beyond the ceremony itself, National Maritime Week provides an opportunity to remember the human side of the maritime industry. Filipino seafarers spend long periods away from home and work in an environment that demands skill, discipline, and resilience, making recognition of their service an important part of the annual observance. The 2026 theme places that resilience at the center of the celebration, while maritime organizations have also highlighted the welfare, professionalism, and continued development of Filipino maritime workers.
