SWAPI – birth and activities S ix years ago, SWAPI CORNER came into existence with the first issue of Marino World which coincided with the celebrations of the 10th National Seafarer’s Day (NSD), September 25, 2005. The theme was, “Filipino Seafarers: Going Strong – Lalong Tumatatag.” I can still recall the publisher Ms. Lyn Bacani distributing the magazines at Quirino Grand Stand, the venue of NSD celebrations. I am happy that Bacani invited me to join Marino World as columnist to express issues and concerns of our organization, the Seamen’s Wives Association of the Philippines (SWAPI).
Aids and VAdm Eduardo Santos of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP).
RAdm Adonis Donato of the OSM Maritime Services discussed my favorite topic, “Security for future of the seafarers and their families. It was a successful Convention with participants even from ASEAN nations.
Year-End Activities. SWAPIans had our Advent Recollection at Goodwill 3 Chapel in Sucat, Paranaque doing a “Raffle for a Cause.” Proceeds was used to support value-formation seminars, assist victims of natural calamities and scholarship for seafarer’s children.
SWAPI CORNER
The officers and members of SWAPI are fond of reading maritime news, eager to know what’s happening in the maritime world involving the rights and welfare of their seafarer-husbands. Sometimes we send them clippings of the same interest.
ISFC. Representatives of SWAPI National office, Palawan, Cebu and Bohol chapters participated in the First International Seafarer Family Convention (ISFC) held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on August 4-5, 2011. The project was launched by Marino World and Gig and the Amazing Sampaguita Foundation (GASFI) on February at the Amosup Convention Hall attended by government officials, maritime stakeholders and associations who confirmed their support to the Convention. Among the prominent speakers were Hon. Carmelita Dimzon of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); Ms. Carla Limcaoco, Women in Maritime Phils (WIMAPHIL); Dr. Leilani Nicodemus, Seamen’s Hospital; Dr. Asif Altif, International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Global HIV
SWAPI’s Christmas Party became a happy reunion of old and new members. Some were joined in by their husbands and children. Thank you, Sponsors: Western Union, Toperio’s Catering, Yan Ang Marino and Marino World. Yours truly also joined the Christmas Party of the Association of Marine Officers and Ratings (AMOR) on December 22 where we had fun games with seafarers and their families. We donated used clothes for the Typhoon Sendong victims at Cagayan De Oro and Iligan cities. I encourage seafarers and their families to help our brethren in Northwestern Mindanao. May the Good Lord shower His bountiful blessings to seafarer families and their communities. ________________________________________________
MRS. MINDA GOMEZ. National Vice President of the
Seamen’s Wives Association of the Philippines (SWAPI). Very active in maritime activities. Advocate of programs for the welfare of seafarers and their families.
Have you read to your child today? It only takes 20 minutes
www.gasfi.org JANUARY 2012
FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS
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