In a bid to inspire and cultivate the next generation of Filipino global maritime professionals, the PTC Sea Mariners organized an exclusive shipboard educational visit for the Senior High School (SHS) Maritime students of Sto. Rosario National High School on May 29, 2026. The immersive tour took place aboard the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Batangas, docked at the PCG Headquarters in Manila.

The ship tour was facilitated by ENS Bencito of the Philippine Coast Guard, who guided the aspiring seafarers through an experiential learning journey designed to bridge classroom theory with real-world maritime operations. The activity commenced with an engaging briefing on the rich history of the BRP Batangas, highlighting its vital role in the country’s maritime security, search and rescue operations, and environmental protection missions over the years. Following the historical overview, the SHS Maritime students were given a comprehensive tour of the vessel’s state-of-the-art navigation bridge, communication systems, engineering compartments, and deck operations.

A major highlight of the tour was a specialized firearms demonstration conducted by the Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command (MARSLEC). This demonstration showcased the tactical capabilities, operational procedures, and security readiness of the PCG’s premier law enforcement unit. Crew members also held live demonstrations of safety procedures, emergency response protocols, and search-and-rescue equipment, emphasizing the discipline, vigilance, and readiness required in the maritime service.

The whole activity was facilitated by the Coast Guard Fleet and Coast Guard Education and Training. In attendance also are AUX LT Hector Brizuela, National Training Supervisor of PTC Sea Mariners, and AUX LT Kenneth Navarro, Sto. Rosario National High School’s maritime coordinator.

“Stepping aboard a PCG capital ship like the BRP Batangas is a transformative experience for these students,” said AUX LT Navarro. “Standing on the bridge of an active vessel bridges classroom theory with real-world operations, expanding their horizons and showing them diverse pathways in their future seafaring careers.”

AUX LT Brizuela added, “Familiarizing students with these vessels is crucial as they represent the front lines of marine safety. Seeing crew coordination and operations firsthand builds their technical confidence and instills a deep sense of discipline and patriotism as future global maritime professionals.”

The educational tour is part of an ongoing collaborative effort by PTC Sea Mariners to support maritime education in the Philippines. By exposing students to both the commercial and security aspects of the maritime industry, the program aims to foster a deep sense of patriotism, professionalism, and environmental stewardship among young Filipinos.

Sto. Rosario National High School expressed its deep gratitude to ENS Bencito, the MARSLEC team, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the PTC Sea Mariners for providing their maritime students with this rare and highly motivating opportunity, which is expected to greatly enhance their academic focus and career aspirations.