Underscoring that PTC Sea Mariners’ trademark resilience and discipline extend well beyond the campus, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. student Prince Ezekiel Moreira has been named a 2026 Top Outstanding Student of Iloilo Awardee (TOSIA).

Moreira secured the prestigious accolade through his impactful advocacy video and his dedicated community initiative, Project Pag-Ulikid: A Child-Centered Approach for Safer and Resilient Schools.

Driven by the Spirit of the Sea Mariner

Moreira’s achievement highlights how the training and values of PTC Sea Mariners serve as a powerful catalyst for youth empowerment. In the maritime industry, seafarers face unpredictable environments that demand swift decision-making, immense discipline, and absolute resilience. By translating these high-stakes maritime principles into community action, Moreira and his peers have found a unique blueprint for leadership. The fundamental responsibility of a mariner—to navigate safely through storms and protect their vessel—directly inspired Moreira to safeguard his local community by teaching young children how to navigate real-world disasters.

A Culture of Safety and Mentorship

Behind this continuous stream of student leadership is a dedicated culture of mentorship at JBLFMU-Arevalo, where the rigorous standards of maritime safety are deliberately linked to community service.

“At JBLFMU-Arevalo, we train students not just to survive the storm, but to lead others through it,” said Karl Sira, Sea Mariners Ship Adviser, Academic Assessment Head, and Safety Officer. “Prince Ezekiel’s victory perfectly reflects this. By bringing the safety protocols and readiness of the open ocean to vulnerable children on land, he proves that youth leadership is about protecting lives wherever we are.”

Empowering the Next Generation in Disaster Resilience

Through Project Pag-Ulikid, Moreira transforms disaster risk reduction (DRR) into practical, accessible skills for young learners. Using hands-on workshops and immersive, engaging activities—such as the innovative “Master of Disasters” program—he empowers children to become active participants in their own safety and preparedness.

Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the project fosters early awareness and resilience, laying the groundwork for safer, more responsive communities for future generations.

A Legacy of Excellence: Three Years of TOSIA Triumphs

Moreira’s victory marks a historic milestone for JBLFMU-Arevalo, cementing the institution’s legacy as a breeding ground for outstanding youth leaders. This is the 4th time a student from the Arevalo campus has clinched a spot among Iloilo’s top student leaders.

Moreira joins an elite roster of JBLFMU-Arevalo TOSIA awardees, all of whom have been uniquely inspired and empowered by the seafaring profession to make a local impact:

– Roque Robe-C Felix Armada and Angelo Mari A. Gonzales (2024 Awardees)

– Jeson Madronero (2025 Awardee, Top Circle of 5, and Scholar)

– Prince Ezekiel Moreira (2026 Awardee)

This consecutive streak underscores JBLFMU-Arevalo’s holistic approach to education, proving that its PTC Sea Mariners and future global maritime professionals excel not only in technical seafaring skills but also in civic engagement and social innovation.