Two Filipino ship captains were honored by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on June 23, 2025, for their extraordinary courage and compassion during maritime emergencies, saving dozens of lives at sea.
The recognition was part of the opening ceremony for the International Day of the Seafarers celebration held at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City, aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to celebrate not just the hard work of Filipino seafarers but also their acts of bravery and humanity.
Captain Roybel S. Tabobo, who commanded the MV Han Yi, was praised for leading the rescue of Filipino crew members from the distressed M/V MSC Elsa 3 near Kochi, India, on May 25. Captain Rolly Lapinig, whose award was received by his daughter, was recognized for securing the safety of 52 people—including 28 children—found adrift near Crete Island while aboard MV MSC Aube on August 7 last year.
“Sa aming paniniwala dito sa Department of Migrant Workers, hindi dapat mag-isa ang marino sa kanyang laban,” said OIC Secretary-Undersecretary Felicitas Q. Bay, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to the welfare of Filipino seafarers.
Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres C. Centino emphasized that seafarers should be more than just celebrated. “We must take a moment not just to celebrate – but to truly honor – our seafarers. They are our heroes — navigating through storms, braving loneliness and separation from their families, yet relentlessly carrying with pride the spirit of the Filipino across the oceans,” he said. “Bayanihan should not just be symbolic; it must be systemic.”
