From Dreams to Decks: PROJECT SAIL’s Pathway to a Brighter Future for Mindoro’s Aspiring Seafarers

Through this collaboration, the program provides full scholarships to deserving students, covering tuition fees, miscellaneous expenses, uniforms, training, licensure fees, and even monthly allowances. These scholars are also guaranteed employment as seafarers upon graduation, ensuring a sustainable and dignified career path.

The Montenegro Scholarship: A Key Pillar of PROJECT SAIL

At the heart of PROJECT SAIL is the Montenegro Scholarship, a life-changing program that offers financial relief and educational opportunities to underprivileged but determined students. Scholars benefit from free boarding and tuition, provided they maintain an average grade of 85, enabling them to focus fully on their studies.

"Masarap Mag-aral Lalo na ‘pag Gusto Mo," said Athelstan Tabalan, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) student, encapsulating the transformative power of this opportunity. His story, alongside those of fellow scholars Christian Delizo and John Lloyd Erazo, highlights the program’s ability to inspire hope, determination, and resilience.

Tabalan shared, "Lahat ng scholarship pinasukan ko, maliban sa presidential scholarship kasi hindi ko ‘yun nabalitaan. Sa lahat ng scholarship, Montenegro talaga ang pinili ko because fully scholarship ito with allowance pa." Similarly, Delizo expressed his eagerness to apply as soon as the opportunity arose.

For Erazo, the scholarship significantly eased his family’s financial burden. "Tuwang-tuwa talaga ako that time, like napatalon na lang sa tuwa. Pagkagising ko, ‘yun agad ang bungad sa akin nu’ng binuksan ko ‘yung CP ko. May text message na nakapasa ako sa interview at nakuha ako as a scholar," he recalled.

Empowering Families, One Seafarer at a Time

The mission of PROJECT SAIL is deeply rooted in the belief that maritime education can break the cycle of poverty. By equipping scholars with world-class training and guaranteed employment upon graduation, the program ensures that beneficiaries not only uplift their families but also contribute to the growth of the maritime industry.

Easing the Burden

Before receiving the scholarship, Delizo noted the financial challenges his family faced, particularly with tuition payments. "Nung wala pa kaming scholarship, nahihirapan kami pagdating sa mga expenses lalo na sa pagbabayad ng tuition kasi madaming proseso tsaka naging online na ang bayaran," he said. Now, with Montenegro Shipping Lines directly handling tuition payments, scholars can focus entirely on their studies. "Pag-aaral na lang namin ang iniintindi namin," he added.

Comprehensive Support for Scholars

The SAIL Scholarship Program alleviates the financial strain on students and their families by covering all educational costs, textbooks, and even living expenses. This holistic approach enables scholars to focus fully on their studies, setting them on a clear path to success. The Montenegro Scholarship does more than ease financial burdens; it opens doors to global opportunities. Scholars gain access to prestigious shipping companies, ensuring secure employment in a competitive industry.

The Value of Opportunity

Education is hailed as the most powerful weapon to achieve a brighter future. For the scholars of PROJECT SAIL, financial struggles have been overcome with perseverance and determination. "Do not let financial difficulties break your spirit. Use them to fuel your determination," serves as a guiding principle for them.

Indeed, all struggles are temporary, but the knowledge and skills gained through education endure forever. For these scholars, the generosity of Montenegro Shipping Lines has opened doors to opportunities that will shape their futures. Their journey is a testament to the impact of a helping hand and an unwavering spirit to succeed.

A Beacon of Hope for Mindoreños

Through its mission to empower families one seafarer at a time, PROJECT SAIL stands as a testament to the life-changing power of education, opportunity, and collaboration between institutions. With the unwavering support of Southwestern College of Maritime Business and Technology and Montenegro Shipping Lines, this program provides underprivileged families with hope, opportunity, and a brighter future.