From 2026, IMEC assumed financial responsbility for the Adopt-A-Ship Programme in San Pedro, Laguna, the Philippimnes.

The Adopt-A-Ship San Pedro Programme is a free, 8-10 week educational initiative that connects elementary school classrooms with seafarers on board operating vessels. Through weekly email exchanges with the ship’s Captain and officers, students follow the vessel’s journey, track its movements on a map, and learn about geography, global trade, the marine environment, and life at sea.

The programme is designed to raise awareness and appreciation of the maritime industry from an early age, promote understanding of the vital role seafarers play in world trade, and inspire future interest in maritime careers. Since its launch in the Philippines in 2015, in partnership with IMEC Member companies, the San Pedro initiative is currently engaging more than 35,000 young learners, as part of global Adopt A Ship programmes that serve more than 100,000 children worldwide.

The day-to-day operations are conducted by the Adopt-A-Ship team in San Pedro, whose dedication and professionalism make the programme possible. It is their daily coordination with schools, vessel crews, and students that brings the initiative to life and ensures its continued success. We also wish to acknowledge the Gregorio Oca Leadership and Development Foundation, Inc. (GOLD Foundation) for their role in providing administrative handling for the programme.

Under this new structure, IMEC will take full financial responsibility for the programme and provide strategic oversight. While financial responsibility now sits with IMEC, the core principles, objectives and humanitarian focus of the programme remain unchanged. Our intention is to strengthen and enhance the initiative so it can deliver even greater value and long-term sustainability.