Thursday, December 04, 2008

Aklanons Launch LCT Mighty Sailor
by AMBROSIO R. VILLORENTE

Aklan top officials gathered in the morning of Wednesday, December 2 in Dumaguit National Port, Dumaguit, New Washington, Aklan to launch the first ever, all steel light craft transport (LCT) christened as LCT Mighty Sailor.

Mighty Sailor is a long cherished family dream turned into reality. Although, the boat building is a family affair, the whole community came to claim part of the success and shared the jubilation of the great fulfillment.

Mayor Edgar Peralta whose part in the program was to give “welcome message” extolled the excellent qualities of the Salvadors, particularly Chief Engr. Jonathan R. Salvador. According to Mayor Peralta, Engr. Salvador “is just short of a brother to him”.

Atty. Art R. Carpio, a retired municipal judge gave the “opening remarks”. He gave more than the opening. Atty. Carpio revealed the background of the Salvador family and the impact of the LCT Mighty Sailor for New Washington and Aklan. Engr. Jonathan Salvador is a new member of the Rotary Club of Kalibo, being such almost all the members and their spouses graced the launching. Providing water transport is among the thrusts of Rotary and the launching of the boat is a response to Rotary theme this year: “Make Dreams Real”.

Megs S. Lunn, the first woman president of the Rotary Club of Kalibo underscored the benefits LCT Mighty Sailor will bring to Aklan. She pointed to the Salvador’s as not only world class seafarers, they are also globally competitive ship builders.

Engr. Jan Hansen, Fleet Manager of AJ Ship Management, Leer, Germany paid tribute to Filipino seafarers as exemplified by Engr. Jonathan. He said,” I’m asked to inspire, but may I disappoint you. I am instead inspired”. He talked about the work ethics of Jonathan, and of his skills which for a short period of time Jonathan was promoted to chief engineer.

Former judge Niovady M. Marin was designated to introduce the guest speaker, Sec. Leandro R. Mendoza of the DOTC. He did not appear. He sent one of his subalterns to represent him.

Hon. Celia C. Dela Cruz gave her reflection. She pointed out what are the contributions of the New Washington Sang-guniang Bayan gave to facilitate approval and construction of the boat.

The father, Engr. Blass Bayani Salvador talked about the family love of the project as a way to serve his people and the community.

After enjoying the sumptuous thanksgiving lunch, the cutting of ceremonial ribbon and the traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne across the bow were presided by the lady members of the Salvador family who are Ms. Jessica R. Salvador, Ms. Audrey B. Salvador, Ms. Marivic E. Salvador, and Ms. Remedios P. Ambrocio. Ms. Kristen Hansen joined them.
Ms. Lyneth R. Mendoza of RGMA–DYRU was the lady dean of ceremony. /MP

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hello,

It is good news of people helping the community.

However, I noticed one thing missing about this article. How will LCT Mighty Sailor help the community? After much have been written about the Salvador family, you forgot to also tell where will LCT Mighty Sailor be used. Will it be used between New Washington and Manila? To Boracay? To Batan? To other islands facing New Washington? Where? You missed this part.

Regards,
Elmar