I attended the LLM course at the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in the academic year 2003/2004. This was in large part made possible by the Nippon Foundation for which I am very grateful. My studies at IMLI have certainly opened doors for my further academic and professional development and brought about career opportunities that would otherwise not have been possible. In addition, my stay at IMLI has also been a positive and enriching experience in a personal sense. Spending almost one year in a culturally diverse environment as a student has indeed prepared me well for challenges of living and working in foreign countries later on. Therefore I believe that IMLI has shaped me in more ways than one and I have learned valuable lessons both in and outside the classroom. I am very thankful that I was lucky enough to be chosen by Nippon Foundation as one of their scholars.

I would like to seize this moment to reaffirm my deepest and greatest appreciation and gratitude to the Nippon Foundation for granting me a scholarship and thus providing me with the opportunity to pursue an LL.M. degree in International Maritime Law at the IMO IMLI. The experience at IMLI cannot be easily expressed in writing. "Unique" is arguably the best word that can be used to describe the life and study at IMLI. Personally, in addition to the vast knowledge conveyed to us by lecturers and practitioners, I think I gained the confidence to believe in my abilities to perform under pressure, stay on point and be as precise as possible. Furthermore, the opportunity to meet huge variety of people from around the globe, connect, and most importantly make new friendships was indispensable to me. Last, but not least, the LL.M. degree in International Maritime Law would not have been possible to achieve without the continuous support all IMLI students received by Prof. David Attard and the rest of IMLI academic and administrative staff.

The Philippines is an archipelagic State and knowledge of international maritime law is very important. Thus, lawyers and law enforcers of the Philippine Coast Guard should have understanding and be equipped with knowledge in the legislation and application of international maritime law in the country. When I was nominated by the agency to study at the International Maritime Law Institute, I was very happy and when I received a sponsorship from Nippon Foundation, I was deeply honoured. Both Nippon and IMLI gave me the opportunity to understand International Law in a broad perspective. As a lawyer and law enforcer often engage as resource person in the domestication of international laws, I have fully understood the purpose why States need to enhance their maritime law capabilities. The Covid-19 pandemic emphasized the contribution of maritime industry in maintaining economic activities all over the world. While IMLI provided a venue for students to learn, understand and be trained in international law, Nippon opened the gateway for those who are not financially able to. The partnership between the two institutions played a pivotal role in achieving the long time pursuit of the International Maritime Organization in providing States with maritime experts. I was deeply overwhelmed by Nippon‘s support and IMLI’s nurturing. I came back to the Philippines more knowledgeable, prepared and enthusiastic to perform my duties and responsibilities as lawyer, educator, law enforcer, and as a maritime expert.

It is my great honour to be included in the few select students who benefitted from the grant of The Nippon Foundation. Being part of the prestigious list of IMLI’s roll of maritime professionals alongside other maritime experts in almost 150 nations is an incredible achievement. This privilege will not be possible without the generosity of The Nippon Foundation. My journey at IMLI was life-changing. The overall experience was challenging yet fulfilling. Not even the threat of COVID-19 pandemic could suppress the excitement of learning new things, refreshing the obsolete knowledge, and reaffirming what I already know. I am thankful to the pool of distinguished professors and lecturers who are well-known international maritime law experts, and the diverse multi-cultural participants from 32 nations who made the learning process fascinating and interactive. The Class of 2019-2020 is the largest batch as yet produced by IMLI that premiered the first online class and pioneered online assessment, which I refer to as the silver lining of COVID-19 pandemic that will open a floodgate of endless opportunities and possibilities to IMLI in the future. As a Deputy Executive Director, in command of running the affairs of the Philippines’ only government - owned maritime training, assessment, and research center in the country, my contribution is crucial to the development of future global maritime professionals. My exposure to international laws creates a ripple of positive changes that will impact the Philippine maritime industry. The knowledge and skills I gained will be beneficial in the development and implementation of Philippine maritime laws wherein international maritime laws and conventions are translated into national policies and programs of the Government. My profound appreciation and deep gratitude to The Nippon Foundation and the IMLI-NF partnership for this incredible journey. Without a doubt, the experience and knowledge I gained at IMLI are significant in my field of work, contributing to the Philippine maritime development. Thank you very much Nippon Foundation for your trust and confidence and more power to you.