As part of the year-long celebration of 75 Years of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding in the Philippines, the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers, Inc. (SONAME), in proud partnership with FAS Maritime, presented the Balangay Legacy Awards on June 19, 2025, during Philmarine 2025. The awards honor distinguished industry leaders who have shaped the Philippine maritime landscape through innovation, resilience, and excellence. The award’s emblem—a handcrafted wood chip—pays homage to the balangay, the ancient wooden boat that carried early Filipino seafarers across oceans. This symbolic fragment reflects not only the ingenuity of our ancestors but also the legacy that continues today. Each awardee has helped preserve, uplift, and carry forward our nation’s maritime heritage, keeping alive the craftsmanship, courage, and pride that have long defined the Philippines as a seafaring nation.

Herma Shipyard Inc.
SONAME Balangay Legacy Award – Shipyard Category

The SONAME Balangay Award for the Shipyard Category was presented to Herma Shipyard Inc., a leading Filipino shipbuilding and repair company, in recognition of its long-standing commitment to excellence in the Philippine maritime industry. Herma Shipyard has consistently delivered high-quality newbuilding projects, including IACS-classed petroleum tankers, and remains a trusted contributor to the growth of the Philippine shipbuilding sector.

Herma Shipyard Inc. is a 100% Filipino-owned shipyard based in the Freeport Area of Bataan. Established in the early 2000s by Herminio S. Esguerra, the facility specializes in constructing double-hulled oil tankers and providing dry-docking, conversion, and upgrade services for both commercial vessels and naval ships. Known for its world-class standards and all-Filipino workforce, Herma Shipyard has delivered over a dozen locally built tankers for domestic and international clients.

The award was received on behalf of Chairman and CEO Herminio S. Esguerra by CDR Jose Exiquel A. Esguerra, PCGA, Director of the Herma Group Shipbuilding and Maritime Infrastructure Division.

University of Cebu
SONAME Balangay Legacy Award – Academe Category

The SONAME Balangay Award for the Academe Category was presented to University of Cebu in recognition of its outstanding dedication to academic excellence in maritime education, demonstrated by consistently achieving top passing rates in the PRC Licensure Examinations in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and for its commitment to producing highly qualified maritime professionals essential to the growth of the Philippine maritime industry and the inspiration of future generations.

The University of Cebu (UC) is a private, non-sectarian, co-educational institution in Cebu City, Philippines, founded on April 1, 1964 by Atty. Augusto W. Go as the Cebu College of Commerce. It became Cebu Central Colleges in 1972 and gained university status in 1992. Today, UC operates five campuses—Main (Sanciangko), Banilad, Lapu-Lapu–Mandaue (LM), the Marine Education & Training Center (METC), and Pardo–Talisay—and serves over 60,000 students. The university is accredited by PACU-COA and was recognized as a CHED Center of Excellence in 2016. It offers programs from basic to postgraduate levels, with strong disciplines in maritime education, engineering, business, health sciences, and law. UC is also known for its athletic program, the “Webmasters,” competing in the CESAFI league.

The award was received by President Atty. Augusto W. Go, through Engr. Maria Jean Berdin, OIC-Program Head, BSNAME Department.

Department of Science and Technology
SONAME Balangay Legacy Award – Research and Innovation Category

The SONAME Balangay Award for the Research and Innovation Category was presented to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in recognition of its invaluable contribution to advancing maritime research and innovation through the initiatives of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD). Notable supported projects include the Center for Modernized Maritime Transport System, the Alternative Energy Source Using Sail for Tuna Commercial Fishing Boats, and the enhancement of hydrodynamic laboratories, all aimed at upgrading shipbuilding processes and adopting emerging technologies that simulate and modernize maritime operations.

The Department of Science and Technology serves as the lead government agency responsible for science, technology, and innovation in the Philippines. Through PCIEERD, DOST supports high-impact maritime R&D aligned with the Science and Technology for Maritime Transport Applications (STMTA) roadmap. These initiatives include alternative-fuel vessels, intelligent transport systems, AIS development, route optimization software, and renewable energy solutions for fishing and passenger crafts. By investing in these technologies, DOST strengthens the country’s capacity to build safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable maritime transport systems.

The award was received by Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., through Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD-DOST).

Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation
SONAME Balangay Legacy Award – Environmental Category

The SONAME Balangay Legacy Award for the Environmental Category was presented to Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC) in recognition of its strong commitment to sustainable maritime operations and environmental stewardship. APFC has set a benchmark in the domestic shipping industry by incorporating eco-friendly technologies, applying efficient vessel design, and adopting green practices that minimize environmental impact. This award honors its leadership in promoting greener seas and advancing the long-term sustainability of Philippine domestic shipping.

Founded in 2002, Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation operates under the brand FastCat, a modern inter-island ferry service known for its fleet of catamaran roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels. These ships are locally built, fuel-efficient, and designed for safety, speed, and environmental performance. As part of its green initiatives, APFC has integrated technologies that reduce fuel consumption and emissions while supporting maritime connectivity and economic development across the Philippine archipelago. The company has also been an advocate for modernizing shipping practices and supporting maritime infrastructure aligned with sustainability goals.

The award was received by Mr. Christopher S. Pastrana, President and CEO of Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation, through Mrs. Mary Ann Pastrana, Chairman of APFC.

2GO Group Inc.
SONAME Balangay Legacy Award – Domestic Shipping Category

The SONAME Balangay Legacy Award for the Domestic Shipping Category was presented to 2GO Group Inc. in special recognition of its achievement as one of the major and most reputable shipping companies in the Philippine domestic trade. Through its extensive long-haul inter-island routes, 2GO has served as a vital backbone of the national logistics and maritime economy, connecting islands and supporting commerce across the archipelago. Its continued commitment to maintaining quality tonnage and reliable service stands as a model of excellence for stakeholders in the domestic shipping sector.

2GO Group Inc. is a leading integrated transportation and logistics company in the Philippines, offering passenger and cargo services via sea, land, and air. With a history that traces back to the country’s oldest shipping lines, 2GO has modernized its fleet and operations to meet the evolving needs of inter-island travel and cargo transport. The company plays a critical role in ensuring maritime mobility, especially in underserved areas, and continues to uphold safety, efficiency, and innovation in domestic shipping operations.

The award was received by Mr. Frederic C. Dybuncio, Chairman, President, and CEO of 2GO Group Inc., through Ms. Sharong Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head for Sea Solutions.

Baliwag Navigation Inc.
SONAME Balangay Legacy Award – Overseas Shipping Category

The SONAME Balangay Legacy Award for the Overseas Shipping Category was presented to Baliwag Navigation Inc. in recognition of its enduring legacy as one of the oldest Filipino-owned shipping companies engaged in international trade. The company continues to exemplify national pride and maritime excellence by owning and operating vessels under both the Philippine flag and other international registries, upholding the country’s presence in the global shipping arena.

Founded in the postwar period, Baliwag Navigation Inc. has a rich history of serving overseas routes and providing reliable vessel management and shipping operations across various global markets. Its longevity and resilience reflect the strength of Filipino enterprise in international shipping. By maintaining a fleet that sails under Philippine and international flags, the company supports not only trade but also the employment of Filipino seafarers, contributing to the maritime economy and the global recognition of the Philippines as a seafaring nation.

The award was received by Mr. Ramon A. Regala, Chairperson and CEO of Baliwag Navigation Inc., through Mr. Roy Alampay, Vice President and General Manager.