Three Filipino seafarers were recognized as the national winners of the LIKHAng Marino Business Plan Competition (LMBPC) hosted by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The awarding ceremony, held on September 19, 2025, at The Tropics in Palo, Leyte, celebrated the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Filipino seafarers.
Grand Prize Winner Aims to Revitalize Organic Salon Industry
Kenneth Kier C. Fernando, a 29-year-old former cruise ship attendant from Nueva Ecija, was awarded the grand prize of P500,000 for his business plan for a salon specializing in organic hair treatments. A proud member of the LGBT community, Fernando’s journey to the top was a testament to his perseverance. Despite nearly missing the application deadline, his timely submission ultimately secured him the coveted top prize.
Runners-Up Recognized for Innovative Ideas
The second-place prize of P300,000 was awarded to James N. Nierra, a marine engineer from General Santos City, for his taco roll business proposal. Joshua D. San Andres, a ship food manager from Cavite, took third place and a P200,000 prize for his KasamBarangay service hub business model.
DMW Secretary Lauds Entrepreneurial Spirit
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac led the awarding rites, praising the finalists for their creative and forward-thinking business ideas. He highlighted that the LMBPC aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to empower Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by providing them with opportunities to build businesses for their families, communities, and the country.
“Our finalists proved that given the chance, our mariners are more than workers of the sea; they are innovators, entrepreneurs, and builders of strong communities,” Secretary Cacdac stated.
National Maritime Week Celebration
The event, which was coordinated with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the National Maritime Polytechnic, served as the official kick-off for the National Maritime Week celebration. The DMW-led event showcased the immense talent and creativity of Filipino seafarers beyond their roles at sea.
“Our event is not just to celebrate the winners and finalists, but also to celebrate the honor and lives of our seafarers,” Secretary Cacdac concluded.
