Norway honors Ilongga educator

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — An Ilongga school head was recently awarded by the Norway government for her role in improving and developing maritime education in the Philippines.

Doctor Mary Lou Arcelo, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), was bestowed with the Norwegian Board Order of Merit by His Excellency Knut Solem, Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines, during a ceremony recently held at the Ambassador's residence in Forbes Park, Makati City.

The Order of Merit award, consisting of a blue cross and a plaque, is given by Norway to people who it believed was able to achieve a feat affective in a positive way to their country. Arcelo was the second Filipino recipient of the award since 1988.

Solem said Arcelo's efficiency and commitment to maritime education has established JBLFMU as a leading maritime school in the Philippines, producing thousands of quality seafarers manning the world shipping industry.

Norway, known worldwide for her solid shipping business, recognizes that, "through the efforts of Dr. Arcelo, the relationship between my country and the Philippines is strengthened and that the interest of Norway is promoted," Solem said after the conferment rites.

Arcelo, for her part, thanked Solem, the Norwegians attending the awarding rites and the country of Norway for the recognition.

The awarding rite was also attended by Dr. Roland Raymond Lacson, JBLFMU chief executive officer; administrators Lorna Gellada, Ralph Pador, and Capt. Luis Evidente; members of the JBLFMU Executive Council and Board of Trustees; Norwegian shipping and manning company representatives; and Norwegian Embassy personnel. —(FREEMAN)