AIMS Museo Maritimo Celebrates Open Museum Day with Free Admission and a Strong Commitment to Maritime Sustainability

Hospitality Management Students from Isabela State University

September 30, 2025 – Pasay City, NCR, Philippines

Article by AIMS Museo Maritimo Personnel

September 30, 2025 - In honor of World Maritime Day and the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo 2025), AIMS Museo Maritimo proudly opened its doors for a day of free admission, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich maritime heritage of the Philippines.

This year’s celebration, held on September 27, was a resounding success, with over 75 students from Isabela State University and 6 sections from the National Service Training Program (NSTP) joining in the celebration. The event was a testament to our ongoing efforts to engage the community, especially the youth, in understanding the vital role that our oceans and maritime culture play in shaping the nation's identity and future.

World Maritime Day: "Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity!"

This year’s World Maritime Day theme, "Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity!" resonated deeply with the celebration’s activities and discussions. The theme underscores the collective responsibility we all bear in preserving marine ecosystems and adopting sustainable practices to ensure the ocean’s health for future generations.

Throughout the event, visitors learned about the importance of sustainable maritime practices and the urgent need to protect our oceans. AIMS Museo Maritimo is proud to align itself with the United Nations' Ocean Decade, continuing its commitment to promote ocean sustainability through education, research, and public engagement.

A Commitment to Our Maritime Heritage

The day was not only about celebrating the present but also about reflecting on our shared maritime past. The museum's exhibits, which span centuries of Philippine maritime history, offered visitors a chance to explore the innovations and stories that have shaped our archipelagic nation.

"We believe that by sharing these stories, we inspire a deeper appreciation for the ocean and a greater responsibility toward its preservation," said Daryl Lorence Abarca, Museum Curator and Researcher of AIMS Museo Maritimo. "The future of our maritime heritage depends on our collective action today."

A Day of Discovery and Engagement

Visitors enjoyed a day filled with educational activities, guided tours, and hands-on experiences. Special attention was given to engaging the youth through interactive displays and activities that connected the past, present, and future of maritime culture. Students from Isabela State University and NSTP were particularly enthusiastic, participating in discussions and workshops that encouraged them to think critically about how they can contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources.

“We are proud to partner with educational institutions like Isabela State University, as it allows us to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards,” added Juan Martin R. Guasch, Dean of CLAMS.

Looking Ahead

The success of this Open Museum Day is just the beginning. AIMS Museo Maritimo remains dedicated to offering more free-access events that raise awareness about the importance of maritime heritage and the oceans. As we continue to celebrate the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month, we invite everyone to join us in exploring our maritime culture, deepening our understanding of the ocean’s significance, and finding ways to contribute to its preservation.

Thank You to Our Visitors and Partners!

A special thank you goes to all the visitors, students, and staff who made the event possible. Our partners, including Isabela State University and the NSTP, played an integral role in making this celebration a success.

We look forward to welcoming more guests to AIMS Museo Maritimo in the future. Stay tuned for upcoming events and programs as we continue our journey in safeguarding our maritime heritage.