Nalig-on ang Pagtuo sa Pagka-Seaman

“Pag duyan-duyan usa, para ma-train ug maanad ka na inigsakay sa barko (train yourself with the swinging motions aboard ship for when you will be out at sea,)” was the advise of Nando to his now-seaman son. Looking back, having a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation son, a nurse son, a Medical Technologist daughter, and a Management Accounting daughter makes all the hardships worth going through.
Fernando B. Cordora remembers his six (6) years work in an inter-island boat in Butuan, and his eleven (11) years as instructor at the St. Joseph Institute teaching Marine Engineering. Already married then, he knew that his income can only be stretched so far and would not be enough for his family’s ever-growing needs.
With a record of good work ethics and experience, he was accepted in an international cargo ship. In his twenty-three (23) years as a seaman, he worked in only five (5) international ships as he was called back to the same ships.
Only when one is really determined to work diligently and honestly, and has a secure family life can one succeed in this work, Nando says.
On the emotional side, a seaman is far from his family. Discipline of children is difficult. And one has to deal with loneliness, and sometimes temptation, once at port. On the career side, work is contractual. Unless a seaman stays forever on a ship, there is no career path. And to avoid being blacklisted by other ships, one cannot complain about a ship’s unfair policies. And speak of the gigantic waves which sways the ship like a toy!
The perks of the job are : “suroy (sight-seeing)” when the ship berths for 3-4 days in a country, own spacious cabin with refrigerator and television in addition to free uniform and food as an officer, and a salary scale one cannot get from local boats doing the same job. There is also no age limit when one has worked with the same ship for many years.
On faith, he says that “Sa pagka-seaman nako, nalig-on ang akong pagtuo kay sa GINOO na lang gyud musalig. Naa koy dakong crucifix sa room nako ug mangadyi gyud ko kada before work. Pasalamat ko nga naa koy maayong asawa ug pamilya . (I have only GOD to call, so my faith was strengthened, I have a big crucifix in my room and I pray before work everyday. I am blessed that I have a faithful and loving wife and family.) Wife Fannie added that our extended family tradition has helped her cope as an “ina-tay (mother and father at the same time)” to their children.
Retired in 2012, with no separation “anxiety” about his job, and no “re-entry”- into-the-family problems, Nando can only give glory to GOD WHO made all things possible. Wife Fannie can only say “amen” to all these!
Nando is presently in Singapore, no, not as a seaman this time, but as “yayo (nanny)” to his grandkid.
(as interviewed by Bella A. Sarenas)