The Tala-An kickoff session of the Search for the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) 2026 officially brought together the Top 20 finalists from various Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) at the STI Training Academy on September 15, 2026.

The event served as the opening activity for this year’s search, marking the beginning of the finalists’ journey toward earning recognition as some of the country’s most outstanding maritime students.

Throughout the session, the finalists participated in discussions, activities, and learning sessions designed to prepare them for the succeeding stages of the competition.

Maritime professionals and industry speakers shared their knowledge and experiences, giving the finalists valuable insights into leadership, professionalism, and the responsibilities of future Filipino maritime professionals.

The kickoff session concluded with an open forum where the TOMSP Top 20 finalists engaged with the speakers through meaningful discussions, questions, and exchanges of ideas, reflecting their commitment to excellence and their future role in the maritime industry.