The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) celebrated the Graduation Ceremony for the Second Batch of Class 2018 at the New Parade Grounds of the MAAP campus in Kamaya Point, Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan on December 7, 2018.
Representing the second batch of graduates belonging to the Empriverion Class of 2018, 195 midshipmen and women were honored on this December Commencement Exercises. For this second batch, 89 were granted their bachelor’s degrees in Marine Transportation and 106 obtained their bachelor’s degrees in Marine Engineering. Together with the 169 graduates in May, MAAP has produced a total 364 graduates for 2018 that are now ready to take the next steps and hurdle the challenges that a career at sea offers.
Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) President, Dr. Conrado F. Oca opened the graduation rites by welcoming the guests, dignitaries, the graduates and their families, the faculty and friends. MAAP President, VAdm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos gave the declaration of graduates and conferment of degrees. He then introduced the Guest-of-Honor and Commencement Speaker, Capt Koichi Akamine Chairman of the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ).
Capt Akamine congratulated the graduates for having completed their degrees in a notable institution like MAAP. He also congratulated the parents for their undying support in achieving the dreams of these young ladies and gentlemen. He expressed his gratitude since Filipino seafarers play a very important role in the Maritime industry of Japan. He reiterated that their organization, the IMMAJ directly benefits from the graduation of these midshipmen and women as 30% of the 46,000 seafarers they employ in Japanese vessels are Filipinos. He challenged them to do their best as they begin their careers and to uphold the excellence Filipino seafarers are known for.
Secretary Tugade started off his speech by congratulating the graduates in behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte. The honorable Secretary says the graduates are lucky to have undertaken their studies in a distinguished and honorable institution like MAAP which has prepared them well for a life at sea. While the school has prepared them well, he reminded them that they will have to face many challenges in their careers. In response to these challenges, his message to them is threefold: first, to do what is right and uphold the dignity of the Filipino worker. One must denounce corruption, drugs and other social ills and serve their employers to the best of their abilities.
Second is to love their families. As they take to work, do not forget the sacrifices their parents have done for them. Show them their love by constantly being in touch with them especially since they will be far away. He reminds them that love for the family is in the psyche of every Filipino. Lastly is to love their one and only country, the Philippines. As the country continue to progress, let us not forget our duties to our country. Contribute to the country’s development by being a responsible Filipino citizen.