MAAP Celebrates the Graduation of the Pioneer ZEPHYREONS Class of 2026

On June 3, 2026, the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) proudly celebrated the graduation of the first batch of the ZEPHYREONS Class of 2026 at Kamaya Point, Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan. The ceremony honored 200 graduates, including 116 Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation graduates and 84 Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering graduates, as they prepared to begin their professional maritime careers.

The program opened with an invocation led by Fr. Joseph P. Santiago, OSJ. Dr. Conrado F. Oca, Chairman of MAAP and President of the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), welcomed the graduates, their families, faculty members, staff, and distinguished guests. In his remarks, he encouraged the graduates to carry forward the values and principles instilled by MAAP and expressed his appreciation to the families whose unwavering support contributed to the students’ success.

Chief Engineer Julius M. Jimenez formally presented the graduating class to MAAP President, VADM Eduardo Ma. R. Santos, AFP (Ret.), who officially conferred the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering upon the graduates.

The graduates were also commissioned into the Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the rank of Ensign in the Philippine Navy. The commissioning orders were read by LCDR Vincent T. Larida, Philippine Navy, who also administered the Oath of Office.

Dr. Oca and VADM Santos led the awarding of diplomas and recognition of the 200 graduates, consisting of 192 male and 8 female cadets. The ceremony was further highlighted by the commencement address of His Excellency Kazuya Endo, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, who reminded the graduates to face future challenges with confidence, humility, and pride as they contribute to the global maritime industry.

The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of years of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, celebrating the achievements of the pioneer ZEPHYREONS Class of 2026 as they embark on a new chapter of service and excellence in the maritime profession.