MAAP, IMMAJ, and sponsoring companies welcome MAAP Class 2029

On September 2, 2025, the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) and the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) welcomed the incoming cadets of Class 2029 at the Auditorium of the Center for Advanced Maritime Studies (CAMS) building in the MAAP Campus, Kamaya Point, Mariveles, Bataan. A total of 291 cadets benefited from the IMMAJ-PJMCC Cadetship Training Program (CTP), of which 155 are deck cadets and 136 are engine cadets.

After the Invocation and singing of the National Anthem, MAAP President, VAdm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos, AFP (Ret.) welcomed the special guests, namely IMMAJ Chairman, Capt. Kiyotaka Aya, IMMAJ Executive Director, Mr. Ryoichi Ikeda, IMMAJ Director, Mr. Shunsuke Imada, Chief IMMAJ Representative, Capt. Shohei Teranishie and special guests form IMMAJ Japan namely, Capt. Takahiro Noguhi, Capt. Naomi Matshushita, CE Masatak Fukuta, and Mr. Hiroki Higashihira. He also welcomed Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC) President, Mr. Marlon Rono, the sponsoring companies, and the cadets of Class 2029.

Capt. Gerry Chan IMMAJ Training Coordinator for Deck took to the stage to acknowledge the companies who took part in this year’s CTP. He requested the cadets of Class 2029 to stand up and face their sponsors as Capt. Chan presented the cadets to their benefactors.

IMMAJ Chairman, Capt. Kiyotaka Aya took to the podium to address the IMMAJ scholars. He introduced the Japanese proverb, "Gambatte," which means "Do not give up," or "Keep going!" It's an expression of encouragement to motivate someone to persevere and give their best effort as they face many challenges in their schooling in MAAP. “Your character will be tested by many challenges. If you remember the spirit of “Gambatte” you will discover inner strength that will carry you through,” advised Capt. Aya. “When at sea, the waves may be very strong but true seafarers do not avoid them, but navigate through them. This is what “Gambatte” teaches us, to face challenges head on with courage and to never give up on ourselves”

PJMCC President, Mr. Marlon Rono congratulated the cadets of Class 2029 for having been accepted in a very good institution like MAAP. He encouraged them to aim for the best, not just to graduate but to be the best in the world. “Always keep in mind that when you serve at sea, you carry not only your name but also the pride of your family, but most importantly your academy and the country.”

He assures the cadets that they are not alone in their journey, “Behind you is a strong industry represented by IMMAJ, PJMCC, and your sponsors. We are your partners and we are deeply invested in your success because you are the future of the industry.” Lastly, he reminded them to always remember their sense of purpose, “This is not just about earning a diploma or securing a job. It is about becoming part of the proud tradition of the Filipino seafarers, men and women who are respected and trusted all over the world. You are the next generation that will carry this banner with pride.”

In a symbolic gesture, Capt. Chan, Mr. Imada, VAdm. Santos, Capt. Aya, Mr. Rono, Mr. Ikeda, and Capt. Teranishie led the traditional Pinning Ceremony where they attached a pin bearing the Philippine and Japanese flags to the chest-pocket of cadet representatives, signifying the affiliation of the two countries in the maritime industry.

In behalf of Class 2029, a cadet representative took to the stage and expressed the deepest gratitude of the class to their sponsors, IMMAJ and MAAP and vowed to do their best in the years ahead. For his Closing Remarks, Capt. Chan rallied the cadets with words of encouragements as they embark their studies in MAAP.

After the Welcoming Ceremony the Class of 2029 proceeded to separate rooms in the CAMS building to meet their sponsors. This meeting gave the sponsors a chance to get to know their scholars and express their expectations with their cadets. Each cadet was also given their own Philippine-Japan pins to signify their partnership.

Everyone then went to the Mess Hall for lunch. Capt. Chan took this chance presented an orientation regarding the roles of the All Japan Seaman’s Union (JSU), IMMAJ and PJMCC on the development of these young cadets.

In closing the Class of 2029 in unison shouted their newly adopted mantra, “Gambatte!”