Second Batch of MAAP Valhareans Class of 2025 earn their Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering Degrees

The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) held a graduation ceremony at Kamaya Point in Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan, honoring the second batch of the Valhareans Class of 2025. A total of 179 students received their degrees with 81 midshipmen graduating in Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and 98 midshipmen earning Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering degrees.

Fr. Joseph P Santiago, OSJ led the invocation to start the festivities. Dr. Conrado F. Oca, President of the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) and Chairman of MAAP welcomed the distinguished guests, MAAP faculty and staff, the graduates, family and friends. More importantly, he addressed the graduates to live the values of MAAP, “Today, you are truly ready to serve, ready to lead, and ready to uphold the honor of the Filipino maritime professional on the global stage.”

Lastly, he extended his gratitude to the parents and families for their unwavering support for every sacrifice, prayer, moment of encouragement, “Your love has anchored these men and women through their journey and today is as much your victory as theirs.”

Captain Daniel S. Torres Jr., MAAP’s Dean of Academics, presented the second batch from the graduating Valhareans Class of 2025 to MAAP President, VADM Eduardo Ma. R. Santos, AFP (Ret.) who declared them graduates and conferred the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering.

LCDR Vincent T. Larida of the Philippine Navy then read the commissioning orders stating that the graduates are commissioned in the reserve force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with a rank of Ensign in the Philippine Navy. In response to the Commissioning Orders, C/E Daniel C. Ropeta asked to graduates to raise their right hands and led the Oath of Office.

The Guest of Honor, Dr. Oca, and VADM Santos went on stage and led the distribution of diplomas and presentation of awards to the 179 Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering graduates. They also led the distribution of diplomas to the four graduating students of the Bridging Program.

VADM Santos then introduced the Guest of Honor, the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) Chairman, Capt. Kiyotaka Aya who delivered his Commencement Address. With over 500,000 Filipino seafarers, he reminded the graduates to uphold competence, readiness and professionalism. “You are ambassadors of the Filipino seafarer, upholding professionalism, compassion and respect wherever you go… Your journey has just begun. It will be challenging, rewarding and sometimes demanding but by taking care of yourself, caring for others, and leading with kindness, you will thrive both professionally and personally.”

In appreciation of his presence, MAAP presented Capt. Aya a memento. The singing of Alma Mater Song closed the graduation ceremony. The second batch of the Valhareans Class of 2025 exited with a line formation and disbursed to meet their families and loved ones.