Second batch of Valhareans Class 2025 IMMAJ Scholars Honored by IMMAJ-PJMCC Foundation with a Luncheon.

The IMMAJ-PJMCC Foundation, Inc. (FINC) hosted a special luncheon to honor the 84 midshipmen from the Second batch of Valhareans Class 2025 who were proudly sponsored by IMMAJ member-principals. The celebration was held at the Mess Hall of the Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Building at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) campus in Mariveles, Bataan on December 5, 2025.

The program opened with MAAP’s Director for Shipboard Training, CE Cleto Del Rosario introducing the special guests from the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) namely, Chairman Capt. Kiyotaka Aya, Deputy Secretary General Capt. Takahiro Noguchi, Deputy Secretary General CE Hiroki Higashihira, Director Mr. Shunsuke Imada, Executive Director Mr. Ryoichi Ikeda, IMMAJ Deputy Secretary General Ms. Reiko Sato, Chief IMMAJ Manila Representative Capt. Shohei Teranishi, and IMMAJ Representative CE Masataka Fukuta. He also welcomed the VIPs from the sponsoring companies from the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC). Together, these two organizations conspired to provide the financial and moral support these scholars needed to achieve their dreams of becoming world-class seafarers.

IMMAJ Training Coordinator for Deck, Capt. Gerry Chan introduced the graduating scholars along with their parents. He encouraged the scholars show their sincere appreciation to their parents who provided invaluable support throughout their academic journey.

After a sumptuous lunch, Chairman Aya took to the stage to deliver his message to the scholars and their families. In behalf of the 81 crewing agencies, shipmanagement companies, shipowners and IMMAJ, Chairman Aya expressed his congratulations to the graduates, their parents and families. “Graduates, remember to be courageous, adaptable, and uphold the high standards instilled in you during your time here in MAAP. However, be kind and compassionate to those around you. It is how you treat others that will define not only your character, but also legacy as a leader,” reminds Chairman Aya. He concluded by welcoming the scholars aboard IMMAJ ships with the hope that they thrive in their maritime careers, “May I soon see you achieving your dreams of being Captains and Chief Engineers.”

Next, IMMAJ Deputy Secretary General Sato joined Chairman Aya on stage to present the Conduct Award to Midshipman Maicy Ian A. Ebreo, BSMT from K-Line Group. After, they presented the Professional Subject Award to Cadet Kim Rasyl S. Cambiado, BSMarE from Leonis Navigation Inc.

Midshipman Pierre John Illut, a scholar from Eastgate Maritime Corp. delivered a message in behalf of the Valhareans Class 2025, “To our sponsors, the IMMAJ and PJMCC, you are the wind in our sails. Your support gave us opportunities and hope. We are grateful for the trust you placed in us. And we pledge to honor your investments, not just in words but through our actions as your future seafarers.”

The event concluded with group photos with their respective sponsoring principals. Thus ending the student life for the Valhareans Class of 2025 IMMAJ scholars. They now take on the challenge of becoming word-class seafarers and carry the proud tradition of the global Filipino seafarer.