The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) held the Graduation Ceremony for the Second Batch of Class 2019 at the New Parade Grounds of the MAAP campus in Kamaya Point, Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan on December 6, 2019.
Representing the second batch of graduates belonging to the Serezaeons Class of 2019, 197 midshipmen and midshipwomen were honored in this year’s graduation rites. 88 were granted their bachelor’s degrees in Marine Transportation and 109 obtained their bachelor’s degrees in Marine Engineering from the distinguished institution.
Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) President, Dr. Conrado F. Oca welcomed the guests, sponsors, partners from different shipping companies, other responsible stakeholders, the faculty and staff of MAAP, the graduates and their families and friends. Dr. Oca took this occasion to thank the parents of the graduates for entrusting the education of their children to MAAP. He also extended his gratitude to the mentors, instructors and administrators of MAAP who kept the legacy of their founder, Capt. Gregorio S. Oca alive. Thus resulting in the Philippines being the top producers of world class seafarers now over a quarter of the 1.2 million seafarers worldwide.
Lastly, he challenged the graduates to do their best in their chosen career. “From this date forward I challenge each and every single one of you here to be a deal changer. Right here, right now is the time for you to set your minds to think big, to persevere and to commit to doing your absolute best to live up to the prestige of being the Marinerong Pilipino!”
MAAP President, VAdm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos gave the declaration of graduates and conferment of degrees. After which, he and Dr. Oca assisted the Guest of Honor distribute the diplomas. He then introduced the Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker, Capt. Ahmed Belal, Chairman of International Maritime Employers' Council.
Capt. Belal who was closely involved in the initial setting up of the MAAP Cadet Program, acknowledged the great contributions of the MAAP instructors who shared their expertise and experiences in molding these graduates of 2019 for a career at sea. He reminded the graduates to be thankful for the opportunity MAAP has posed before them. “Whilst there are many academies in the Philippines, we believe the graduates coming from MAAP are fit and are able to meet the challenges of modern shipping industry.” He added, “You are now part of a group of outstanding graduates and we believe you have what it takes to become a highly successful seafarer.”
He also acknowledged the support of the families of the graduates. They have persevered and supported them the last four years as they pursue their dreams. He advised that they should never forget their family because they are the key for a successful career at sea. Lastly, he congratulated the graduates who are now ready to take new challenges in life of a seafarer, “I congratulate you and thank you for making MAAP Cadet program a success. Enjoy your graduation and I wish you the best of luck for your forthcoming licensure examinations and I look forward to hearing about your future success.”
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