The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) held the 14th MAAP Commencement Exercises at the New Parade Ground of the MAAP campus in Kamaya Point, Alas Asin, Mariveles, Bataan last May 28, 2016.

The Commencement Exercises began with the Graduation Parade.  At 1000H the Alpha, Beta, Charlie and Delta companies entered the parade grounds.  After having formed their troops, the Sound Off, Manual of Arms, Publication of Order and Officers’ Center commands were given by the Commandant.  With the troops now ready, the Graduating Class of 2016 marched forward to take their place in the Parade Ground.  Looking smart and honorable in their gala uniforms, a total of 148 cadets formed the first batch of graduates of the Valkereans Class of 2016.

The NETC Band played the Philippine National Anthem and the Invocation was led by Fr. Elygio Santos.  Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) President, Dr. Conrado F. Oca welcomed the special guests, members of the academe, families, friends and the graduating class.  Among the prominent dignitaries in attendance were Minister for Economic Affairs of the Japanese Embassy Mr. Makoto Iyori, International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) Chairman Capt. Masami Sasaki and Japan Seaman Union President (JSU) Mr. Yasumi Morita.

Dr. Oca then shared his special message to the graduating cadets.

Cm. Renante A. Garcia presented the graduating class to MAAP President, VAdm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos who declared that the cadets have fulfilled the requirements for graduation and conferred their Bachelor’s Degrees.  Cdr. Lawrence P.  Ato, PN led the Reading of Commission Orders and Oath of Office.  1/E. Rodolfo Paiso led the presentation of the graduating students.  VAdm. Santos, Dr. Oca and the Guest of Honor then proceeded to the center of the stage for the awarding of diplomas and presentation of awards.

This year’s Commencement Exercises also honored graduates of the Center for Advanced Maritime Studies (CAMS).  Four graduates namely Capt. Rodolfo Raz, Capt. Januario Lansang, Capt. Lexington Calumpang and 1/E Gerhart Paiso graduated from the MAAP Masteral program.  VAdm. Santos led the declaration of graduates and conferment of Master’s Degree.  After which he introduced this year’s Guest of Honor.  

Ms. Jane Sy, President of Stolt Philippines gave the commencement address.   She began by congratulating and acknowledging the hard work that the graduates did to reach this point.  Now they face bigger challenges as they carve their career at sea.  She reminded them the value of their profession and how their hard work will result in progress and global development.

In appreciation of her being the Guest of Honor and Speaker for this year’s Commencement Exercises, VAdm. Santos and Dr. Oca presented Ms. Sy with a plaque of appreciation and a memento.  The ceremonies concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater song.