The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) celebrated its 15th Commencement Exercises at the New Parade Grounds of the MAAP campus in Kamaya Point, Alas Asin, Mariveles, Bataan.   Of the 150 midshipmen who were honored in this year’s graduation rites, 74 were granted their bachelor’s degrees in Marine Transportation and 76 obtained their bachelor’s degrees in Marine Engineering from the distinguished institution on May 24, 2017.

Representing the first batch of graduates belonging to the Aqueleas Class of 2017, 146 men and four women took to the stage to get their diplomas from guest-of-honor and speaker, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Hon. Silvestre H. Bello III and MAAP President, VAdm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos.   Given special recognition during the ceremonies were two midshipmen who graduated with magna cum laude honors and four who finished cum laude.

Secretary Bello revealed that one in every three of the 1.2 million seafarers on board vessels of every flag state in the world is a Filipino; some of whom are graduates form this institution.   “This figure from our Labor Department shows that MAAP is responsive in addressing the mounting demand for highly qualified seafarers.”   Secretary Bello recognized and congratulated MAAP and the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) for developing world-class seafarers making MAAP a cradle of destiny for knowledgeable, skillful and competent seafarers.  “Indeed, this continuing demand for skilled and competent seafarers proves that MAAP is relevant and responsive to the training needs of maritime professional in the country,” Secretary Bello pointed out.

The DOLE Secretary told the graduates "You will be turned over to the world fleet, and by virtue of this graduation, you will receive MAAP's quality seal of assurance that you are knowledgeable, skillful and competent in your respective billets."  He encouraged the graduates to bring with them not only their credentials and skills, but more so the values of the Academy "Virtus, fides et disiplina" and be seafarers of integrity.   He challenged the graduating class to strive hard, be loyal to their employers and bring honor to their country.