The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) celebrated the Graduation Ceremony for the First Batch of Class 2018 at the New Parade Grounds of the MAAP campus in Kamaya Point, Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan on May 23, 2018.

Representing the first batch of graduates belonging to the Empriverion Class of 2018, 169 midshipmen and women were honored in this year’s graduation rites.  81 were granted their bachelor’s degrees in Marine Transportation and 88 obtained their bachelor’s degrees in Marine Engineering from the distinguished institution.

Also given recognition were 11 graduating students for the Center for Advanced Maritime Studies.  They were acknowledged by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for having fulfilled the requirements of the CAMS program.  Also recognized were two graduates who were conferred with Masteral degrees in Marine Transportation and in Marine Engineering.

Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) President, Dr.  Conrado F. Oca opened the graduation rites by welcoming the guests, dignitaries, the graduates and their families, the faculty and friends.

MAAP President, VAdm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos gave the declaration of graduates and conferment of degrees.  He then introduced the Guest-of-Honor and Commencement Speaker, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade.

Secretary Tugade started off his speech by congratulating the graduates in behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte.  The honorable Secretary says the graduates are lucky to have undertaken their studies in a distinguished and honorable institution like MAAP which has prepared them well for a life at sea.  While the school has prepared them well, he reminded them that they will have to face many challenges in their careers.  In response to these challenges, his message to them is threefold:  first, to do what is right and uphold the dignity of the Filipino worker.  One must denounce corruption, drugs and other social ills and serve their employers to the best of their abilities.

Second is to love their families.  As they take to work, do not forget the sacrifices their parents have done for them.  Show them their love by constantly being in touch with them especially since they will be far away.  He reminds them that love for the family is in the psyche of every Filipino.   Lastly is to love their one and only country, the Philippines.  As the country continue to progress, let us not forget our duties to our country.   Contribute to the country’s development by being a responsible Filipino citizen.