The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) celebrated the Commencement Exercises honoring the 2^nd Batch of Aqueleas Class 2017 at the New Parade Grounds of the MAAP campus in Kamaya Point, Alas Asin, Mariveles, Bataan.   Of the 225 midshipmen who were honored in the graduation rites, 108 were granted their bachelor’s degrees in Marine Transportation and 117 obtained their bachelor’s degrees in Marine Engineering from the distinguished institution on December 6, 2017.

Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) President, Dr. Conrado Oca welcomed the Guest-of-Honor, distinguished guests, members of the academe, the graduates and their families.  Dr. Oca likewise gave his inspirational message to the graduates who will now embark on their careers and wished them well for the future.

Capt. Daniel S. Torres presented the graduates to MAAP President, VAdm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos who declared the midshipmen as graduates having fulfilled the academic requirements of the academy and conferred to them their Bachelor’s Degrees.  Cdr. Lawrence P Ato, Jr. of the Philippine Navy read their Commission Orders and led the graduates to their Oath of Office.

Guest-of-Honor and Commencement Speaker for the graduation ceremony was, Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Maritime, the Honorable Lino Hambala Dabi who reminded the graduates to approach their chosen profession with dignity and honor.   He told the graduating midshipmen that the Philippines is well respected in the Maritime Industry worldwide and that they should bring honor to their families, employers and country by working hard.   In closing the honorable Assistant Secretary wished them to be safe in their many journeys ahead.