On December 2, 2022, a celebratory mood enveloped the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) Campus in Kamaya Point, Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan, as MAAP held a graduation ceremony for their second batch of graduates.

Representing the second batch of graduates belonging to the Dracarheas Class of 2022, 171 midshipmen and midshipwomen were honored in this year’s graduation rites. Of which, 81 of the graduates were granted their degrees for Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, while the remaining 90 received their degrees for Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering.

Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) President and MAAP Chairman, Dr. Conrado F. Oca started off by giving his welcoming remarks and introduced the special guests. With his friendly personality, he acknowledged the members of the graduating class, faculty and staff of MAAP, the parents, and the alumni who graced the event. He also commended graduate Van Alfred Villanueva who took home the Seafarer of the Year Award at the Crew Connect Global Awards 2022, best cadet in Seafarer’s Award in Singapore and 1st place award at the Huwarang Mag-aaral ng Gitnang Luzon 2022. He concluded his speech with a simple remark: “Mabuhay ang Pilipinong mandaragat.”

Thereafter, MAAP Dean of Academics, Captain Daniel S. Torres Jr. introduced the second batch of graduates from the Dracarheas Class of 2022, honoring their success. Vice-Admiral Eduardo Ma R. Santos then conferred the degrees towards the graduates, congratulating them for their accomplishments. Commandant of the 169 Naval Reserve Officer Training Core Unit, Philippine Navy, Commander Giovanni C. Cando led the condition order, which was followed by Rear Admiral Renato David, who administered the Oath of Office to the graduating class.

The Guest of Honor, the Speaker of House Representatives and 1st District Representative of Leyte, Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Dr. Conrado F. Oca and Vice-Admiral Eduardo Ma R. Santos initiated the distribution of diplomas. They were then joined by Executive Director, Center for Advanced Maritime Studies, CE Rodolfo D. Paiso who conferred the degrees of the five CAMS graduating students and assisted with the distribution of their diplomas.

Shortly after, Vice-Admiral Eduardo Ma R. Santos introduced the House Speaker Romualdez, discussing his past and current designations, his educational background, the bills he authored and his achievements, welcoming him to the event.

Finally, the Commencement Speaker began his speech. He acknowledged the large contribution of the maritime industry to the Philippine economy, proud that the institution has consistently produced world-class seafarers. He then followed by discussing the pending measures being discussed to benefit seafarers, including the Maritime Education Training Act, the International Maritime Instrument Domestication Act and the Magna Carta for Seafarers.

“To the graduates, I send my warmest congratulations, to each of you, and my very best wishes, for a successful future in the maritime industry. This year’s graduating class deserves a standing ovation for not letting the pandemic leave you to veer off course or put undue pressure on you. This entails courage, focus, determination and inspiration from your loved ones.”, House Speaker Romualdez said. “You have gained the knowledge and concrete advantage of an academic degree that is recognizable all over the world. Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay kayong lahat.”