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FEATI University's College of Maritime Education pays homage to students in maiden recognition rites
FEATI University’s Vice-Chairman and CEO, Francisco A. Segovia, Deputy to the CEO on Maritime Affairs, Captain Hernando S. Eusebio and Superintendent Captain Julius Tobias led the entire College of Maritime Education in handing out recognition certificates to more than sixty cadets during ceremonies last April 20, 2012 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Also present was FEATI University President Dr.-Ing. Adolfo Jesus R. Gopez.
This is the first time that the CME organized a recognition ceremony for its third year cadets commemorating their academic accomplishments prior to embarking on one year of training aboard a seafaring vessel. Previously third year cadets successfully completing their academic requirements were recognized at the University commencement exercises.
The theme of this maiden event was “FEATI and Industry Partners: Steering You Beyond the Horizon!” In attendance were distinguished FEATI alumni in the maritime industry and representatives of a dozen industry partners; Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Philippines, Inc. represented by its president and FEATI alumnus Capt. Gregorio B. Sialsa; Bibby Ship Management Philippines, Inc. represented by its CEO, Capt. Rodolfo Aspillaga; JO Tankers Philippines, Inc. represented by its president, Capt. Reynaldo Alinea; Klaveness Maritime Agency, Inc. represented by its president, Capt. Victor S. Del Prado; Marlow Navigation, Inc. represented by its Manager for Cadet Development, Capt. Orlando G. Ormas; MMSPhil Maritime Services, Inc. represented by its president, Alfredo T. Mendoza; Multinational Maritime, Inc. represented by its president Capt. Banny Briones, MST Marine Services represented by Capt. Benjamin M. Katipunan, Jr.; Pos Fil Ship Management Corporation represented by its Operations Manager, Chief Engineer Robert J. Navarro; Trans Star Shipping Agency Corporation represented by its vice-president for administration, Robert Vincent Eusebio; TSM Shipping Philippines, Inc. represented by its president, Capt. Alfonso R. Del Castillo; and Wallem Maritime Services, Inc. represented by its General Manager, C/Engr. Artemio V. Serafico. As part of the program they all personally met with the cadets and their parents or guardians to discuss opportunities for the cadets in their companies, as well as to share their passion for the seafaring profession.
The keynote address of the Guest of Honor and Speaker, Capt. Leopoldo C. Tenorio, also a FEATI Nautical Science alumnus Batch ’73, and the current CEO for Operations of Marlow Navigation, touched more than a few hearts when he wistfully remembered, with a slight break in his voice, his struggles as a young man thirsting for a FEATI degree, one of the foremost universities in aeronautics, nautical science, and engineering in his time. He encouraged the cadets to take their shipboard training very seriously and pursue a career in seafaring because “the rewards in financial terms are enormous”. He emphasized his journey from being a cadet to his present station in life. He did not forget his contemporaries in the room, saying that all of them kept their eye on the prize and were not disappointed. He mentioned his earnest desire to “give back to the institution responsible for preparing him for his career: FEATI University”.
Capt. Tenorio, along with his fellow FEATInians, was recognized as a FEATI University Distinguished Alumnus. Also named Distinguished Alumni were Captain Jaime D. Aquino, Chairman, Board of Marine Deck Officers of the Professional Regulation Commission and Port Captain, One Shipping Corporation; Captain Mike L. Castro, Member, Board of Marine Deck Officers of the Professional Regulation Commission and Senior Simulator Instructor, NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training Inc.; Captain Ireneo U. delos Santos, Member, Board of Marine Deck Officers of the Professional Regulation Commission, President, Global Heart Missions’ Inc. and President, Ireneo’s Storehouse; Captain Gregorio B. Sialsa, President, Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Phils., Inc. and Outstanding Seaman of the Year of the Apostleship of the Sea; Captain Edwin P. Saclayan, Master Mariner, Member, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, 119th Squadron, Member, Maritime Industry Authority, and Member, MARINA Panel Examiner for Major, Minor Patron and Boat Captain. They were recognized for their commitment and devotion to their alma mater and for working their way up into the highest positions in the industry.
Then it was time to call the cadets on stage to receive their certificates of recognition accompanied by those dearest to them. Appropriately leading them onto the stage were the top three cadets of Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation. The top three Marine Engineering cadets were Rank 1: Angelo Kristoffer D. Rol; Rank 2: Angelito-Lachman L. Lalwani; and Rank 3: Pavlous P. Fafoutakis II. The top three Marine Transportation cadets were Rank 1: Mark Jesus V. Forcadas; Rank 2: GJ Adrianne R. Adato; and Rank 3 (tie): Ronne Jones L. Mayuga and Jhon Paul DC Tamondong
CME Superintendent Capt. Julius Tobias has these nuggets of wisdom to say to his cadets, “It is FEATI University’s hope that firmly entrenched in them are the values that we taught, all equally important, but foremost is the value of hard work. We have faith that together with the guidance and mentorship of our industry partners that their hard work will pay off. We are positive that if they stay the course they will become a blessing to their country, countrymen, and family. It is not farfetched that they could take our place in the future and become stewards and captains of the industry themselves. In fact, they could be addressing our maritime education graduates in the near future!” (AMD)
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