“I want you to dream, and dream big, and promise yourselves, someday ma Chief Engineer man ako, someday, ma Kapitan man ako, and it is not impossible. It’s a matter of how you set your eyes to what you want to accomplish and dedicate your efforts, your energy and your time to win it.” – Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., University President.

With this year’s theme: “Charting Safe Seas: UA’s Path to Maritime Excellence,” the College of Maritime Studies (CMS) ceaselessly honors its alumni, their experiences, and accomplishments in the celebration of Maritime Day, today at PaghiUsA Hall, June 6, 2024.

The celebration kicked off with a foot parade from Sibalom Plaza to University of Antique (UA) Main Campus’ grounds followed by the presentation of street dances by the maritime students.

3/E Rowen M. Samillano, CMS OIC Dean in his speech, recognized the tireless work and generous contributions of the faculty, staff, students, and student-volunteers in making the activity possible.

Meanwhile, three (3) guest speakers were invited to deliver speeches highlighting their seagoing experiences and achievements.

C/E Venciel Cerera Ballarta and Mr. Jorence Ruston Nermal, CMS Alumni and Resource Speakers, reminded the students to keep striving for their dreams and to never lose patience in applying for a job in shipping companies.

“Nobody is advanced, nobody is behind. Everybody is just on time”, Mr. Nermal added.

Furthermore, CG LT Val Ernie P. Daitao, Commander, Coast Guard Station – Antique, and one of the speakers shared two figures among the code of ethics from his alma mater which he learned and applied.

“First, as juniors, never to criticize the error of your superior. Instead, use it as a guide in improving your own actuation…Secondly, as seniors, never to denounce the deficiency of a subordinate. Instead, help him overcome his shortcomings”, he further stated.

According to Capt. Luis V. Garfin III, the college’s Associate Dean, the faculty have also prepared games in the afternoon which are related to their curriculum such as radar plotting, knot tying, welding, painting, carbon calculation, and passage planning.

This annual celebration will continue with the Search for Model and Star Cadets 2024 in the evening.