Story by Mdpn. Hans Ibert David
Photos by Mdpn. Joeven Dolendo Jr., 2/M Jester Dela Cruz, and Capt. Julyven Juanica

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. paid tribute to its founding father, Captain Juan Bautista Lacson, on three separate occasions in respect for his 127th birthday today, May 9.

Yesterday afternoon, six second-year students formally placed flowers at his burial site—Filipino-American Cemetery in Jaro, Iloilo City—an annual practice of tradition.

This morning, students, and faculty and staff, witnessed the laying of flowers led by the university's Naval Reserve Officer's Training Corps (NROTC) Unit, as they marked Capt. Lacsons' mural with chrysanthemum bouquets.

After that, a Holy Mass Celebration was led by Rev. Fr. Richardo A. Panghulan as the mass presider, highlighting the importance of "grace of origin"—way of church in going back to its founder.

In addition, Rev. Panghulan pointed at the tarpaulins stapled at the corners of the university gym while having his sermon, as he emphasized the vision, mission, and philosophy as a stepping stone in having "innate discipline."

Every year, during May 9, Captain Lacson's birthday is celebrated as an accolade for founding one of the top maritime institutions in the country, as well as his prowess as a teacher, a master mariner, and a port pilot.

Reference: https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1CGCsMDCuR/