Story by Mdpn. Kiann Marteen Baldo
Photos by Mdpn. JB Von Abid

With the goal of honoring the different student-led clubs and organizations as well as the advisers behind them, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. (JBLFMU-A) launched the SILAK Awards at the university's covered gym on June 4, 2025.

The event kicked off with Ms. Majah Angelica V. Sapio, RPm, explaining the value essence of the SILAK Awards, emphasizing that the event is not only made to recognize the students’ efforts to the university but also the community as a whole.

Shortly after, Mr. Robert O. Parcia, MSMM, Administrator, delivered a story stressing the importance of touching peoples’ lives and leaving a legacy, C/M Virmari S. Tan, Ph.D., Dean, BSMT Program, also took center stage and urged the students to continue to lead and be the foundation for others. Meanwhile, P/B Gen. June M. Jamolo (Ret.), OIC Dean, BS Criminology Program, concluded the opening messages and stated, “Keep soaring, keep up the good work, and congratulations!”

Afterwards, the presentation and giving of awards proceeded, starting with the Research Awardees from the 13th Annual Student Research Colloquium, which was followed by the giving of certificates to all the clubs’ and organizations’ service and exemplary service awardees as well as the CHED Scholarship awardees.

This year’s active organizations were Readers’ Partner Organization (RPO), Samahan ng Kabataang Marino ng Aklan (SAKMA), Capiz Seafarers’ Association (CSA), First District of Iloilo Future Seafarers’ Association (FIDIFSA), Maritime Lenses, Handumanan Circle, Women in Maritime Philippines (WIMAPHIL), JBLMFU-A Red Cross Youth, Fourth District Alliance of Future Marine Innovators, Navigator’s Society of Antique (NAVSA), Fifth District Sailor’s Organization (FIDISO), and Samahan ng Segundo Distritong Manlalayag (SASEDMA).

On the other hand, the Lapis Guild, Third District of Iloilo Future Seafarer’s Association (THIDIFSA), Community Extension Services Society (CESS), Prospective Association of Growing Seafarers in Iloilo City (PAGSIC), and Green Team were recognized as Outstanding Organizations, while the Polaris Class Organization was awarded as the Most Outstanding Organization.

The event continued with the recognition of BS Criminology Officers for Academic Years (A.Y.) 2023-2024 & 2024-2025 and the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected student government officers for the Supreme Student Government (SSG), Student Executive Council-BSMT (SEC-BSMT), and Student Executive Council-BSCRIM (SEC-BSCRIM).

Subsequently, Mdpn. Gabrielle Adrian Evangelista delivered his farewell speech and officially passed the key of responsibility to his successor, Mdpn. Prince Ezekiel Moreira, as the new SSG President for the A.Y. 2025-2025.

The program officially ended with words of gratitude and closing remarks from Mrs. Rohena Z. Miranda, MAEd, RGC.

Reference: https://web.facebook.com/share/p/19Z3JB1i3a/