Story by Mdpn. Hans Ibert David
Photos by Mdpn. Lee Harvey Gumban and Mdpn. Joeven Dolendo Jr.

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. conducted the 77th Completion and Commencement Exercises of Batch Tagilasik at the campus' covered court yesterday, June 19.

Six hundred eighty-six Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) students walked down the red carpet with their parents for completing their classroom instructions. 

Moreover, one Summa Cum Laude, 31 Magna Cum Laude, and 65 Cum Laude graduates who finished their BSMT degree this academic year were also acknowledged.

Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BsCrim), Major in Maritime Safety and Security's pioneer batch graduated 27 students.

Parents, faculty, staff, board of trustees, department heads, and shipping company representatives graced the afternoon event, honoring the graduates' three-year-education for BSMT and four years for BsCrim.

Company sponsored and placement graduates took center stage for the awarding of plaques and certificates as the university named 25 companies for the awards of 165 midshipmen and midshipwomen combined.

Former Editor-in-Chief of The Navigator, C/M Jeff Rex C. Calambuhay, Ph.D., served as the commencement speaker, highlighting the ode graduates should pay respect to the dedication and tireless efforts of those who supported them all the way—their parents.

"Honor their love and sacrifices for they are often into your success story," the alumnus pushed to the 2025 graduates.

Anchored on the theme: "Expanding Beyond Borders: Strengthening the Culture of Excellence and Leadership Through Innovation and Internationalization", the graduates were reminded of their roles as future cadets beyond the proof of their received diplomas.

Chiefmate Virmari S. Tan, Ph.D., Dean of the BSMT Department and OIC-Director for International Relations, recited the philosophy of the university as a testament to the graduates to have discipline with them outside campus grounds.

Notably, the graduates ended the event through their batch song "Lacsonian's Pride", utilizing cellular phones as make-shift candle lights, raising their pershing caps and letting loose in the air, and bidding farewell through a recession.

Reference: https://web.facebook.com/share/p/16f3Wfk3vT/