Our Featured Lacsonian for today is Capt Jose O. Valera. He graduated Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration at the former JBLCF Molo in 1989. Seeing that there are better opportunities for the seafaring profession, he enrolled with the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation at JBLCF Arevalo and graduated in 1992 as a regular student. He went onboard as a cadet in 1994 and rose the ranks until he became a master.

After decades of plying the oceans, in April 2017, he came back to harbor as DP and Asst General Manager of Taiyo Sangyo Trading and Maritime Services based in Yokohama, Japan. He is married to GEMMA C. VALERA of the BSCA 1989 also from JBLCF and has two children, Angelika Jo a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Journalism at the University of Sto Tomas and Jose Alexandre now in Grade 11 at the Dela Salle University. The journeys I took, were laurels I will always wear with pride. The person I have become because of this profession has given significance in the lives of many.

No amount of academic achievement will define who you are, it is the life’s lessons one learned and the choices he makes despite the hardships that dictate what will become of himself. Voyage always starts and ends at harbor. Passion, determination love for your work and a right attitude along with prayer will lead us to a safe arrival to berth. We are the Masters of our own lives, we are the “AB” Helman’s of our own journey. Let us set a course line the will lead us victorious in the end.