BON VOYAGE. The Lacsonian Community applauds your commitment to developing young minds and pursuing excellence unwaveringly. With a sense of glory and immense pride, Lacsonian graduates proudly don their academic regalia and toga and gather in the University Gym last June 22 to receive the diplomas they have worked so diligently to earn for the last time.

After 4 years of hard work, perseverance and determination graduating students from the College of Business finally walk the stage, holding their diplomas—the symbols of the fruition of their dreams, visions and aspirations that are brought to life.

Against all odds, they have emerged as beacons of knowledge, transforming dreams into reality, and breaking barriers along the way.
Within the University Gym, a symphony of emotions unfolds, as tears of joy, radiant smiles, and heartfelt embraces of achievement permeate the atmosphere despite heavy rain.

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ONTO NEW HORIZONS.  The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo held its 75th Commencement Exercises in University Gym, June 22.

For the very last moment, the entire University Gym witnessed melody and symphony as the Class of 2023 sang their hearts to this year’s graduation song.

They are the few who courageously made a step forward to take on the challenges of a midshipman’s life, which definitely is not the kind of life everybody wants to bear.

As they venture forth into the world, equipped with visions and a burning desire to make a difference, we have no doubt that they will leave an indelible mark on society, inspiring generations to come.

The graduates also expressed solemnity and vespers as they recited the Graduates’ Prayer and Pledge of Loyalty before the crowd, asking for guidance and abundance as they stepped out of JBLFMU and embarked into greater feats and heights.

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The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) Dolphins demonstrated their mastery as exceptional athletes after securing 46 medals during the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) held in Zamboanga City, July 13-19.

The swimming team of the JBLFMU were declared as champions in the tertiary men, secondary boys and girls divsion while the tertiary women were hailed as the 1st runner-up, contributing to the acquisition of medals of the Western Visayas region and proving their institution as the home of champions.

JBLFMU's very own, Hans Iñigo Parreño were declared the Most Outstanding Swimmer for this year's National PRISAA pocketing 6 golds and 1 silver.

𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋:
Adriana Yulo - (4 Golds, 1 Silver, 2 Bronzes)
Michelle Ann Adorio - (2 Golds, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
Elgen Carl Arsenal - (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronzes)
John Christian Bandejas - (2 Golds, 2 Bronzes)
Rene Arvin Celiz - (1 Gold)
Regan Garbanzos - (2 Golds, 2 Bronzes)

𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋
Georgenia Deb Pleñago - (3 Golds, 4 Silvers)
Alyssandra Monique Sorbito - (1 Gold , 2 Silvers)
William Morante - (2 Golds)
David Carl Capablanca - (1 Silver)
Marvic Eguides - (1 Gold)

Moreover, the team extended their gratitude for the whole Lacsonian community, to all the Coaches, Ronald Sta. Ana, Mark Catalan, Brian Caluba; supportive parents, chaperones, and all those who have been part of this journey and also for giving them an opportunity to make a huge positive impression of the Dolphins in the National Arena.

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The strong hammering of hearts for the Dolphins overcame the audience's cheer. With every step closer to their arena, it brought back memories of their blood-drenched training and the sweat and tears they had to give in order to redeem the medallions with their high commitments and vision to become a motion.

As we walk through the road of life, obstacles await to slow down our pace and break the momentum that we have built along the journey. Even so, if one has the creed of closing out strong, fear will be irrelevant and there will be no excuses.

Lacsonian multi-awarded swimmer Hans Iñigo Parreño has been showing the world that he’s out to challenge the top contenders in the sport’s biggest stage- National PRISAA.

Ever since he was young, Parreño has been coming in strong and has established a reputation for dominating the swim race course in his hometown of Mandurriao, Iloilo. He never quit traveling the route of excellence and perfection. Why does he pursue this passion?

“To follow my mother’s dream that someday I will become a member of the Philippine Team. She gave me this burning fire within me, to roll without hesitation to my abilities and not looking back at the trials that I have surpassed,” explained Parreño asked about his deepest inspiration.

"I not only win medals but I gain friends from other regions as well. Me and my teammates had lots of fun too," he added.

With his remarkable competence and dedication, Parreño is among the sports enthusiasts vitalizing glory to the university.

"I had to train twice a day though in between and I still attended classes. I also listened and executed all the instructions of my coaches. The quest has just begun and I will continue to keep my head high gracing the strip for being an excellent swimmer,” Parreño expressed his point of view.

Balancing academics, determination, consistency and hustle - taking a barrage of consecutive golds in ILOPRISAA and WVPRISAA is no joke for an athlete and this just upholds Parreño’s feat as he repeats in the National PRISAA after securing the Most Outstanding Swimmer bagging 6 golds and 1 silver.

"Our team made waves in the competition.We were able to defend the Championship Crown in swimming though this is my first time to join the National PRISAA. I am proud to say that we made a contribution in winning the Overall Championship for Western Visayas", he stated.

“For our beloved JBLFMU,” he humbly says, “I am always proud to represent our institution in all my competitions especially on the upcoming Palarong Pambansa!"

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The said MIL Training was spearheaded by the university's Project Say with Kindness Team and the HR department.

Speakers from the national organization Philippine Association for Media and Information Literacy (PAMIL) 
were invited, Dr. Jose Reuben Alagaran II and Mr. Aniel V. Ping carried out the training at the CSM Function Hall, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University- Molo, Inc., last Aug 1-2.

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Lacsonians gathered in the University Gymnasium to hold the first flag-raising ceremony, ecstatic for the kick-off of the Academic Year 2023-2024, August 9.

More than 1,000 Lacsonians are welcomed for the start of the classes after the 2-month hiatus.

Among the distinguished attendees were the School Administrator, Mr. Robert O. Parcia, College of Business Dean, Dr. Angeli Sebastian and the College of Maritime Education Dean, C/E Agustin Bedia.

In conclusion, the Synergy 2023 marked a significant step towards fostering camaraderie and friendship between the freshmen.

The Synergy 2023 was spearheaded by the Supreme Student Government (SSG) aimed to create an enriching and positive academic environment for all students during the upcoming Academic Year 2023-2024.

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The UNIFFIED International Summit 2023 last July 24-26, 2023 was hosted by the UNIFFIED-Western Visayas and was held at the JBLFMU (John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University) -Molo and JBLFMU-Arevalo. The three (3) universities which joined with JBLFMU as co-host universities were:
(1) the University of San Agustin, (2) Central Philippine University, and (3) Capiz State University. The first day, July 24, 2023, was the UMRCI (UNIFFIED Multidisciplinary Research Conference) 2023 started with the holy mass at the gym of JBLFMU-Molo, followed by the foot parade, and cutting of the ribbon by the founder of UNIFFIED, Inc in the person of Mrs. Paraluman G. Castaneda, who came from the United States of America. Dr. Edgardo B. Dacpano, president of UNIFFIED, Inc., Dr. Ronie L. Mataquel, Co-Founder, Dr. Geony Provido, Dr. Maximo Gimeno, Jr., Mrs. Mary Ann Palencia, Dr. Ivy Hilay-Wilcher, and other guests from the USA assisted in the cutting of the ribbon. Mr. Robert O. Parcia, Administrator of JBLFMU-Molo gave the bouquet to Mrs. Castaneda. A formal program was followed, Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian, Chief Executive Officer of JBLFMU welcome the delegates to the UNIFFIED International Summit 2023.

Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, Jr., CHED Regional Director of Region 6 was the inspirational speaker. The research presentations were conducted in the different air-conditioned rooms prepared by the Technical staff of JBLFMU-Molo. The second day was the Salidunong which was held at the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, different educational experts from USA were the invited to speak through the online platform.
The Gala and Awards Night was conducted on July 25, 2023, at Smallville 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, teachers from different parts of the country and abroad were recognized and plaques of recognition were given to the awardees.

Winners of the best in the abstract, best in oral presentations, and best in paper or study were awarded also. Instructors of JBLFMU-Molo received different awards in the research presentations:
(1) Dr. Victor B. Jaleco received "3rd Place in Best Abstract" in the study "Fresh Water Generator Powered by Solar Energy: P{project of Maritime University for Water Sustainability,
(2) Dr. Camila Jill R. Belandres obtained the "3rd Place in Best Abstract on the study Physical Activity towards Health and Fitness (PATHFIT): Readiness, Implementation and Effectiveness towards Higher Education Institutions in Region 6,"
(3) Engr. Nerios S. Cortejo received two awards- 2nd Place Best Paper and 2nd Place Best Presenter in the Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strand on the study entitled Computer-Implemented Methodf of Disabling A Motor Vehicle,
( 4) Engr. Ernie Jay A. Teves received two awards - 2nd Place in Best Abstract and 3rd Place in Best Paper in the Environmental Science, Maritime Science, & Disaster Preparedness on the study Marine Sewage Treatment Plant (MSTP) among Domestic Ships Plying Iloilo-Guimaras Strait,
(5) Dr. Melalyn M. Servento received 3 awards- 1st Place in Best Abstract, 1st Place in Best Paper, and 3rd Place Best Presenter in the Entrepreneurship, Business, Economics, and Management Strand, in the Environmental Science, Maritime Science, Disaster Preparedness of the study "Fishing Practices and the Preservation of Coral Reefs: Promotion for Sustainable Livelihood,"
(6) Dr. Rolando A. Alimen received the award as 1st Place in Best Abstract of the study "Towing Tank for Designing Local and Merchant Vessels: Unified Efforts." Midshipman Arssel Pritz Baylen, marine engineering students received the 1st Place in Best Abstract and 3rd Place in Best paper, Midshipman Rogen Jay B. Palencia from the College of Business garnered the award in 1st Place in Best Paper.

 Awardees in the major categories such as Rising to the Challenge of Education, Most Influential Teacher, Gawad Ulirang Guro, Gawad Sinagtala, Outstanding Leadership in Education, Outstanding Leadership in Community Extension, Outstanding Leadership in Public Service received their respective plaques.
Dr. Elsie F. Gancia received the Plaque of Recognition in the Category of "2023 Most Influential Teacher of the Year." Teachers who had been in teaching for 15 years and above were also recognized by giving them the Plaque of International Service in Teaching.

The third day, which was July 26, 2023, was the educational tour, delegates went to the Maritime Museum of JBLFMU, Agustinian Museum of the University of San Agustin, and American Heritage of the Central Philippine University, buses, and university vans of the 4 universities were utilized as transportation of the international delegates. Guests from the USA visited also the Capiz State University and tried the seafood of the Roxas City, Capiz as the Seafood Capital of the Western Visayas.

Miss John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) 2023 Second Runner-up is set to compete in the inaugural edition of Miss Philippines after hailing as the first runner-up of Iloilo Prettiest 2023 in Lifestyle Mall Festive Walk Megaworld Iloilo, Aug. 25.

Miss Gessa Evonne Villaruel, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management graduate of Batch 2023 emerged in the podium besting other candidates to bring home the crown as The Miss Philippines - Iloilo Province representative.

She was the former Feature Editor of JBLFMU-Molo's The Seagull.

The Miss Philippines is one of the flagship events alongside Mister Pilipinas Worldwide to be featured in The Filipino Festival, which aims to “showcase the heart and soul of the Philippines.”

Photo courtesy of Municipality of Banate Tourism Office FB Page

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On Community Service and Inception Day (CSID) 2023, Lacsonian freshmen displayed their enthusiasm and care for the environment through a voluntary community service within the university’s premises.

The students, led by different clubs and organizations, got in act and worked alongside the faculty and staff to clean designated areas, a latter segment of the annual welcoming event of the newly added members of the JBFLMU - Molo community.

This unified environmental endeavor included planting of ornamental plants around the campus and cleaning of the areas utilized during the initiation rites.

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John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo representative stood up in this year’s 28th National Seafarers Day On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest that happened via Zoom, September 25.

Mdpn. Clark Esquilla, a 2nd year Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Polaris cadet, once again, proved his craft through colors and pens.
With this year’s theme “Marinong Filipino: Patuloy sa Pangangalaga ng Karagatan!”, his art simply shows the oil spill which is one of the issues that the maritime industry is facing now.

In line with this, the university is truly proud as he bagged the 1st place out of 31 students from other maritime schools across the country that participated in the said contest.

Esquilla brought honor and pride and showcased the true spirit of being a Lacsonian.

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 Two researchers of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo presented the results of their studies at the Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the International Research Conference of SEAAIR (South East Asian Association for Institutional Research)  last September 26-28, 2023. Dr. Stella S. Cantor, a faculty member of the College of Business presented her study "English Teachers' Out-of-Field" and Dr. Rolando A. Alimen, Research Coordinator also presented his study "Seafaring Profession: Edge of Filipino Seafarers" with delegates from different countries in this international conference.

 The study of Dr. Alimen is about the Filipino country's pride, attributes, and characteristics. Filipino seafarers are the most preferred seamen because of their many virtues and professionalism that significantly contributed to the Philippines and the global maritime industry.

 This qualitative phenomenological study was conceived to determine the edge of Filipino seafarers among other nationalities on board. The results of this study depict how Filipino seafarers work and respond to the seafaring world and their lived experiences while onboard. Through this phenomenological study, the lived experiences of Filipino seafarers in terms of the different concepts, themes, and personal stories will be derived from their lived experiences. The recruited seafarers were contacted through referral and were qualified on specific criteria, the source of information, and whose narratives were gathered and documented to establish the study's objectives.

 The study of Dr. Cantor aimed to present the participants' out-of-field teaching and their initiatives. The researcher used inductive thematic analysis to explore and generate "themes" from the interview. Different themes emerged from the monograph as an educational resource that would serve as a reference for researchers and educators who are interested in the field and wish to explore the context of out-of-field teaching.

The JBLFMU Molo CES Office, in collaboration with the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD), embarked on a commendable endeavor to distribute milk powder supplements to sixty identified beneficiaries from the Feeding Program of Barangay Trapiche Oton Iloilo and Brgy. Sooc Arevalo, Iloilo City. This meaningful initiative took place on October 25, 2023.

Under the banner of the "Building a Healthy Community" project, this six-month endeavor aims to improve the overall well-being of the community by ensuring proper nutrition for its residents. With funding from the MIWD and the valuable partnership of JBLFMU CES, this project seeks to address the essential nutritional needs of vulnerable individuals in Barangay Trapiche and Brgy. Sooc.

The distribution of milk powder supplements serves as a vital component of this initiative. By providing these supplements to the identified beneficiaries, the project aims to enhance the nutritional intake of these individuals, particularly those who may be facing dietary challenges or limitations.

Through this undertaking, JBLFMU Molo CES Office and MIWD aim to foster a healthier community by promoting access to adequate nutrition. By collaborating on this project, both organizations demonstrate their commitment to the well-being and development of the communities they serve.

The distribution of milk powder supplements to the Feeding Program beneficiaries in Barangay Trapiche Oton Iloilo and Brgy. Sooc Arevalo, Iloilo City underscores the significance of collective efforts in building healthier communities. This collaborative project not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term well-being and prosperity in these communities.

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