Deck Cadet Gian Clyde Bagano, BS Marine Transportation, topped the BS Marine Transportation (BSMT) graduates of PMMA's Sinaglakan Class of 2021. Also among the top BSMT graduates are Deck Cadet Camilo Escorial, Jr, who ranked third, and Deck Cadet Nathaniel Deane Gonzaga, who ranked sixth. Engine Cadet Daniel Asumo meanwhile ranked fourth in the BS Marine Engineering (BSME) program.
PMMA, the pioneer institution in maritime education in the country, held its 198th commencement exercises at the PMMA Complex in San Narciso, Zambales in northern Philippines on July 28. Congratulations to our graduates:
BS Marine Transportation
Deck Cadet Gian Clyde Bagano
Deck Cadet Camilo Escorial, Jr.
Deck Cadet Nathaniel Deane Gonzaga
Deck Cadet Miguel Lumiguen
Deck Cadet Jaian JV Ramirez
Deck Cadet Vince Jean Rivera
BS Marine Engineering
Engine Cadet Daniel Asumo
Engine Cadet Reggie Songgay
Engine Cadet Melvin Tabangay
In addition to the Odfjell Cadets, the company also supported two female Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) cadets, Deck Cadet Celrose Tito and Engine Cadet Mona Catherine Manuta. Manuta ranked ninth among the BSME graduates, and topped the 19 PCG-sponsored cadets.
Since 2004, the Odfjell-Norwegian Shipowners’ Association Cadetship Program has produced 364 graduates, many of whom now hold leadership positions on board Odfjell vessels.
“With our style of education together with the rigorous training inside the academy, I am very proud to say that I was able to overcome the hardships and challenges thrown right at us and climb up the ranks and be at the top. I couldn’t reach the very top without the support of my colleagues, family and most especially Odfjell. Out of 186 cadets who took part in the company’s selection process, only 14 cadets were chosen. We didn’t think of it as the works of luck; rather, we saw it as the beginning of carrying responsibilities in building an impact not only in the maritime industry but also for the environment and for the welfare of the people. We remain grateful for being the pioneer batch of PMMA cadets in Odfjell.
On behalf of my batch, I would like to thank Odfjell for giving us the opportunity to be part of the company and for the company’s continuous guidance for us to be competent merchant mariners. Thank you for molding us to what we are today. Thank you for experience during our shipboard training that taught us valuable lessons and gave us a glimpse of the lifestyle awaiting us.
The company promised us that we have a bright future with Odfjell. But, I promise – arrogantly – that the company has a brighter future ahead with us. We assure you that you did not make the wrong decision, and we will prove that we are the gentlemen of the seas that the company can be proud of.”
Gian Clyde Bagano, Deck Cadet, Bow Lind
“Whenever people learn that I have already obtained a degree prior entering the Academy, I always get asked: Why did you do that, and why did you choose a career that will lead you away from your family? For me, life is a matter of choices and we should make decisions that let us embrace change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, and if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea.
I would like to express my gratitude to Odfjell for the opportunity to that led me to success inside and outside the academy. We are very grateful to have been selected as Odfjell’s sponsored cadets. Many of my batchmates envied us for the support our company has provided us throughout. Thank you for accommodating us during our stay in Manila and processing all the necessary documents for our apprenticeship onboard. Thank you for the experience where we learned and feel what life onboard in a merchant vessel.
I am very grateful to Captain Luisito Cantona and Captain Fidel Perez and to all the crew on board Bow Star (2019-2020) for sharing their knowledge and expertise, and for letting me experience how to be a seafarer on board a happy ship.
I am excited and looking forward to sailing and reaching my dreams in Odfjell.”
Camilo Escorial, Jr. Deck Cadet, Bow Star
“I first entered the Academy on July 1, 2017. It has since been a long journey, but never a lonesome one with all the people who helped me get to where I am today. I am grateful to my parents for their unconditional love that motivated me to set and reach higher targets. I am also grateful to all the people who never failed to give me courage and strength, especially the Odfjell family. From pre-embarkation, apprenticeship, and even when I have finished my contract to continue my studies, they never left us unguided; the Crewing Management always monitored my status and sent me updates, making me feel safe and secure. I am greatly indebted to the Bow Elm crew, from the ratings to the officials on board, because they fed my hunger for seafaring knowledge and allowed me to apply what I have learned in the Academy.
My apprenticeship in Odfjell set the pillars of my skills as a seafarer, which I will never forget. I can’t wait to go back on board and put to use what I’ve learned the past four years, and learn a lot more. I am much obliged for the opportunity that the company gave me.
Above all I give my deepest thanks to the Almighty God who has been my constant source of knowledge and inspiration.”
Nathaniel Deane Gonzaga, Deck Cadet, Bow Elm
I would like to extend my utmost gratitude to Odfjell for supporting me all throughout my cadetship years. I dedicate this achievement to Captain Remigio Zamora for continuously guiding me and my batchmates in this journey. Also, to my seniors and family from Bow Triumph especially, Captain Hilario, Captain Gayanilo, Chief Engineer Amuan, Chief Engineer Dela Torre, Second Engineer Semana, Second Engineer Laquian, Third Engineer Vinarta and Third Engineer Tarfer, thank you for all your support during my apprenticeship.
It has been a great experience being part of the company and I look forward to more learnings, voyages, friends, and more memories here in Odfjell.
Daniel Asumo, Engine Cadet, Bow Triumph
