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FEATI University's proof is in the pudding
It was not that long ago when FEATI University paid homage to its graduates through the first College of Maritime Recognition Rite and Ring Hop Ceremony for its 3rd year students principally to send them off on high spirits to their year-long shipboard training. As these students make their way through the straits and narrows of the world’s navigational corridor, there are those who came before who are not only recognized for their skill but equally so for their contributions to the seafaring profession: they are FEATI’s lasting testament and a source of pride for the 66-year old academic institution.
Capt. Jaime D. Aquino, graduated in 1968. He is now Chairman of the Board of Marine Deck Officers of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Serving as a member in Capt. Aquino’s team, is Capt. Ireneo U. De Los Santos, who graduated in 1969. The Board collectively gives licensure examinations in Master Mariner, Chief Mate, and Officer-in-Charge of Navigational Watch. The PRC also gives Capt. Aquino and his team absolute authority to publicly and formally announce the list of successful examinees post examinations.
Capt. Edwin P. Saclayan belongs to the Class of 1973. He is a Master Mariner and a member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxillary 119th Squadron and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). At MARINA, Capt. Saclayan is Panel Examiner for Major, Minor Patron and Boat Captain. As Master Mariner, Capt. Saclayan has experienced what it’s like to work on and off a handful of behemoth ships internationally and locally.
Capt. Mike L. Castro, last walked the plank of FEATI in 1974 and is one of the university’s Outstanding Alumnus of 2009-2010. Like Capt. De Los Santos, Capt. Castro is a member of the Board of Marine Deck Officers of the PRC. This Master Mariner and Senior Simulator Instructor is a ten-year Loyalty Awardee of NYK-Fil Ship Management, Inc. Capt. Castro has held many positions from president, vice-president, and subject matter expert on ship-handling, a distance learning project of the Norwegian Maritime Directorate and MARINA for the UP Open University. He also teaches and develops course models.
Capt. Antonio T. Ladera III is perhaps one of the most celebrated FEATI personalities. He is COO and General Manager of Wilhemsen-Smith Bell Manning, Inc. Most recently, Capt. Ladera was part of the 83rd Foundation Anniversary of Misamis University, as the university entered into an agreement with its “Lucky 7” partners representing the different industries in the country and abroad. Capt. Ladera pays it forward by hiring Misamis U’s maritime graduates on board a cadetship program. While running the affairs of Wilhemsen-Smith Bell Manning, Inc., Capt. Ladera is also District Deputy Director for Administration of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary District - National Capital Region- Central Luzon.
Capt. Gregorio B. Sialsa, tossed his graduation cap in 1978. 2004’s Outstanding Seafarer of the Year at the 9th National Seafarers Day because of his exemplary deed, character and competence and erstwhile radio commentator is the President and Operations Manager of Anglo-Easter Crew Management Phils. Inc. Capt Sialsa is committed to making the lives of Filipino seafarers and their families better by making sure that they get topnotch salaries plus medical insurance to officers and their respective families, bonuses, company-paid trainings and other value-added perks especially tailored for the hard-working seafarers.
Ireneo Bughao’s quirky achievement may make him the darling of the University’s young generation. He is the recipient of Ripley’s Believe It or Not citation for being able to calculate the specific day of a week on any day in the past or in the future faster than a microcomputer. Bughao is a BS Marine Engineering alumnus, Batch 1986.
Commodore Gregorio L. Lim graduated in 1962 with a BS Marine Engineering degree. He was a Superintendent at the Philippine Military Academy from 1962-1972. He also received the following service awards: Distinguished Service Star, US Legion of Merit Degree Officer, Philippine Defense Service Medal, US Presidential Unit Citation Badge, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Badge, and Philippine Navy Senior Command Badge.
Glenn John Llorente, FEATI scholar and alumnus was recently featured in Buhay Marino, a glossy magazine for the maritime shipping. Glenn was only sixteen years old when he and his mother came to Buhay Marino Media to appeal for help in the form of a college scholarship. They were fortunate to have found the solution to their plight as the publication was then ready to give out scholarships with the help of FEATI. He only had to make sure that he was ready to maintain the grade point average necessary to retain and maintain his scholarship here. Retain and maintain he did. Glenn graduated and has recently gotten off his maiden vessel, the M/V Nyack Princess from Brazil. His first nine months as cadet was enough for him to get promoted to Ordinary Seaman. He plans to take his licensure examination, a necessary step that would propel him to his dream of becoming a master mariner.
They are the men of the College of Maritime: courageous, fearless, and competent. Unmistakably FEATI’s own. (AMD)
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