𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

The College of Maritime Education (COME) sailed their annual event as they unveiled the week-long celebration highlighting the theme, “Valuing of unity, hard work—underscores the development of the College of Maritime Education in its best time”, on March 27-31, 2023 at NWU grounds.

The first day of the said event launched with a General Orientation program, ensuring cadets’ clear objectives and goals at the Aquino Multi-Purpose Center.Prof. Gerome Castro, COME Dean, gave credits to the remarkable achievements of the COME.

“We are very proud to conduct this event. Our College Department is developing and everybody can be proud of. We can target more than 60 percent of our graduates last year getting on board,” he said.

In connection, the cadets attended a mass service adhering to their values and imbibing gratefulness for their successes. After this, they were allowed to perceive their chosen career with intellect and skills as they learn from the maritime workshop led by the NorthWind Renewable Corporation (NWRC).

Moreover, Engr. Elec H. Costales, Senior Manager of Electrical Systems, and Raymond Jade N. Sesuca, Manager, Stakeholder Relations shared their knowledge and expertise in raising awareness needed for sustainable fishing practices, reducing plastic waste, and protecting marine habitats. The resource speakers also gave insights into marine life conservation and shed light on the importance of wind turbines in Ilocos Norte.

The second session of the maritime workshop was facilitated by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Laoag City. The speakers demonstrated fire safety practices and the proper usage of fire extinguishers to marine studs reminding the cadets to be vigilant and learn to respond with readiness when fire situations may happen.

As part of their celebration, the participants run along with water douses in the fields promoting physical fitness and fostering camaraderie among the cadets as the day concluded.

To culminate the said event, the maritime ball and ring hop took place at the University Oval anchored with the symbol of prevalence, the cadets marched the grounds in uniforms manifesting marine values, principles, and keenness of mind.

Prof. Gerome Castro, COME dean, graced the leaders, staunched guests, and the NWU Corps of Cadets. He delivered a message in upholding the Maritime culture that underscores discipline, camaraderie, and goodwill among every cadet as the event brings back after 2 years–transitioning to the new normal.

Consequently, Prof. Gregoria S. Najorda, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), imparted words of empowerment to the cadets in achieving another milestone of success. “To continue the legacy and envision your chosen career with courage and determination to surpass the challenges in reaching successes and goals,” Prof. Najorda encouraged.

Following the occasion, the keynote speaker, Capt. Gary P. Mariano pointed out his adventurous voyage, incomparable drive, and determination to achieve goals. “I used to tell my students in NAV-7 VOYAGE PLANNING, Plan what you do and do what you plan. Without an excellent passage plan, a ship may or may not arrive at its destination. In life, we also need to set our goals. We need to make a plan it achieved our ambitions,” he advised.

“Stay focused to your core. Who you want to be is much more important than what people conceive of you. When you are given that chance, don’t let it fly, Take it. Grab it. Work for it. Anything worth doing is worth doing well”, he added.

Furthermore, the donning of ranks took place started with the first-class cadets performed by their partners and parents who attended the maritime ball followed by the ring hoping and awarding of certificates to the Corps of Cadets commanding officers, and all other officers.

The program was concluded with a closing remark delivered by Prof. Gerome Castro instilling the triumphant occasion and acknowledging the COME community for participating in the event and the leaders who relentlessly organized the said event.