Along with its ‘Quest for Greater Heights of Moving the World’, the College of Maritime Education (CME) of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) held its 21st Annual Investiture Ceremony at the Valenzuela City Astrodome last August 7, 2018. Freshmen from the programs of Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering gathered together for a program opened by the Head of Marine Transportation, Captain Ernesto Leal. The event was also graced with inspiring speeches from the Guest of Honor, the President Captain of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association,Inc. –Captain Victor S. Del Prado and, the University President, Dr. Caroline Marian S. Enriquez.
“You are being trained to become eagles, to fly.” said Captain Del Prado to the cadets.
After his encouraging speech, a Plaque of Appreciation was given to Captain Del Prado by Dr. Enriquez and the Dean of CME, Captain Eutiquio Reyes, Jr. The ceremony also served as an avenue for the CME to happily greet Dr. Enriquez for her recent birthday. An intermission number from the Maritime Club got the crowd moving as well.
Later on, came the highlight of the occasion when upperclassmen bestowed upon the Freshmen their first shoulder boards; this, duly recognized by Captain Reyes and the CME as their formal way of welcoming the new cadets into the fold.
The event’s closing remarks were delivered by the Head of Marine Engineering, Chief Engineer Antonio F. Ballester.
