UC, UV graduates shine in marine licensure exam

CEBU, Philippines - At least six graduates from Cebu University (UC) and University of the Visayas (UV) made it to the top 10 in the Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission in January and February.

Filomeno Gulde Jr. and Nelson Ybarita of UC ranked first and fifth, respectively, while Jerome Tuñacao of UV ranked eight in the Master Mariner Licensure Examination.

Allan Faller and Jose Tudio of UC ranked first and fifth, respectively, while Diosdado Vallinas of UV bagged the sixth place in the Chief Mate Licensure Examination held last February 26 and 27. 

Jecris Oboy of UV and Jerry Capin of UC ranked seventh and ninth respectively in the OIC-Watch Keeping Engineer (Written Phase) examination held in January.

The Freeman called up UC for information about its topnotchers but the university registrar said she cannot release information due to the school’s strict policy.

In an interview, Tuñacao said his 12 years of firsthand experience helped him pass the exam.

After his graduation in 1998, Tuñacao immediately boarded an inter-Europe ship until he decided to take the master mariner exam this year.

Tuñacao, who just stayed in the review center for three days, thanked UV for giving him and his siblings the chance to fulfill their dreams.

“Kugi, masinugtanon ug matinahuron sa katiguwangan, kinahanglan nga seryoso sa trabaho aron maabot ang pangandoy,” he advised future mariners.   

After their oath-taking on April 11, Tuñacao said he will proceed to board a ship again.

Oboy, who is currently training in Manila, thanked UV for recognizing their achievements.

He said his journey with UV was not easy as he would always battle homesickness.

Capt. Siegfredo Lanticse, UV Maritime College dean, said they are constantly improving their ties with international maritime companies in order to secure the future of their graduates. 

Lanticse said they will continue extending help to their graduates in their quest to fulfill their dreams.

UV President Eduardo Gullas has approved the move giving cash incentives to the school’s three achievers. — /LPM  (FREEMAN)