covEr storY

fEATURE | COVER sTORY

Tales of legacy: The story of a True-Blooded

wriTTen by MDPN. BRYAN L. HOLZKNECHT, MDPN. NIÑO B. MALDECIR and MDPN. ANTHONY KEN J. BUCASAS PHOTOS by MDPN. JAYLAND E. SINGUILLO

Kamang (crawl)! Ma seaman ka pa (will you still become a seafarer)? The skies were gray that day. Roaring. Crying. But it would not stop a legacy. Dirt already covered everyone’s clothes and faces. Wiped. Tasted. But it would not stop a true-blooded. Minor scratches in the arms are being visible, kissed by sweat making it to swell. But it would not stop a Lacsonian.

No storm can blow away a legacy’s spirit. They would crawl to the rough roads and swim into mud pools, cover their whole body with grease and paint while being cursed by words coming from their seniors. It was indeed a memorable day for every each and every one. The origin of their mark as Lacsonian Vanguard. The Initiation day.

We look back to the humble beginning.

The oldest yearbook that has the evidence of the earliest initiation was back in 1962. Records show that Lacsonians has been tested through time. Back in 1972, Captain Bonifacio Gerochi Jr. was no idea what it takes to be called a true-blooded Laconian. By heart, he knew that he has the spirit to take the challenge without any hesitation. For days he waited. Days where he felt that there is something that is missing to his identity. Until it came. Refreshing his memories back then, it took him to remember being a student in Iloilo Maritime Academy located at Muelle Loney St, Iloilo City Proper. He’s wearing an oversized white shirt full of dirt. His eyesight only focuses on one object in front of him. There is a puddle of stagnant water waiting for him to be swallowed. A guy in uniform radiates intimidation as be shouted to him orders that he knew he cannot just run over. His days during his initiation were truly a treasure. Now, Capt. Gerochi teaches in the institution where he was nurtured to become a seasoned seafarer. Another tale emerged when one of its alumni defi ed the odds -2/M Jerry Alingalan who majorly instructs navigation. Back in the old days of 1981, the institution was not yet fully developed

JBLFMU’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

JBLFMU, the former Iloilo Maritime Academy, is the fi rst maritime school in the Visayas and Mindanao regions; and the fi rst private maritime education and training institution in the Philippines. The late Captain Juan Bautista Lacson, its founder, was a seafarer himself, who wanted to share his knowledge and professional experience.The institution opened originally as a Review Center to assist seafarers in preparation for the licensure examinations for the Marine Deck and Engine Offi cers in May 1931. When World War II broke out, the review school closed. Capt. Lacson went back to the US to serve as a U.S. Coast Guard Offi cer. When the war ended, Capt. Lacson perceived the potential of the marine profession being the fastest and the least expensive to join. He retired from the U.S. Coast Guard, went back to the Philippines and together with his brother, Frank Lacson, a pilot and a US government disability pensioner, drew a 2-year nautical curriculum.

Source: http://www.jblfmu.edu.ph/humble-beginning

The DOLPHIN | OCTOBER 2019

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compared to its present look and facilities, 2/M Alingalan clearly remembers that behind the administration building is the location where the former swimming pool was constructed. The pool played a sensational and relevant site for the history of the initiation. Strong bamboo stocks were held across it to serve as a bridge-type apparatus where the commando crawl is going to be performed. Endurance of muscles and spirits was challenged and determine whose shoulders are mightier to champion commitment despite obstacles. Some fell out of the track but their hands keep on reaching up to grip again. They laugh for a little while and continue. There was absolute freedom granted to the conductors of the initiation in the past to achieve their desire as the culture being passed down to the next generation of Lacsonians. Majority of the faculty and staff during those times does not totally engage in the rites. They lack presence in moderating the event as long as there is no physical contact between the conductors and initiates. At the end of the day, mutual respect was off ered to each and every one. Understanding and brotherhood take place as everyone marches to the centerfi eld and recite the loyalty oath with heads up high supplemented by pride as they give their snappiest salutes to Capt. John B. Lacson. Loudest roars of rejoice scattered across the sky as they run as fast as they can towards the shore of Sto. Niño Sur. It is the classic culture to bath themselves after the tiring yet rewarding quest. It is indeed the fi nal cherry on top of the bittersweet occasion.

Whose humble dreams is that of providing, brave sailors and leaders of the nation.

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Arevalo formerly Iloilo Maritime Academy was able to produce excellent students through time. These products left remarkable footprints in their journey not only as maritime cadets but also shines in other fi elds of disciplines. The likes of Capt. Losaria, Chief Offi cer Armando Araneta and 2/M Borja showcased their innate talents in broadcasting, public speaking, and journalism which established the name of JBLFMU in a worldwide context. In its continuing legacy, the initiation became an indicating factor to test the determination of someone who would like to enter the institution’s portals. It has become a powerful platform to raise the school’s ideals higher as it seeks to deliver quality maritime education and training throughout national and international frameworks. The consistent performance of JBLFMU and the competitiveness of its cadets were able to deliver became integral in gaining the trust of stakeholders of the industry. The trust and confi dence bestowed to the institution added impetus to pursue excellence even further. It was recognized by the Philippines Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACU-COA) therefore awarding the school as the fi rst maritime institution to reach level III accreditation. “Education is life and life as an everchanging process must be progressive but progress is best attained only when one has achieved discipline as a way of life.” Lacsonians adhere to this philosophy and serves as the concrete guiding principle which aff ects their decision making for their future. A breathing ground for initiation fi nishers to satisfy their cravings to be named as Lacsonians. A practice in which that right after the initiation day, they can smile proudly and where their fully ironed white uniforms as evidence of survival. Time-tested values let the youth uphold. To serve and honor God and country. Till this day, the initiation rites will always be an engraved culture in strengthening our core and championing our character as future bearers of a dream one had decided and started. Kamang (crawl)! Ma seaman ka pa (will you still become a seafarer)? Exact words that are still evident over these years. Exact words that magnify one’s great desire to pursue the passion of the heart. Exact words that serve a motivation for someone to strive and to be productive someday in becoming a pillar of the maritime industry. The skies were bright at the end of the day. Roaring and rejoicing, for it will always carry the legacy. Dirt already covered everyone’s clothes and faces. Wiped. Tasted. For it will always drive us true-blooded in climbing higher peaks. Minor scratches on the arms are visible, kissed by sweat making it swell. But it will never stop a Lacsonian. Our ships may sail over the ocean. The tide may sweep us to shore and seas. Around the globe to lands and nations. Your fl ag unfurl oh, JBLFMU. Your fl ag unfurl oh, JBLFMU.

CRAWL. The student strives to fi nish the obstacles. GRIME. Dirt and mud covers the students’ body.

The DOLPHIN | OCTOBER 2019