The PTC Group proudly launched its first-ever Cadetship Recognition Program, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to develop future Global Maritime Professionals (GMPs). This inaugural event honored the pioneer batch of 23 cadets from the Mapúa-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (CMET), who recently completed a rigorous two-week bootcamp training at PHILCAMSAT’s The MAST. The recognition program was held on September 18 at First Maritime Place, with cadets, families, and the PTC Education and Training community in attendance.
The PTC Cadetship Program was created to guide young cadets throughout their journey toward becoming licensed officers while ensuring they are provided with valuable shipboard opportunities with PTC’s principals, Jebsen-PTC (JP) and PTC Crewing. Through structured education, practical training, and career support, the program strengthens the bridge between maritime education and the global demands of the shipping industry.
During the ceremony, leaders from the PTC Group shared inspiring messages on resilience, responsibility, and leadership—values that the cadets have already begun to embody. The highlight of the event was the recognition of all 23 cadets, capped by the awarding of special honors to the Top 3 Deck Cadets — Michelle Belling (Top 1), Clarissa Faye Arellano (Top 2), and Ron Sineres (Top 3) — and the Top 3 Engine Cadets — Allan Luis Manacap (Top 1), John Isaac Malabanan (Top 2), and John Ronald Benipayo (Top 3). The awardees received special tokens, including a PTC Group Cadetship jacket and certificate, in recognition of their exemplary performance during the boot camp.
Among the 23 cadets who completed the bootcamp training were nine scholars of PTC-CSJ Foundation and the TK Foundation under the Nurturing Future Seafarers (NFS) – Batch 3 Project. They are BS MarE major John Roland Edilbert Benipayo, and BS MT majors Jiro Andres, Christian Marr Balila, Michelle Belling, Earl Christian Escudero, Michael Angelo Garbin, Paolo Guino, Nervin Orfano, and Shawn Austin Tapia.
These scholars continue to exemplify PTC’s commitment to providing educational opportunities for aspiring mariners. Notably, two of them — Deck Cadet Michelle Belling and Engine Cadet John Ronald Benipayo — emerged as part of the Top 3 awardees in their respective categories, demonstrating excellence and potential as future maritime leaders.
“This journey filled us with knowledge, skills, and most importantly, a stronger mindset. We were humbled, challenged, and transformed. We also learned the true value of camaraderie. What started as acquaintances grew into friendships built on trust, teamwork, and sacrifice,” said Cadet Belling. “For me, and for my fellow female cadet, the experience was even more meaningful. Being the only two women in a group of men would’ve been intimidating. But instead, it proved that women can stand shoulder to shoulder with men.”
In their welcome message, Thess Lunzaga, Vice President of Jebsen-PTC Crewing, and Peter Lugue, Vice President of PTC Crewing, emphasized the unique advantage of being part of the PTC Group family—where cadets are supported not only in their education and shipboard training but also in building long-term, rewarding maritime careers. Closing the program, PTC Group COO Ms. Beng Cristobal encouraged the cadets to embrace the opportunities ahead, reminding them that they are now part of a global community of seafarers who power world trade. With their training, resilience, and passion, they are well-prepared to face the challenges of the sea and embark on meaningful careers with purpose.
