On 15 November 2023, the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) celebrated its Family Day at the IMMAJ campus, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) Kamaya Pt., Brgy. Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan.

During the event, MAAP President, VADM Eduardo Ma R Santos AFP (Ret) welcomed all attendees to the gathering and expressed his gratitude to sponsors and parents for their presence. He also emphasized the importance of building good relationships among the cadets, their parents, and sponsors, and enjoined everyone to work together to ensure that each graduate of MAAP would become an asset to IMMAJ.

Capt. Emmanuel L. Regio, President of the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCC) and the IMMAJ-PJMCC Foundation, Inc., also delivered a message during the event. He emphasized the importance of every family as the fundamental unit of society, pointing out that they play a critical role in the development of individuals. He also highlighted that families provide a foundation for their members to grow and thrive, and that solidarity begins in the family.

Moreover, Capt. Regio underscored on what IMMAJ is doing for its sponsored cadets, “We nurture cadets not only by providing scholarships, but also by opening sponsorship opportunities for international shipboard training. We rigorously train cadets not only by using laboratories and computer-based simulators, but also by utilizing an actual moving vessel, the MV Kapitan Gregorio Oca. We care for our cadets not only by supplying daily meals for sustenance, but also by organizing activities such as the Family Day to boost morale and encourage closer relationships with one another.  And finally, we promote the interest of cadets not only by giving access to special groups or courses like cutter-boat team and Japanese Culture Class but also by listening to their needs.”

The event was filled with excitement as raffle prizes were drawn and exciting games such as “Survey Says” and “Bato-Bato Pik” were played. Talented musicians from Classes 2027, 2026, and 2025 also competed for a “Battle of the Bands”, where Class 2025 emerged as the winner.

The event was a resounding success, with a high turnout of attendees who enjoyed the fun-filled activities made possible by IMMAJ. Overall, the event was a testament to the power of camaraderie and solidarity, and the positive impact they bring to the lives of young cadets.