The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) presented 25 graduates of maritime courses during ceremonies held on Friday as part of the bank's celebration of 114th year of Philippine independence.

DBP President and CEO Franciso del Rosario, Jr. said the maritime graduates assisted by the bank under the DBP Endowment for Education Program (DEEP) came from various partner-schools ready for the shipboard training and eligible for permanent employment in 2013.

DEEP is a corporate social responsibility project that provides scholarships to bright and promising youth from low-income families who wish to pursue a degree or non-degree course in the maritime education, agriculture, technical or vocational courses, entrepreneurship, forestry, education, and hotel and restaurant management.

A projected huge demand for seafarers and vocational skills prompted DBP to refocus the program on supporting over 350 scholars in maritime and short-term courses.

Andrian Joseph Dela Cruz, a graduating cadet pursuing BS Marine Engineering at the NYK0TDG Maritime Academy, said the DEEP provides him invaluable assistance to the educational needs of the underprivileged Filipino youth. "Through DEEP, my dream of receiving quality education and finishing my studies is becoming a reality. My desire to provide a bright future for my family is gaining form and clarity," said Dela Cruz.

Source: Manila Bulletin