SMET Pride Cadet Gumadlas III: A Look Back Before INSW

“Dedication, determination, passion may lead you to success.”

            This is the guiding principle of senior deck cadet Delfin Galapin Gumadlas III. Driven and enlightened by his relatives, young Gumadlas took the challenge to become a seafarer and entered Saint Joseph Institute of Technology - Maritime Education and Training (SMET) campus on 2015. He was the youngest in the family and his parents were both school principals. During the Pacific Ocean Manning Inc. Vships’ visit last February 14, deck cadet Gumadlas came to the academy with Capt. Dante Bo and Chief Engineer Cesar Rubio and experienced the newest addition to the academy’s curriculum – sailing. Setting his foot back on SMET grounds, he remembers his days back before INSW happened.

            His stay in the academy opened both doors for challenges and opportunities setting his journey on its starting point. Gumadlas had always been passionate about leadership and by that, he was held as Governor in his third year.  During his administration in SMET, he earned the respect of his colleagues. Made his best to lead his people to success, implemented and enforced rules that are good for the whole maritime department. But it wasn’t easy at all, even how good his intention was, the odds and doubts remained. Just like how every lead-actors would stand in the movies where instead of being discouraged, he treated it as a driving force to even aim for betterment and continued his vision for the school. 

“In every time and in every situation, always see the good things in it,” he stated. During that time, that’s what kept him moving forward. 

In year 2018, a few months away from graduation, the International Seaways Incorporated (INSW), a well-known shipping line in the maritime industry, visited the academy to find deserving cadets for their cadetship program, those they see that possess the qualities fitted for their requirements. Luckily, Gumadlas was one the three pioneering cadets who passed the qualifying exams out of 150 examinees. 

“Just believe you can do it,” he said. 

            In a question asked to him in an interview as to what his main reason why he chose this career, he said, “I wanted to travel and see the world, gain experiences and lessons from different challenges I face and use them on my next journey.” 

He pointed out that what makes this field more interesting is its ability to contribute to the world’s success and that he takes pride out of it. 

“But I always look forward of going back home and meet my family, it is just a great feeling,” he added.

            His first ship, an oil tanker, Seaways Luzon, he remembered how his heart was filled with excitement knowing that he was a few steps away from his dream but at the same time terrified that he might mess things up and everything he had worked hard for will be put to waste. But with the learnings and lessons that he acquired in his academic years, he knew that he could manage to deliver and beat the expectation from him. 

“It wasn’t easy, I need to be patient and obedient to my officers”. There are numerous works onboard and it requires a good sense of responsibility and perseverance. He displayed a humble character of a cadet, in which he is willing and always eager to learn. During that contract, he encountered 13 storms but because of his faith in God he overcame it. 

“Pray and be faithful to God always because he can make everything possible,” he added.

His life motto, “Do your best at all times, don’t settle for good or better”. He believes that once you are given a task, you must be able to do your best and not just do it out of compliance. Do what you must in order to exceed your limits. 

            Driven by determination, passion, dedication and founded by a commendable attitude, Senior Cadet Delfin G. Gumadlan III is just one of the many cadets that proudly waves the banner of SJIT - Maritime Academy. For now, he is currently preparing for his licensure exam this coming April 2020. He is an epitome of a motivation-driven cadet in the maritime industry. His achievements will serve as a good example to all aspiring seafarers.  

“If I am able to motivate and inspire others, then I am grateful I’m here,” he concluded with a humble smile on his face. 

𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴. . .