Life as a cadet in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines

12-18-2025

3-minute read

Introducing Duke Tion, our sponsored cadet in the Philippines

In August 2025, we partnered with John B Lacson University in the Philippines to sponsor one of the university’s hardworking cadets. After reviewing tons of applications, we selected Duke Tion, a young student in his third-year studies, to support his education. Here, you can read his blog, through which he shares his story and gives us all some insight into life as a cadet in the Philippines. You can also join our seafarer social channels to follow Duke’s journey as he continues his education and starts his career at sea.

I’m Duke Tion and I live in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, where I am in the third year of studies at John B Lacson Maritime University. As a cadet training here in the Philippines, life is not always easy. A few weeks ago, after almost 10 hours of heavy rain, I woke up to find the flood water already knee-deep outside our door.

My morning quickly changed. I had to move my uncle’s car to higher ground so the engine wouldn’t get damaged and then help my aunt lift the refrigerator and move all of our furniture to safer areas as the water started to enter the house.

Thankfully, the rain finally slowed down, and by the afternoon I was able to go back to my studies. Flooding is something we always worry about here in the Philippines.

Aside from that, my training at John B. Lacson has been going well. When I qualify, I will become the second generation of seafarers on my mother’s side of the family. It is very important for me to make her proud.

My mother is currently working in Cyprus, where she has been since 2017. I have only seen her once since she left - she came home in 2023 for my brother’s graduation. I’m on track to graduate in 2026, and she promised she will come home to celebrate with me.

After that, I plan to find an employer and start my first international voyage. When I start earning a salary, I can support my family, and my mother can finally come home for good. I miss her very much, and I want to give her some rest from working so hard and some time with family, which she truly deserves.

I know that when I leave, I will also miss being at university as I have learnt so much here. Even from my fellow students, who have now become friends, have taught me so much about problem-solving, how to cope with being away from home and how to form new relationships.

I think I'll be ready to start my journey as a seafarer next year though. 2026 is going to be a big year for me and my family, which is saying something because 2025 has already been such a positive year.