Street is renamed after Mariners Founder

A fitting occasion for a dream fulfilled.

His dream began with the founding of the first Mariners school in 1975. Then he dreamt of making the school open employment opportunities for the Bicol’s youth. And employment will bring the youth to the oceans of the world as a seafarer.

On April 30, 2012, a street was inaugurated and renamed after the late Founder of the Mariners System on the occasion of his 90th birth anniversary: Engr. Jaime C. Jimenez, Sr. Street. Redone in concrete with a commuter’s shed built by the MPCF-Legazpi, the street also connects the institution’s Rawis campus to its Annex and then to the Albay Gulf.

Held in the morning, the street’s inauguration was joined by officials and staff of Mariners System from its three schools in Legazpi and Camarines Sur led by Commo. Dante La Jimenez; local city officials led by Mayor Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal and Barangay Captain Bobby Cristobal; as well as special guests and the community residents of Purok 2, Rawis. A mass held on the street opened the inauguration program.

The event was also capped by a “boodle fight” – a banquet of lunch served on banana leaves covering 100-meter long extended tables and joined by community residents from all walks of life.

In her speech, Mayor Rosal hailed the Mariners colleges for providing “young men and women avenues to fulfill their dreams.” Today, she said, “successful graduates of this venerable institution enjoy better lives, have flourishing careers, travel the world and contribute to our nation’s development and progress. Graduates of MPCF reflect the brilliance of its founder, his character and determination.”

“It is not only right but also fitting to dedicate this street and name it after him [Jaime C. Jimenez, Sr.] - to honor his unselfish service to Bicolanos. The Rotarians described his unyielding commitment as “service above self” and the Jaycees expressed it as “the best work of life”. I wish every student that passes Jaime C. Jimenez, Sr. St., will be influenced by his example and become potent mediums for nation building,” the city mayor also said.

Commo. Dante La Jimenez, MPCF president, thanked the purok residents for their presence in the street’s inauguration. The school offers golden opportunities for the community’s youth in education and career opportunities, Jimenez said.

Both the street and the institutions founded under the Mariners System now immortalize the late Founder’s words when he addressed maritime graduates in 1989: “It has always been my dream in my own humble way to be able to extend a worthy contribution to my fellowmen especially in Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Masbate Provinces, the establishment of a Maritime Institution and the education of the youth within reach by everyone in this part of the Bicol Region.”

MPCF President Jimenez (left) with barangay officials and guests

Legazpi City Mayor Rosal (second from left) joins Commo. Jimenez cut the inaugural ribbon With Chair Emeritus Eliza L. Jimenez in the middle

Mayor Rosal assisted by Jimenez unfolds the renamed street; Chair Emeritus Eliza L. Jimenez in front

The MPCF-LC Band

Mass

MPCF President Commo. Jimenez and bust of the Mariners Founder (left)

Countdown for the long line of 'boodle fight'

 

Photo credits: Jimzon Photos