CADETS’ VALUES AND DISCIPLINE PROGRAM (CVDP): AN INNOVATIVE WAY OF INSTILLING AND STRENGTHENING DISCIPLINE TO ADDRESS INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS

CADETS’ VALUES AND DISCIPLINE PROGRAM (CVDP): AN INNOVATIVE WAY OF INSTILLING AND STRENGTHENING DISCIPLINE TO ADDRESS INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS

C/M John Erll N. Destacamento PhD

OIC Dean - College of Maritime Education

JBLCF-Bacolod is renowned for producing knowledgeable and disciplined maritime professionals, an achievement stemming from its comprehensive approach that combines high educational standards with a robust Cadet’s Values and Discipline Program (CVDP).

The Cadet’s Values and Discipline Program is a comprehensive initiative to instill Lacsonian values, leadership skills, and a culture of discipline among cadets. By fostering principles of integrity, honesty, humility, and respect, the program prepares cadets for the challenges of a maritime career and upholds the highest standards of excellence.

The CVDP applies to bonafide CME and CBE students of JBLCF-B who are officially declared as Placement Passers or Company Sponsored Scholars. The program covers the development of Lacsonian values, leadership skills, and disciplinary standards essential for a career in the maritime industry, as expected by the institution’s partnered shipping companies and other linkages.

Background: A Tradition of Excellence

JBLCF-Bacolod has long been a cradle for promising maritime professionals. The institution’s Integrated Management System (IMS) Policy, emphasizing stakeholder satisfaction, drives it to regularly consult industry partners through Stakeholder Satisfaction Surveys. This feedback loop ensures that the institution continually aligns its educational outputs with industry needs, particularly as the demand for maritime professionals grows and the landscape evolves.

Cadet’s Values and Discipline Program

The CVDP is a cornerstone of JBLCF-Bacolod’s strategy to instill values, leadership skills, and a culture of discipline in its cadets. The program covers all students officially declared as Placement Passers or Company Sponsored Scholars, focusing on developing attributes such as integrity, honesty, humility, and respect. An Orientation Webinar regarding the CVDP was conducted for all cadets who will undergo the program, together with their parents/guardians, on April 6, 2024, to ensure they clearly understand the rationale, implementing rules and regulations, and the program’s desired outcomes. An alumnus of the institution who holds a significant position in a shipping company was also invited to speak during the webinar on behalf of all our partners and linkages regarding their stance on the program. The CVDP officially commenced last April 8, 2024.

Implementing Rules and Regulations

The CVDP is structured to deliver a systematic approach to instilling Lacsonian values through various components:

1.      Regular Mustering

Regular mustering is a crucial practice that reinforces discipline, camaraderie, and accountability among the participants. Mustering involves the assembly/formation of cadets for roll calls, inspection, dissemination of important information regarding program activities and expectations, calisthenics, BMI measurements, marching, and other necessary discipline routines. Cadets must maintain proper grooming, attire, and conduct during mustering sessions in adherence to established standards of discipline. Mustering sessions serve as a platform for cadets to receive briefings on upcoming training activities, safety protocols, and relevant updates from program administrators through the Tactical Officer and other implementers.

2.      Workshops and Seminars

Workshops and seminars will be conducted to equip cadets with practical skills and knowledge relevant to their future roles in the maritime industry. Topics covered include safety protocols, maritime laws and regulations, cultural sensitivity, and career development opportunities. Additionally, various alumni, especially from the Maritime Program, will be invited to speak and share their knowledge, expertise, and experiences with the cadets through these workshops and seminars. Furthermore, training deemed necessary by shipping companies, which the cadets should complete before they report to their respective offices for mandatory onboard training after completing classroom instructions, will be provided through this component.

3.      Mentorship Programs through the Buddy System

The Mentorship Programs are structured around a Buddy System, where senior cadets mentor their junior counterparts. This system fosters leadership mutual respect and provides personalized guidance, academic support, and the development of conduct standards for the junior cadets. Senior cadets within each group, designated as Mentors or Senior Buddies, are responsible for guiding and supporting their junior peers in academic pursuits, conduct standards, and personal grooming practices. Junior cadets, known as Mentees or Junior Buddies, are expected to respect and comply with the directives and guidance provided by their senior counterparts, fostering a culture of mutual respect and camaraderie within the mentorship program.

4.      Assessment and Evaluation

The training institution has robust assessment and evaluation mechanisms, including regular evaluations, surveys, and feedback sessions. These mechanisms are designed to ensure continuous improvement and effectiveness of the overall program. Regular evaluations, surveys, and feedback sessions are conducted to gather input from cadets, instructors, mentors, and other stakeholders for continuous improvement.

The program was implemented for all company-sponsored scholars and placement passers for more than two months (April-June) with a strong emphasis on the inculcation of discipline and attaining a normal body mass index through the regular conduct of mustering. For the succeeding academic year, the other components will also be implemented for a complete and comprehensive execution of the Cadet’s Values and Discipline Program.

Roles and Responsibilities

The effective implementation of the CVDP relies on the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders. The program is led by Program Administrators and Implementors, including CM John Erll N. Destacamento, the Placement Coordinator, tactical officers, and faculty members. Equally crucial to the program’s success are the cadets, who must participate actively, maintain a positive attitude, and uphold the values and standards set by the CVDP.

The following are the specific responsibilities of the Cadets:

  • Attend all scheduled mustering, training sessions, workshops, seminars, and mentorship activities as required by the program.
  • Maintain a positive attitude, discipline, and respect for fellow cadets, instructors, mentors, and program administrators.
  • Uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and professionalism in their academic pursuits and interactions within the maritime community.
  • Adhere to the Code of Conduct and disciplinary standards set forth by the program and accept responsibility for their actions.
  • Mentors (Senior Cadets) shall guide and support their Mentees (Junior Cadets) in academic pursuits, conduct standards, and personal grooming practices, fostering a culture of mentorship and camaraderie within the program with a firm stance against physical contact or hazing.
  • Mentees (Junior Cadets) shall respect and comply with the directives and guidance provided by their senior counterparts, fostering a culture of mutual respect and camaraderie within the mentorship program.

Program Implementation

Maritime students declared Placement Passers and Company-sponsored scholars across all years (1st to 4th) are automatically enrolled in the Cadet’s Values and Discipline Program (CVDP) upon parental consent. Proper admission procedures ensure prompt collection of required documentation, including parental consent forms. Program administrators are tasked to inform eligible students of admission details and provide necessary support for their participation in the CVDP.

The Cadet’s Values and Discipline Program (CVDP) has a structured duration and schedule aligned with academic calendars, training needs, and logistical factors. A detailed program schedule is created and shared with all stakeholders, specifying the timing and order of training sessions, workshops, seminars, mustering sessions, and mentorship activities. Program administrators oversee the schedule and adjust as necessary to accommodate changes in academic calendars, resource availability, or other factors affecting program delivery.

Discipline and Code of Conduct

Cadets participating in the CVDP adhere to a Code of Conduct (Student Manual) outlining expected behavior, ethics, and professionalism standards. The Code of Conduct encompasses honesty, integrity, respect for others, the Lacsonian Core Values, and compliance with school policies, laws, and regulations. Cadets must familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct and pledge to uphold its principles in all aspects of their participation in the program.

Violations of the Code of Conduct as per the Student Manual and other program rules and regulations lead to disciplinary measures, including verbal warnings, written reprimands, demerit points, probationary periods, suspension from program activities, and expulsion from the program. The CVDP utilizes a merit/demerit system to enforce discipline and achieve the program’s objective.

Program administrators and tactical officers are responsible for enforcing disciplinary measures fairly and consistently, ensuring due process and respect for the rights of cadets. Cadets can appeal disciplinary decisions through established grievance procedures, providing a mechanism for accountability and transparency in the disciplinary process.

Merit/Demerit System

The Merit/Demerit System is established as part of the Disciplinary Measures and Procedures within the Cadet Values and Discipline Program IRR. Its purpose is to encourage positive behavior, recognize achievements, and address deviations from expected standards of conduct among cadets.

The CVDP’s merit-based system is a positive reinforcement mechanism, encouraging cadets to uphold program standards and excel in their endeavors. Accumulated Merit Points can be used for various purposes, such as recognition and awards ceremonies, priority consideration for leadership positions or special opportunities within the program, and even the waiver of certain disciplinary actions or minor infractions. This system incentivizes cadets to strive for excellence, as their achievements are acknowledged and rewarded, further strengthening their commitment to the program’s values and objectives.

The program’s demerit system serves as a deterrent against misconduct and provides a structured approach to addressing disciplinary issues within the program. Accumulated Demerit Points may result in corrective actions such as counseling, additional training, or community service. Cadets may also face the loss of privileges or participation in certain program activities. Formal disciplinary measures, as outlined in the Cadet Values and Discipline Program IRR, may be imposed in more severe cases, including probation, suspension, or expulsion. This system ensures that cadets are held accountable for their actions and that disciplinary issues are addressed promptly and consistently, contributing to the program’s overall effectiveness.

Grievance Redress Mechanism

A grievance redress mechanism is established to allow cadets to raise concerns, complaints, or grievances related to program administration, conduct, or treatment. Cadets can access confidential channels for reporting grievances, such as those in charge of grievances, counselors, or grievance committees. Program administrators investigate and address grievances promptly and impartially, taking appropriate action to resolve issues and prevent recurrence. Cadets are informed of the grievance redress process and provided with support and guidance to navigate the process effectively.

Perceived Impact of the CVDP

After months of implementing the program, the cadets were asked: “Did you observe changes in your behavior and mindset on the importance of discipline in your life as cadets and future seafarers? If yes, what are these changes? Please provide examples.” The following are some of their responses, said verbatim:

“After two months of implementing the program, I have observed significant changes in my behavior and mindset regarding the importance of discipline as a cadet and future seafarer. I’ve become much more punctual. For instance, I struggled with getting to morning drills on time, but now I consistently arrive early.   My commitment to health and fitness has strengthened. I now follow a regular exercise routine and make healthier food choices, understanding that physical fitness is essential for enduring the demanding conditions at sea.”

“I believe that a lot has changed in me during the program. I have learned how to see things in a different light, especially about discipline. As cadets going onboard international vessels, our BMI is important, so I discipline myself to regularly jog and eat healthy foods to achieve my desired BMI.”

“I started to exhibit the core values of Lacsonian, such as prioritizing my time management as a cadet and student. This program helped me spiritually through sessions that paved the way for me to connect with God. I have seen great improvement in myself when it comes to punctuality compared to my previous self. The challenges I encountered during this program that put a little bit of pressure on me were useful in training myself for the future work environment I will go through. I learned something not only from the officers but also from my fellow cadets and seniors’ experiences. My cooperation shows that my loyalty to this institution is not about my influence on other students verbally, but the impact of how I set myself as an example through actions.”

The instructors handling these cadets in various courses were also asked to provide feedback through this question: “Did you observe changes in the behavior of the cadets, specifically on discipline? If yes, what changes have you observed? Please provide example/s.” In this survey given to the instructors, 17 out of 22 instructors (77%) have noticed changes in the cadets’ behavior, especially regarding discipline. The following are some of their statements:

“I observed some cadets under many subject/s have improved when it comes to discipline. For instance, the rendering of a salute to teachers has improved from occasional to frequent, and there has been improved punctuality, such as reporting to the classroom 15-30 minutes before the start of the class.”

“Most students now greet their instructor with a hand salute even though they have no subject under them. They always ask permission to leave or enter the room.”

“They possess improvement on firmness to their decisions and can even withstand and maintain stability under pressure, more active and aware to the activities held with due diligence as well as respect to their superiors.”

In monitoring the BMI of cadets after months of implementation of the CVDP, a positive impact was also recorded.

Suggestions

The instructors and students have provided several suggestions to enhance the Cadet’s Values and Discipline Program. One suggestion is to ensure that updates and news are relayed uniformly and ideally a day before, allowing students to prepare accordingly. This would help in maintaining a consistent flow of information and reduce confusion.

Another suggestion is to synchronize the schedule to minimize hassle and ensure smooth training and exercises for company passer students. This would help better plan and execute activities, leading to a more organized and efficient program.

To improve the CVDP, it is suggested that more interactive workshops and real-life scenario simulations be incorporated to enhance practical understanding. Establishing a mentorship system with experienced officers can provide personalized guidance and support. Regular feedback sessions would help address challenges and reinforce positive behaviors. Additionally, integrating physical fitness into the daily routine would instill discipline and improve overall well-being. Finally, inviting guest speakers from the maritime industry can provide valuable insights and real-world perspectives on the importance of discipline.

It is also suggested to continue the implementation of the program and discipline juniors to show respect to their seniors by simply recognizing them with a hand salute. Interactive training and regular feedback to cadets for continuous improvement would help reinforce positive behaviors and improve overall discipline.

One student suggests that physical fitness should be paired with physical strength and that the school gym should be accessible for cadets. This would help build up discipline and improve overall well-being.

An instructor suggests that the program be continued and extended to non-placers and non-scholars. This would ensure that all students benefit from the program and are instilled with the values and discipline of a cadet.

It is also suggested that the program be started for first-year students if possible, as they need to be aware of and instill in them the values and discipline of a cadet. This would help in laying a solid foundation for future cadets.

Finally, on other action plans to strengthen the inculcation of discipline among cadets, the following points were suggested:

1. Enhance the Cadet’s Values and Discipline Program (CVDP) further to focus on improving cadets’ physical and character aspects and their mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation for their future careers. This can be achieved by creating programs that effectively address these holistic aspects of the cadets’ development.

2. Strengthen the inculcation of discipline among cadets by implementing a strict daily schedule that emphasizes punctuality and routine.

3. Introduce regular peer review sessions that can foster accountability and mutual responsibility.

4. Organize team-building activities will enhance teamwork and collective discipline.

5. Provide continuous education on the importance of maritime safety protocols. This can instill a deeper understanding of their critical nature.

6. Set up a reward system for exemplary behavior and adherence to rules can motivate cadets to demonstrate disciplined conduct consistently.

7. Implement a reflection and self-assessment activity where, at the end of each week, cadets write in weekly journals about the challenges they faced and the highlights of their experiences. This practice will encourage cadets to reflect on their actions, understand their successes and areas for improvement, and foster a habit of self-evaluation that is crucial for personal and professional growth. This practice will enhance discipline by instilling a routine of self-reflection and accountability, encouraging cadets to consistently evaluate and improve their behavior and performance.

Conclusion

The Cadet Values and Discipline Program (CVDP) at JBLCF-Bacolod is a comprehensive initiative designed to shape Lacsonian Cadets into academically proficient and professionally disciplined individuals, fully equipped to meet the dynamic demands of the maritime industry. This program, spearheaded by CM John Erll N. Destacamento, OIC Dean of the College of Maritime Education, and the OIC Quality Assurance Manager, 3E Bernard M. Sorbito Jr., aims to instill values and discipline among the cadets, thereby setting a prestigious reputation for the institution and its graduates. The CVDP emphasizes the importance of leading by example and fostering a culture of steadfast discipline and values among the cadets, which is essential for their future success in the maritime sector.