STI ESG To Continue NAMEI’s Legacy Of Maritime Excellence

STI ESG To Continue NAMEI’s Legacy Of Maritime Excellence
March 28, 2019 http://pageone.ph/sti-esg-to-continue-nameis-legacy-of-maritime-excellence/

For more than seventy years, the country’s aspiring seafarers found their dream school in NAMEI Polytechnic Institute (NAMEI), an institution offering programs in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, and Naval Architecture.

Founded in 1947, NAMEI’s beginnings go all the way back to the dream of Don Felix B. Padilla, the first Filipino graduate of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. Padilla had one goal when he founded the school: he wanted his fellow Filipinos to learn about Maritime Sciences and use their knowledge to help the country.

Over the last years, Padilla’s dreams have become a reality as the Philippines became a leading provider of maritime professionals. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority and the International Maritime Organization show that 380,000 Filipinos account for 1.5 million seafarers worldwide, making the Philippines the world’s seafaring capital. Between January to April 2018, these seafarers remitted a total of $1.934 billion, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. This makes the maritime industry a major contributor to the country’s economy.

NAMEI continues to create opportunities for young Filipinos who want to succeed in the maritime field. Following STI Education Services Group’s (STI ESG) acquisition of NAMEI, the prime center for maritime studies has rebranded into STI NAMEI. The acquisition aligns with STI ESG’s commitment to provide relevant education and innovative learning tools that shape the Filipino youth’s success in the professional world.

“We are very happy with the addition of NAMEI to STI ESG’s institutional roster,” said President and COO Peter K. Fernandez. “It is an opportunity for us to introduce exciting changes and transform NAMEI into an educational powerhouse whose students will bring pride not only to their alma mater but also to the country.”

A home of achievers

NAMEI’s numerous achievements and recognitions show that the institution is a conducive training ground for future Filipino offshore talents. Throughout the years, the institution has been continuously producing graduates that thrive in the naval architect and marine engineer board examinations.

In 2014, seven NAMEI Polytechnic Institute graduates topped the Naval Architect and Marine Engineer Board Examination. Among these top performers was Rodel Dalawampu Maala, who obtained the highest score of 89.80 percent.

In the 2015 licensure examination, three of the school’s graduates were included in the list of topnotchers. Jarmin Natividad Perez got the second highest score of 90.50. Dan Mark Lorenzo Bugarin landed on the third spot with a score of 88.40. James Macalma Amarille placed seventh at 85 percent.

The following year, six graduates dominated the board examination: Juan Juian Rindole Balimbing (1st Place), Jerick Ivan Hondos Carpeso (2nd Place), Jejoemar Carandang Tumambing (3rd Place), Reynaldo Divida Lupague (4th Place), Marlon Agustin Tolentino (6th Place), and Bannie Valeriano Eslava (7th Place).

In 2018, three NAMEI graduates were part of the Top 10 in the licensure exam. Jason Capuz Padre with the score of 87.60%; followed by Jerome De Los Santos Rosete with 87.50%, and Kengie Rovillos Caguete with 86.60%.

STI looks forward to continuing this NAMEI tradition in their institution’s new home in STI Academic Center Sta. Mesa.

World-class maritime education

STI NAMEI will be housed in the newly constructed STI Academic Center Sta. Mesa along P. Sanchez Street, Sta. Mesa in Metro Manila. The 11-storey building, whose estimated value is at PhP727 Million, can accommodate 9,000 senior high school and college students.

The new campus will be operational this school year 2019-2020. It is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including air-conditioned classrooms with flat screen TVs, industry-grade laboratories, simulation rooms, a basketball court, and a student activity center.

STI ESG will also establish information technology programs for maritime such as networking and communications, cybersecurity, and IT maintenance and services to keep up with the ever-changing demands in the seafaring industry.

As part of STI ESG’s commitment to strengthen academic industry linkages, the institution is exploring a partnership with one of the biggest crew companies in the world to further train aspiring hospitality and culinary professionals. A growing number of Filipinos also provide housekeeping, guest relations, culinary, front office, and other maintenance services on cruise ships and floating casinos.

“It is very important for us to continue the high standards for which STI has long been known for. However, it is equally important for us to improve upon what has been established at NAMEI. We have been handed a legacy of academic excellence which we aim to keep. It is our mandate to our stakeholders to innovate our learning methods in order to produce and mold young people who will become competent and responsible members of society,” Fernandez added.

By bringing together NAMEI’s expertise in maritime education with STI’s commitment to developing practical and industry-driven skills, STI NAMEI eyes producing more professionals and leaders who will harness the Philippine maritime industry’s full potential.