Forging a strong partnership to produce future-proof seafarers

Forging a strong partnership to produce future-proof seafarers
https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/money/forging-a-strong-partnership-to-pro...

A CONFLUENCE of events might have brought Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia Malaluan to the sprawling campus of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales, on Jan. 25, 2025.

These include the recent enactment of Republic Act 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which mandates the transfer of jurisdiction of all maritime schools in the country, including PMMA, from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to Marina.

Another is the unique position of the 205-year-old PMMA as the nation's leading maritime education and training institution, unrelenting in pursuing cutting-edge technology in maritime education, especially under PMMA Supt. Commo. Joel Abutal's watch.

Add to these the day's special occasion, some 600 graduates of PMMA, many of whom brought with them their families, were returning to their alma mater to join the Grand Alumni Homecoming 2025, undoubtedly the most important event of the year for graduates of the state-run maritime institution.

The Marina chief saw the occasion as the most opportune time to make it "not just a get-together but also an avenue for networking opportunities."

Speaking to PMMA alumni after the traditional testimonial parade, Malaluan highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s commitment to protecting the rights of Filipino seafarers and their jobs, as indicated by his support for RA 12021.

"It is a testament to how committed the current administration is to safeguarding the welfare of our Filipino seafarers. It is none other than the president who also witnessed the signing of the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulation at Malacañang)," which is rarely done by the chief executive.

Malaluan commended PMMA graduates for "excelling or leading in their respective companies, whether it is shipping, shipbuilding, or manning" and, more importantly, for "producing competent seafarers through the years that definitely contribute to our global status as a major provider of seafarers."

The Marina chief, however, underscored that it is not enough that the country is the leading crew provider; "we have to make sure also that there is no doubt on their competence."

Toward this end, she said that Marina, as the single maritime administration now under RA 12021, is committed to implementing the STCW Convention, including future amendments. It is looking forward to achieving this through collaboration with PMMA.

"We are committed to forging a stronger partnership with the PMMA and its Alumni Association toward this goal," Malaluan told PMMA alumni who gathered at the parade ground.

Hence, she appealed to PMMA and the Alumni Association for "collaboration and commitment" to producing a "future-proof maritime workforce," meaning seafarers who are unlikely to become outdated, especially regarding skills.

Meanwhile, Malaluan's recent visit to PMMA in Zambales can lead to not just a partnership but a more robust relationship between Marina and PMMA.

Currently, the chairman of the PMMA Board is from CHED, Commissioner Ronald Adamat. With the transfer of PMMA from CHED to Marina by virtue of RA 12021, it is not likely that someone from Marina would also chair the state-run institution.

This developed as PMMA Alumni Association President Jeremias Simon recalled that academy was once under Marina. The then president, Cory Aquino, placed PMMA under Marina from 1987 until 1997. Thus, Malaluan's visit to PMMA could signify something more for Marina and PMMA.

EAC