PASAY CITY – In a significant step toward advancing maritime education and training (MET) and harnessing emerging technologies, the World Maritime University Philippine Alumni Association, Inc. (WMUPAAI) and the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) have joined forces by conducting a symposium on 08 September 2023.
WMUPAAI President Atty. Jabeth Sena Jepath Dacanay and AIMS President Dr. Arlene Abuid-Paderanga spearheaded the organization of the symposium titled “Leveraging Maritime Education and Training for Emerging Maritime Technologies.”
The symposium commenced with a warm welcome from AIMS President Abuid-Paderanga, who emphasized the importance of the event as a platform to discuss, share insights, and collaborate to bridge the gap in technological advancements and human elements in maritime operations.
The MARINA, through its Planning and Policy Service (PPS) Director Mr. Luisito Delos Santos, promoted the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP), highlighting the MARINA’s strategic initiatives and vision for the maritime industry’s future growth and sustainability.
In the symposium proper, MARINA STCW Office Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisor (METSS) and concurrent Chief of Public Information Division and Monitoring Division Mr. Herbert Nalupa presented his dissertation titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Maritime Education and Training in the 4th Industrial Revolution”.
For their part, AIMS’ CEO, Dr. Felicito P. Dalaguete shared an AVP presentation underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering maritime excellence. Afterwards, Capt. Mario L. De Rama, a distinguished AIMS MARAD graduate, presented his research, titled “Employability and Employment Opportunities: The Case of Aging Seafarers”.
One of the key milestones of the symposium was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between AIMS and WMUPAAI. The partnership aims to facilitate greater cooperation and synergy in the advancement of maritime education and training, development of emerging technologies, and industry-oriented research, among others.
As the highlight of the event, former MARINA Administrator and currently the WMU President, Dr. Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., delivered his remarks as the Keynote Speaker, emphasizing the significance of gathering after the voyage of exploration of all the WMU alumni in Malmo. He pointed out the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences among participants, noting how this enriches not only each other but also the advancement of the maritime industry and the Philippine society.
“Let’s do more (symposium) because continued research and study are important. New knowledge is the key to innovation. The ability to create new knowledge is vital to consistent progress and sustained competitive advantage. These are what we need to leverage maritime education and training for emerging maritime technologies,” Dr. Mejia said.
To conclude the symposium, WMUPAAI President Atty. Jabeth Sena Jepath Dacanay delivered closing remarks, underscoring the collective commitment to propelling the Philippines’ maritime education landscape forward.
“The WMUPAAI aims to organize exchanges like this – to stimulate more studies on how we can leverage maritime education and training in emerging maritime technologies and innovation. Our ultimate goal is to sustain the stature of the Philippines as the primary source of globally competitive, well-educated, well-trained, and competent, not only seafarers but other maritime professionals,” Atty. Dacanay highlighted.
Several MARINA officials, who are graduates from the WMU, were also present during the symposium.
The MARINA assures it will continue demonstrate its unwavering commitment to propel the Philippines to new heights in the global maritime sector. With MARINA’s significant contributions, including the MIDP and valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in maritime education and training, the agency has laid a robust foundation for the nation’s maritime future.