In a significant stride towards advancing the standards of maritime education in the country, the newly reconstituted Technical Panel for Maritime Education (TPME) held its oath taking ceremony administered by CHED Chair J. Prospero De Vera III on 16 February 2024 at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office.

The ceremony marks the commencement of MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan’s pivotal role of shaping policies and standards related to maritime education in the Philippines.

Under the Administrator’s guidance, the Technical Panel aims to address current challenges, incorporate industry advancements, and enhance the curriculum to meet global standards.

Alongside Administrator Malaluan, the TPME comprises CHED Executive Director Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro, Association of Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) Executive Vice President VAdm Eduardo Ma R Santos AFP (Ret), Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) Chairman Engr. Felix M. Oca, MARINA STCW Office Executive Director Mr. Samuel L. Batalla, EPIC Ship Management – ROHQ Training Manager C/E Jaime B. Morales, Avior Marine Inc. President Capt. Gregory Nick R. Sevilla, Joint Manning Group Board of Director Ms. Josephine J. Francisco, PTC Group of Companies Business Development Executive Director Ms. Katherine R. Avelino, and BW Shipping Philippines, Inc. Asian Region Manager C/E Manuel B. Umali.

Administrator Malaluan expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational initiatives with the dynamic requirements of the maritime industry.

“As TPME, we have one goal — to ensure that graduates of Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs), our future seafarers, are compliant with international standards,” Administrator Malaluan emphasized.

She also stressed the need for a stronger and unified partnership, not only between MARINA and CHED but with all stakeholders, encouraging a whole-of-nation approach.

This collaboration underscores the joint efforts between MARINA and CHED in ensuring the continuous improvement of maritime education. The maritime sector is a vital component of the country’s economic landscape, and both agencies are expected to foster a stronger connection between industry needs and academic programs.

The program also included a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between CHED and the Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM). This MOA pertains to the development of the National Maritime Admission Test (NaMMAT), which aims to ensure that only qualified students are granted entry to the BS Maritime program. The collaboration between CHED and CEM is aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance the quality and standards of maritime education. Additionally, the event marked the conferment of the ISO 9001:2015 Certification to CHED Maritime Education Section, Office of Programs and Standards Development.

Following the induction of the new TPME members, the first regular meeting was convened to set the tone for their collaborative endeavors in maritime education.

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