NMP, IMMAJ-PJMCC Conclude Maritime Faculty Development Forum in Mindanao

NMP Press Release

Tacloban City --- The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) and International Mariners Management Association of Japan(IMMAJ) - Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCC) conducted a Maritime Faculty Development Forum (MFDF 2017) with the theme “Working Together in Enhancing the Competencies of Philippine Maritime Faculty”, at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City, on 21 February 2017.

The panel discussions and open forum centered on the initiatives of government and the private sector related to maritime faculty development vis-à-vis full implementation of the 2010 Manila Amendments to the STCW, challenges in the implementation of a Faculty Development Program and expectations of employers on competency-based outcomes of maritime higher education institutions (MHEIs) with further emphasis on the expectations of Japanese employers.

On the other hand, the conduct of workshops surfaced the challenges being faced by maritime instructors in the Mindanao region related to maritime faculty development in the light of the STCW Convention.

NMP Executive Director Romulo V. Bernardes in his message stressed the emergent need for collective actions among the country stakeholders in maritime education in responding to the requirements of the industry particularly on the qualifications of maritime faculty.

“This is a serious challenge, but there is much that we can do. I encourage you to take part in the discussions and propose reforms in government policies and suggest programs for consideration of employers and other applicable private organizations”, he added.

The purpose of the MFDF is to generate information on the training and development needs of maritime instructors in MHEIs. The output will serve as basis in the development of an Action Plan for a National Maritime Program for Faculty Development (NMPFD) towards upgrading their teaching competencies to the current approaches as specified by the 2010 Manila Amendments to the 1978 STCW Convention.

The day was concluded with the reading and signing of the Forum Resolution where participants pledged their full support in all initiatives and programs towards enhancing the competencies of the Philippine maritime faculty members and to continuously uphold and promote the production of quality, competent and globally competitive seafarers in the world market.

Resource persons were composed of Capt. Naoki Saito from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK), Ms. Presca Lee B. Lugo, MSc from the Maritime Industry Authority STCW Office, Dr. Luis D. Perez from the Commission on Higher Education Region XI, Engr. Felix M. Oca from the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions and Capt. Andres F. Alvaro from the Joint Manning Group.

The sixty-five (65) participants and four (4) observers were maritime faculty from the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College, Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Capitol University, Lyceum of Iligan Foundation, Agro Industrial  Foundation College of the Philippines, DMMA College of Southern Philippines, Holy Cross of Davao College, MATS College of Technology, Mindanao Polytechnic College, Regency Polytechnic College, St. Joseph Institute of Technology and Colegio de CARAGA. (NMP)