Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) is ushering innovation into maritime education in the country by integrating advanced technology into its curriculum and training programs to ensure that the next generation of Filipino seafarers are equipped for the demands of the modern maritime industry.
This development aligns with the Marcos government’s plan to boost its efforts in enhancing maritime education and training in the Philippines. Key reforms being implemented are the National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test, designed to assess the foundational skills of prospective students; the Maritime Industry Authority’s (MARINA) ladderized education and training program; and the expansion of onboard training opportunities for Filipino seafarers.
Aligned with these national efforts, Mapúa MCL continues to innovate its curriculum to meet the fast-evolving needs of the industry. The institution has integrated simulators and equipment critical to maritime education, including the bridge simulator, engine room simulator, and trim and stability simulator, to give students realistic, hands-on training experiences.
“We use outcome-based learning, advanced simulators, and digital tools to prepare cadets for the modern maritime world,” said, Capt. Armando Ternida, Dean of the Mapúa-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (Mapúa-PTC CMET).
Established in 2008 through Mapúa MCL’s collaboration with the Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC)—a leading global crew management company for maritime services—Mapúa-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (Mapúa-PTC CMET), currently offers bachelor’s degrees in marine engineering and marine transportation.
Through this partnership, Mapúa-PTC CMET combines academic excellence and industry relevance through its global collaborations, giving students unmatched international exposure before they even graduate. Mapúa-PTC CMET is audited annually by the Belgian Maritime Inspectorate (BMI), which monitors compliance with international shipping legislations, ensures the quality of education delivery and meets the globally recognized standards for training and certification of seafarers developed by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Mapúa-PTC CMET remains the first and only maritime institution in Southeast Asia to receive the BMI accreditation—a testament to its excellence in world-class maritime education.
“In this program, we offer a complete career pathway for students. From classroom to international shipboard training to global employment, CMET offers a seamless transition built on Mapua’s excellence and PTC’s global reach,” said Capt. Ternida.
In addition to technical proficiency, Capt. Ternida underscored the importance of discipline, integrity, and leadership for seafarers. Students undergo rigorous values formation programs, including a two-week bootcamp conducted by PTC to prepare cadets for embarkation. This ensures cadets gain updated and necessary skills to adapt to the latest trends, issues, and breakthroughs in the maritime industry.
“While we are not regimented, we conduct trainings for our cadets like they are in the military. Every Monday, we have some formation, similar to what they do in military, that emphasizes leadership and integrity among our students,” explained Capt. Ternida.
