(NEWS) Connecting with Alumni in Manila

October

2014

Connecting with Alumni in Manila

WMU Assistant Professor, Lisa L. Froholdt, was recently in Manila from 19-27 September. Her visit was in connection with an IAMU financed research project aimed at surveying the training needs of Filipino seafarers in regard to safety and culture as an underlying issue of Corporate Social Responsibility. During her visit, Dr. Froholdt interviewed representatives from manning agencies and educational institutions, as well as seafarers.

The Philippines is the largest single supplier of the world’s maritime manpower, and ranks third as the country with the most WMU graduates. Dr. Froholdt had the opportunity to meet with several alumni while in Manila who willingly contributed to the project including MARINA Administrator, Max Mejia (M.Sc. 1994 MSA(N)) whom she interviewed. Additional alumni from MARINA who contributed to the project included Christine D. San Luis (M.Sc. 1999 MSEPA), Chief Maritime Industry Development Specialist and officer in charge, and Zaldy G. Maquera (M.Sc. 1998 SM(C)), OIC Director, who both assisted in distributing the project survey to seafarers waiting for certificates at MARINA.

Dr. Froholt noted, “It is always such a pleasure to meet up with WMU Alumni who are all executing important tasks in their home countries. Mrs. San Luis and Mr. Maquera in particular spoke very fondly of their time in Malmö and were happy to be able to contribute to the project.”

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