(NEWS) WMU in the Philippines

May

2013

WMU in the Philippines

With 128 graduates from the Philippines and alumni in top maritime roles, WMU has a significant presence and influence in the country that is the largest single supplier of the world’s maritime manpower. The most recent graduate to assume a top role is Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr. who took the oath of office on 27 May as Administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in his native country. MARINA is an agency attached to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) with the charge to integrate the development, promotion, and regulation of the maritime industry within the Philippines.

Dr. Mejia took his oath of office before DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya and is tasked with the modernization of the country’s merchant fleet and the regulation of its shipping industry. “I have tasked Professor Mejia to bring MARINA up to par with international standards in all aspects of the Philippine maritime sector,” Abaya remarked. “His credentials and mastery of the industry give me full faith in his ability to do just that.”

A graduate of WMU in 1994, Dr. Mejia became a WMU faculty member in 1998 eventually assuming the head of the Maritime Law and Policy specialization in 2011. Dr. Mejia is officially on approved leave with firms plans to return to WMU, but will be an integral part of the maritime authority in the Philippines before returning to Sweden at a future date. In reference to his new role, Dr. Mejia stated “I am grateful for the confidence bestowed upon me by President Aquino and Secretary Abaya. I wish to acknowledge the men and women of MARINA for their dedication in promoting the safety, security, productivity, and economic viability of shipping. I know of their tremendous efforts in preparing for the EMSA [European Maritime Safety Agency] audit on our country's STCW [Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping] compliance. I look forward to joining their ranks in providing the Filipino people with the service they truly deserve.”

With an archipelago of over 7,000 islands encompassing a coastline of around 18,000 miles, the Philippines is a nation with a long and distinguished maritime history. The maritime industry is the engine of the national economy, making possible the development of other sectors, from mining to agriculture, and is also a vector of cultural and national unity for a country that is spread over such a vast area. As the largest single supplier of the world’s maritime manpower, the Philippines has more maritime training institutions than any other country.

This past January, Dr. Mejia and WMU President Björn Kjerfve traveled to Manila where thanks to the efforts of HE Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Secretary of Transportation & Communications, it was possible for President Kjerfve to meet with HE Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines, on 30 January at the Malacanang Palace. Secretary Abaya and Attorney Nicasio A. Conti, then Officer in Charge of MARINA, joined the hour-long meeting where President Kjerfve informed President Aquino about the successes of WMU as the institution celebrates 30 years, highlighting the fact that the Philippines ranks third in the number of graduates out of 164 countries.

WMU has a particularly strong presence in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with WMU alumnus Rear Admiral Rodolfo D. Isorena (WMU MSEP 2002) serving as the current Commandant. The previous two PCG Commandants, Admiral Ramon C. Liwag (ret., WMU MSA 1996) and Admiral Edmund C. Tan (ret., WMU MA 2002), are also WMU alumni and both received Outstanding Alumnus Awards at the 2012 WMU graduation ceremony. Overall, the Philippines ranks third in the countries with the most WMU graduates with a total of 128 alumni. During the visit of President Kjerfve and Dr. Mejia to Manila, Admiral Isorena hosted a WMU Alumni Fellowship Dinner in the evening with song and dance, attended by some 100 Coast Guard officers, alumni, and their spouses. During the event, President Kjerfve was honored with the Coast Guard Legion of Honor (Degree of Maginoo).

While in Manila, Drs. Kjerfve and Mejia were welcomed by Vice Admiral Eduardo Ma R Santos (ret.), President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP). A short helicopter flight over Manila Bay to Bataan, President Santos provided a tour of MAAP with an opportunity to meet the faculty and tour the facilities. Discussions are ongoing regarding opportunities for collaboration between MAAP and WMU.

Rounding out the visit to the Philippines, Dr. Gerardo A. Borromeo, Vice-Chairman/CEO, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC) organized a lunch hosted by the Filipino Shipowners Association where President Kjerve made a presentation about WMU to the leaders of some 40 companies and organizations. It is noteworthy that Doris Magsaysay Ho, President and CEO of A. Magsasay, Inc., the largest seaferer manning company in the country, is a member of the WMU Executive Board. HE Carlos Salinas, Ambassador of the Philippines to Spain, the Chairman of Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc., and a WMU Governor, happened be in Manila during the visit of Drs. Kjerfve and Mejia and hosted a dinner attended by some dozen maritime leaders, including IMO Regional Co-ordinator Brenda V. Pimentel.

It is only natural that the ties between WMU and the seafaring nation of the Philippines will continue to grow as the numbers of Filipino graduates steadily increases. As WMU alumni assume prestigious maritime positions, they will exert significant influence in this archipelago nation that helps to shape global maritime activity through its sheer numbers of seafarers. WMU welcomes the opportunity for collaboration with these Filipino alumni and alumni worldwide as the institution moves forward in its 30th anniversary year continuing to serve the global maritime community through education, research and capacity building to ensure safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans.

Click here to view a clip of President Kjerve meeting President Aquino.

Updates: Since the publishing of this news item, MoUs have been signed with the Philippine Ports Authority, MARINA, and the Philippine Coast Guard, and an alumni association has been established. Refer to the "Related Content" below for links to these news items.

Related Documents

No items found.

Dissertation title

Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influenced by my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initially introduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education, WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional quality of education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became a compelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student. Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutional offerings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at this esteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals.

My research explored the theoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis on maritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the study conducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritime governance—specifically, the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affect the implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, the research aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmly anchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling the intricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMO instruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivated by a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies in maritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of a scarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in the existing body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration, underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area of maritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarly research.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of my educational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections with influential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of the globe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an international scale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also served as a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding of different perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantly to my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networking and has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within the Caribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path, my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritime governance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the global maritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by a passionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritime domain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly to positive transformations in the global maritime sector.

Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

The Transition to low and near zero carbon emission ports: Extent and Determinants

Spatiotemporal Analyses of Pelagic Sargassum: Biodiversity, Morphotypes and Arsenic Content

Contextual Barriers Facing Caribbean SIDS in the Global Governance of Plastic Pollution. Assessing the need for harmonized marine debris monitoring and contextual equity to support participation in the global plastics treaty negotiations by Caribbean SIDS

Hinterland Connectivity and Market Share. A case of Indian Container Ports

Combatting the Marine Litter Crisis in the Windward Islands: Examining Source-to-Sea Pathways and Fostering Multi-Scale Solutions

I was attracted to the World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden simply due to the opportunity to research the transboundary challenges of marine litter in the Eastern Caribbean. My specific research focus on the Windward Islands allowed me to contribute solutions to a region I am deeply connected to.

Marine litter poses significant threats to Caribbean Small Island Developing States, affecting marine ecosystems, tourism, fisheries and other local economies, and the health of the communities. My choice to focus on this crisis was driven by the urgency to shed light on its magnitude, propose sustainable solutions, and advocate for more global efforts in addressing this pressing environmental issue.

Studying at WMU provided a multifaceted experience that extended beyond just academics, and there are two highlights worth mentioning to represent this. One, the amazing opportunity for intercultural exchange. I had the privilege of collaborating with researchers and experts from around the globe. This diverse gathering not only facilitated a unique learning environment but also opened doors to share varied perspectives. This exchange was instrumental to my research and learning process and enriched my career path. I found myself collaborating with and even speaking alongside some of the most respected experts in the field on renowned panels. Two, is a particularly exhilarating experience which was representing the university in the UN interagency games in 2022. I was honored to be a part of the first women's team from WMU. Against expectations, I managed to place third in my backstroke category, even though it was my first time participating in competitive swimming. Our team's dedication and hard work culminated in a podium finish, as we secured third place overall.

Post-graduation, my professional trajectory, initially aimed singularly at university teaching in Grenada, has evolved to include curricula development on marine conservation topics at various educational levels, aspiring to inspire the next generation. While my zeal for academia remains steadfast, my aspirations have broadened to encompass policy advocacy. My research, highlighting the striking linkages between marine litter and the overarching climate crisis, has fortified my resolve to employ these insights toward tangible change. Now, as I pivot towards a more policy-oriented role, I aim to work collaboratively with policymakers. My focus will be on underlining the Caribbean's unique environmental challenges, advocating for climate compensation, and concurrently influencing educational approaches on marine issues.

Combatting the Marine Litter Crisis in the Windward Islands: Examining Source-to-Sea Pathways and Fostering Multi-Scale Solutions

The Problem of Abandoned, Lost and otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) in Eastern Caribbean Small-Scale Fisheries. Understanding the Challenges, Defining Solutions

Gender equality in ocean science for sustainable development

I chose the World Maritime University for my PhD studies in Maritime Affairs because of several reasons, including its academic reputation and strong postgraduate degrees in maritime and ocean science-related programmes, a range of international modules, and the diverse group of students and faculty members. WMU is in Sweden, one of the EU countries with the best gender equality ranking worldwide. As a woman in marine science who faced several challenges in the industry, I was mainly attracted to the Empowering Women for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development programme offered at the university. This unique programme aims to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in ocean science to increase women’s participation in ocean science and advance the sustainable management and governance of ocean spaces and maritime activities at all levels through capacity building.

My research topic focused on evaluating gender equality in ocean science for Sustainable development in Kenya. The primary aim of this study was to examine gender equality in ocean science institutions in Kenya, using the existing institutional gender policies, gender-disaggregated data of students and staff, the experiences and barriers faced by students and staff in this field as well as the good practices that the institutions already have to promote gender equality. The issue of gender equality and women’s empowerment are generally relevant for ocean governance because they bring diverse perspectives, skills and solutions to management and sustainability. I chose this research topic to understand the root causes of gender inequalities and persistent biases in the ocean science sector to make invisible voices and contributions of women in ocean science visible and to ensure women or marginalized groups are included in decision-making and policy-making processes as the primary users of marine resources.

I have had a fantastic journey and an incredible and rewarding experience at WMU. Studying here came with many blessings and was one of the best decisions I have ever made. First, my supervisors were resourceful, outstanding and very supportive, who dedicated their time to mentor and guide my research work. Their guidance, advice, motivation, kindness, understanding and support were instrumental and helped me achieve my academic goals to reach where I am today. Second, the university has a strong family bond, is well-organized, and embraces teamwork, and I received immense support from the GOI and WMU secretariat. Also, I managed to interact with many students from different nationalities, exchanged ideas and discovered/learned a lot of things from the various cultures, especially during the annual celebration of the WMU International Day, made new friends from around the world, expanded my network and immensely improved my global view.

After graduation, I plan to expand my network and find a job that includes both academic and practice-oriented research to continue advocating for gender equality in ocean science. Also, I plan to develop a policy brief for the ocean science institutions in Kenya as a guide for promoting gender equality in ocean science both in higher education and employing agencies. My natural science background will also open doors to explore and work in freshwater and marine environments.

Gender equality in ocean science for sustainable development

Harmonisation in the Rules Governing the Recognition of Foreign Judicial Ship Sales

The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards

When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MSc and PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for several compelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as a world-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wielded significant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a senior professional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of a captain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexus for both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the dissemination of my wealth of industry experience.

WMU's unwavering commitment to maritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realms of academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMU was the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched in maritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University's storied tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within the maritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for my educational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

My research focus during my tenure at WMU was centered on the pivotal subject of achieving net-zero emissions in the maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore infrastructures, including ports and shipyards. This particular research avenue held great appeal for me due to its unique capacity to amalgamate my extensive practical experience as a captain within the maritime operational field with the rigorous academic environment provided by WMU. The maritime industry is inherently dynamic, constantly undergoing transformative changes, and I was deeply convinced that my research endeavors could significantly contribute to enhancing sustainability within this vital sector. The prospect of influencing positive change by addressing contemporary challenges and emerging trends in the maritime industry, all closely aligned with my professional background, served as a compelling motivation for my choice of research focus.

One of the most memorable aspects of my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant and inclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members and fellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been an incredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmosphere has offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectives that would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focused setting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritime disciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching my educational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtful discussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritime topics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time at WMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network of maritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections with professionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have not only broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension to my educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

Upon graduation, I was awarded a prestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit of net-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the next phase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed to continuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building upon the invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. My primary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of the zero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within our global community.

The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards