The World Maritime University (WMU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) via a virtual ceremony with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the flag state administration of the Philippines, tasked with integrating the development, promotion, and regulation of the country’s maritime industry.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU, and Vice Admiral Robert A Empedrad AFP (Ret.), Administrator of MARINA. It allows for areas of cooperation between the partners on collaboration in the field of maritime education and training, capacity-building activities, field training opportunities for WMU students, and the possibility of MARINA funding staff to attend the MSc programme in Malmö.
Vice Admiral Empedrad welcomed the virtual guests to the signing ceremony. He spoke of the importance of capacity building for the Philippines maritime industry and welcomed the partnership with WMU to advance the goals of MARINA. “I am honored to sign this MoU with WMU to continue our collaboration to provide us the needed capacity building of our personnel as we move forward to a very progressive maritime industry of our country,” he said.
In her remarks, President Doumbia-Henry highlighted that MARINA is one of the most important maritime administrations in the world with the Philippines playing a vital role as the largest source of seafarers for the maritime community and international trade. She noted the importance of the partnership established through the MoU saying, “MARINA holds the key to ensuring quality in the education, training, and certification of Filipino seafarers. Without qualified Filipino seafarers, world trade could arguably face significant disruption.”
Education, training, and capacity-building on maritime and ocean issues have a critical role to play in ensuring safe, secure, and efficient shipping and contribute to the protection of the marine environment and the oceans. The education and capacity-building of a global cadre of future maritime leaders is at the heart of WMU’s mission as an international post-graduate institution established within the framework of the IMO, for maritime and ocean education, research, and capacity building. Out of the 5,392 graduates of WMU, 195 are from the Philippines, the fourth country with the most WMU graduates.
