UC-METC launches Philippine Nigerian Friendship Project

The University of Cebu continues to strengthen its linkages worldwide with the launching of the University of Cebu-Maritime Education and Training Center (UC-METC) Philippine – Nigerian Friendship Project.
The project brings Nigerian scholars to UC-METC campus located at Mambaling, Cebu City to study Nautical, Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture. The Nigerian Government pre-qualified the students and shouldered the scholars’ tuition, uniform, board and lodging, laptops and other education expenses.

This project will augment educational tourism as more Nigerian students choose to study in Cebu City. UC-METC was chosen over maritime schools in London and India, which is a big boost to the Philippines’ image in maritime education.

UC-METC Nigerian Project Director Mr. Edgar Comeros said, “We are expecting a total of 360 Nigerian scholars this year; 205 have already arrived last December 2012 and another 155 are expected to arrive in Cebu City in January 2013. These scholars are seen to finish their four year courses here.”

The Nigerian Government sees the project as a form of social engineering, to help its Nigerian nationals to be educated particularly in the maritime field. The project is seen to produce nautical and marine engineers and naval architecture graduates to help rebuild Nigeria’s shipping industry.

Aside from bringing in students from overseas, UC also provides scholarships for Filipino students. UC is the only school in the Philippines with numerous foreign scholarships and more than 2,000 Filipino scholars availing. Foreign scholarships available for Filipinos include the Norwegian Ship Owners Association (NSA) scholarship project, the Marlowe Study Now Pay Later Plan, Brize, IMEC, Blue Eastern and MIC.

Posted on: Jan. 9, 2013
April May L. Tudtud-Ramos
PR Consultant / Publicist

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UC METC gets nod from Panama Maritime Authority

The University of Cebu Maritime Education Training Center (UC-METC) got the nod from officials of the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA). Panama certification requires various steps including the recognition audit of the Maritime Training Center, which is done every two years.

UC-METC currently has 30 maritime upgrading courses accredited by PMA. Four new courses were also recognized – Maritime Pollution III-V, Maritime Pollution I-VI (consolidated), Medical Care and Electronic Chart Display and Information System.

Maritime Training Department Deputy Engr. Cecilia Hernandez, Maritime Training Department Head Ms. Joanna Rodriguez, Maritime Training Department Assistant to the Head Ms. Yennifer Peña and Universidad Maritama Internacional de Panama and Universidad Tecnologica de Panama Professor and former PMA Ports Compliance Officer Engr. Roberto Pineda were in UC-METC to conduct the quality audit.

An evaluation of the training programs by the Consulate of the Republic of Panama in Manila were also part of the renewal procedure as well as the documentation requirements that scrutinize the credentials and course materials of the instructors to make sure it abides by their established standards.

Only seafarers who obtained trainings from Panama-recognized maritime training centers can go on board Panamanian vessels. Panamanian ship owners and manning agencies handling Panamanian vessels refer to a list of PMA-recognized training centers provided by the Consulate of the Republic of Panama before accepting new crew members and ship officers.

As of 2003, one-third of the registered Panamanian ships were manned by Filipino seafarers. In 2010, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration recorded 339,608 officers and non-marine Filipino seafarers who worked aboard foreign vessels. Within that year, Panama registered ships ranked highest in terms of employing Filipinos on board with 66,523 registered seafarers.

The UC administration headed by President Atty. Augusto W. Go and Chancellor Ms. Candice G. Gotianuy understand the need of Filipino seafarers to be globally competitive. Thus, UC-METC continues its practice of offering established quality education and training.

Source: uc.edu.ph

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