On February 20, 2024, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) celebrated a significant milestone with the 1st Commencement Exercises Ceremony of the MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy Inc. (MMMA) in Dasmariñas City, Philippines. The ceremony, attended by approximately 600 people, included notable guests such as Congressman Ron Salo, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa, and Doris Magsaysay Ho, President and CEO of A. Magsaysay, Inc.
MOL President and CEO Takeshi Hashimoto delivered a heartfelt address to the graduates, emphasizing the challenges they overcame, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged the graduates to leverage the knowledge and skills they acquired at the academy and to be grateful for their families’ support.
The inaugural class consisted of 280 students, equally divided between deck and engine cadets, and 91 were present for the ceremony. Upon obtaining their maritime certifications, around half of the graduates are set to work as third officers and third engineers on vessels operated by the MOL Group, with aspirations to advance to captain and chief engineer roles.
As global seaborne trade expands, there is an urgent need for skilled seafarers to ensure safe transportation. Filipino seafarers are essential crew members for the MOL Group, which aims to develop competent professionals through the four-year training provided at MMMA. This initiative reflects MOL’s commitment to sustainability and supporting community growth, aligning with their broader vision of providing safe transport services and enhancing social infrastructure.
The academy, which opened in August 2018, has a maximum enrollment capacity of 300 students annually and aims to nurture talent that can respond to the evolving complexities of maritime operations. This program underscores MOL’s strategic focus on training seafarers who can significantly contribute to the maritime industry and the communities they serve.
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