By Helen Castaño | 08:33 PM December01, 2024
Engr. Jorge and Norma Blasquez (1st and 2nd from right) and Dr. Glenn Mark Blasquez (2nd from left) during the blessing and inauguration of Southern Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS) -Bohol on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024.
The first and only maritime training center in the province of Bohol was inaugurated Sunday to increase the capabilities of maritime professionals in the country.
The Southern Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS) -Bohol of its new premises at Barangay Cambanac in Baclayon town.
The event was graced by Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) administrator
Sonia Malaluan, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Alburquerque Mayor Don Ritchie Buates, lawyer Melita Adame who represented Rep. Vanessa Aumentado,
Engr. Jorge and Norma Blasquez, the Jubac-Blasquez families, and other officials.
Dr. Glenn Mark Blasquez, vice president of SIMS, said Boholano seafarers don’t need to go to Manila and Cebu for training and upgrading since SIMS-Bohol can offer and provide seafarers with the necessary knowledge and skills required in the various fields of the maritime.
He said Bohol as one of the Top 10 trending destinations in 2025, he saw immense potential to nurturing the next generations of maritime students.
Malaluan said because of SIMS-Bohol there will be more Boholanos interested in pursuing careers at sea.
She added that the Philippines continues to be the leading provider of qualified, competent and certificated seafarers in accordance to said standards.
She said in 2023 there were more than 578,000 seafararers been deployed overseas, supplying more than 25 percent of the world requirements with an annual average dollar remittances of about US$ 6.5 billion.
Aumentado highlighted the impact of SIMS-Bohol on local seafarers.
“The establishment of SIMS-Bohol is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing maritime education and training, equipping our seafarers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in an industry that plays a crucial role in the global economy,” the governor said.
” Maritime professionals have always been the backbone of international trade, and with SIMS-Bohol now within our shores, we are poised to make a substantial contribution to this vital sector,” he added.
