The Manila Times

JBLFMU sets roadmap on 75th anniversary

BY YASHIKA F. TORIB

THE future is set for the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) as it gears for a roadmap that will take the institution beyond compliance with local and international requirements.

The JBLFMU Roadmap and Initiatives were introduced during its 75th founding anniversary this month in its base in Iloilo.

This reflects the university’s anniversary theme: “JBLFMU at 75: A Legacy of Lacsonian Leadership and Excellence.”

“We aim to go well beyond compliance requirements of all regulatory agencies, inclusive of the European Maritime Safety Agency (Emsa) and the Independent Evaluation,” Ronald Raymond Lacson-Sebastian, JBLFMU chief executive officer, said.

The compliance requirements include curricular enhancements and revisions; appropriate and authentic assessments; additional equipment, facilities and simulators; enhanced orientation and preparation of cadets for onboard training; multiple and enhanced linkages and affiliations; and establishment of new curricular programs relevant to national and global sustainability goals and trends.

Sebastian added that JBFLMU will maintain and improve its accreditation levels and autonomous status.

It will also pursue a higher Philippine Quality Award as part of its “relentless commitment toward quality and excellence in education and training,” he said.

The JBLFMU also welcomes technological advancements such as augment reality and virtual reality in its mode of learning.

“Having created our own Learning Management System (LMS), we have endeavored continuously to improve and integrate gamified approaches as contributed, suggested or stored by our faculty, including cloud-based activities, for effective teaching, learning and assessment sessions.

“However, as per the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), we believe the course or lesson outcomes and the required competencies must be acquired to the level of proficiency, no matter the approach employed,” Sebastian explained.

The university also takes pride in M/V John B. Lacson, a 71.92-meter vessel with 2,102 gross tonnages. The training ship is dedicated to the shipboard training of Jbflmu students and trainees. It also offers shipboard practical skills training for deck, engine, and galley for shipping and manning companies’ pool of seafarers.

It was launched last year during the school’s 74th anniversary.

This year, JBLFMU aims to obtain accreditation for onboard training from the Maritime Industry Authority for the training ship.

“We also intend to complete and have an operational recognition of the Training Center Extension Site to better serve our clients in the region,” he added.

During the weeklong 75th anniversary celebration, the university held a sports fest, musical and cultural contests, literary competitions, a pageant, and an alumni homecoming and awards night.

Maritime And Logistics

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2023-01-25T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-25T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://manilatimes.pressreader.com/article/281981791716272

The Manila Times