In a compelling demonstration of international partnership and cross-border educational excellence, two cadets from the College of Maritime Education (CME) of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) embarked on a transformative training journey aboard the T/S Sae Nuri, one of the premier training vessels of South Korea’s Mokpo National Maritime University (MMU).
From February to June 2025, Bryden Amar and Ryan Kerby Acibar, both fourth-year maritime students of OLFU, joined Korean cadets aboard the Sae Nuri for an intensive shipboard exchange program. Their participation symbolizes OLFU’s deepening commitment to fostering global maritime competency through immersive, real-world education.
For Amar and Acibar, the Sae Nuri was more than a vessel, it was a floating classroom, a cultural bridge, and a test of their mettle as future seafarers. Immersed in real-world maritime operations, the two Filipino cadets underwent intensive practical training that challenged their knowledge, resilience, and adaptability.
“My experience on the Sae Nuri was exciting and enriching,” shared Bryden Amar, a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) student, in an online interview. “Working alongside Korean cadets during a mooring operation taught me the true value of cooperation. Even with language barriers, we communicated through our shared commitment to professionalism.”
Ryan Kerby Acibar, a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) major, echoed the sentiment. “I joined a leadership exercise where we had to overcome challenges as a team. Despite the language gap, we relied on non-verbal cues and trust. That moment taught me how shared goals can transcend cultural differences.”
Both cadets were selected by OLFU-CME after a rigorous screening process based on academic standing, commitment to the maritime profession, and capacity to represent the University on the global stage. Their successful integration into MMU’s international training program is a testament to the University’s forward-thinking maritime education.
Charting the Course for Global Maritime Readiness
OLFU’s College of Maritime Education, under the leadership of Dean Francis Jay Dela Cruz, continues to build pathways for students to experience maritime training beyond borders. Its robust curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, and places strong emphasis on leadership, safety, and communication—key skills for thriving in multicultural crews and global maritime environments.
“OLFU prepared me well through its simulations, leadership training, and cultural awareness education,” said Acibar. He added that the College’s holistic approach gave him the confidence to adapt to new environments, think critically, and collaborate across cultures.
The international exposure offered by OLFU is further amplified through strategic partnerships with world-class maritime institutions like MMU. These partnerships provide opportunities not only for outbound training but also for inbound collaboration, enhancing both cultural understanding and academic excellence.
The strength of the OLFU-MMU alliance was celebrated on 15 May 2025, when the Sae Nuri docked at the Port of Manila as part of its international voyage. Led by Dean Kim Chuhyong of MMU’s Division of Cadet Training, the Korean delegation was welcomed by OLFU-CME at the RISE Tower with the Filipino distinctive brand of warmth and hospitality.
The visit also marked a reunion between OLFU leaders and cadets Amar and Acibar, who were then midway through their training aboard the Sae Nuri. The moment underscored the University’s commitment to supporting its students beyond the classroom and across oceans.
Read: MMU’s Sae Nuri docks in Manila; strengthens academic ties with OLFU’s College of Maritime Education
Following discussions on further strengthening the alliance, the MMU delegation was given an exclusive tour of the University’s state-of-the-art maritime simulation laboratories, reaffirming OLFU’s status as a hub for maritime innovation and international cooperation in the region.
Preparing Global Seafarers, One Voyage at a Time
Programs like the OLFU-MMU exchange are more than academic—they are foundational to preparing the next generation of Filipino maritime leaders. For Amar and Acibar, their journey aboard the Sae Nuri was not just about navigation and engine systems, but about character, culture, and connection.
For both cadets, the program showed that being globally competitive is not just about skills, but also about being adaptable, respectful, and culturally aware.
As the global maritime industry becomes increasingly interconnected, academic institutions like OLFU are ensuring that students are not merely keeping pace but are prepared to take the helm. Through strong international collaborations and a values-driven approach to education, the OLFU College of Maritime Education firmly believes that international maritime training does more than broaden horizons—it strengthens educational diplomacy and shapes Fatimanians into future leaders of the seas.
Story by Raymond Lumagsao
