Through the facilitation of the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI), Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) strengthened its presence in the maritime sector after successfully participating in the 11th PhilMarine Expo 2026, held from June 17 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Anchored on the theme “Navigating the Future: Innovation, Sustainability, and Resilience in Maritime and Offshore Industries,” the international exposition brought together leaders from shipbuilding, shipping, maritime education, logistics, manufacturing, government, and offshore industries. OLFU utilized the event as a strategic platform to promote its diverse academic offerings while exploring opportunities for industry collaboration and student development.
Representing the University were Dr. Francis Jay Dela Cruz, Dean of the College of Maritime Education; Starr Gelle, University Marketing Manager; 2/E Mark Antony Ramos, Onboard Training Supervisor; admissions personnel Jerico Pineda, Nathaniel Alcazar, and Charmane Modequillo; and maritime faculty members 2/O Erwin James Lazaro and 2/O Noel Glenn Espeleta.
Bringing OLFU to the Maritime Industry
Spearheaded by OLFU Valenzuela Admission Officer Jomar Parel, a major highlight of OLFU’s participation was its interactive exhibit booth, which introduced the University’s comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and medical education programs to key stakeholders in the maritime industry.
Representatives from the Admissions Office, College of Maritime Education, and Office of Communications accommodated inquiries from shipbuilding firms, manning agencies, shipping companies, maritime professionals, and parents seeking educational opportunities for their children.
Throughout the three-day exposition, the booth attracted hundreds of visitors, many of whom expressed interest in OLFU’s academic programs. Parents explored enrollment options, while maritime industry representatives discussed potential avenues for cooperation with the University.
The exhibit also served as a venue for reconnecting with alumni and cultivating new industry relationships. Several maritime companies conveyed interest in establishing partnerships with OLFU, particularly in the areas of internship placements and onboard training opportunities for maritime students.
University representatives noted that the strong engagement generated by the booth underscored OLFU’s growing reputation as a provider of industry-responsive education and a potential partner in workforce development within the maritime sector.
Global Maritime Leaders Convene
The expo formally opened on June 17 with welcome remarks from Susan Tricia, Co-Founder, Group CFO, and Board Member of Fireworks Trade Media Group. The opening ceremony gathered prominent government officials, diplomats, maritime executives, and industry advocates committed to advancing maritime development in the Philippines and the region.
Among the distinguished guests during the opening ceremony were several notable dignitaries and industry leaders, including H.E. Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Philippines; Anidelle Joy Alguso, Deputy Director General for Finance and Administration of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), who served as the Guest of Honor; Villamor Ventura Plan, Assistant Secretary for Maritime of the Department of Transportation; and Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe, Deputy Administrator for Operations of MARINA, who delivered the keynote message.
The opening program culminated in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and an exhibition tour, signaling the official start of one of the country’s largest maritime industry gatherings.
Discussions on Industry Growth and Sustainability
Across the three-day event, participants attended conferences and forums that examined the current state and future direction of the maritime sector.
A technical conference on shipbuilding and ship repair hosted by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) highlighted the Philippines’ position among the world’s leading shipbuilding nations, supported by approximately 130 shipyards and a workforce estimated at 100,000. Discussions also focused on challenges confronting the industry, including an aging domestic fleet and the migration of skilled Filipino maritime workers overseas.
The 5th National Shipyard Convention, organized by the Shipyard Association of the Philippines, further explored policy concerns, operational issues, and long-term strategies aimed at sustaining the country’s competitiveness in the global shipbuilding market.
On the final day, MARINA’s Overseas Shipping Service convened the forum “Beyond the Sea: Connecting Philippine Shipping to the World through Global Partnerships,” where experts discussed international shipping agreements, maritime regulatory developments, and global cooperation initiatives.
Presentations also covered the Philippines’ efforts to ratify international maritime conventions and the implementation of sustainability programs aligned with the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy. Topics included maritime decarbonization, digitalization, environmental protection, and initiatives promoting greater participation of women in the maritime profession.
Fatimanian Maritime Students Gain Leadership Exposure
OLFU also enabled student participation in the Gregorio Oca Leadership Development Symposium, held concurrently on June 19.
Representing the University were maritime students Dwayne Ronda, Francine Kate God Suzuki, George Cabides, Edlin Saribay, Denzy Pavia, Michael Josh Agte, Rex Vincent Fernandez, and Rhaymond Gregorio Reamon.
The symposium featured sessions on self-leadership, resilience, collaboration, and personal development, providing future maritime professionals with opportunities to interact and learn alongside peers from other Maritime Higher Education Institutions.
Strengthening OLFU’s Maritime Presence
OLFU’s participation in the 11th PhilMarine Expo 2026 reinforced the University’s commitment to producing globally competitive maritime professionals while maintaining strong engagement with industry stakeholders.
Beyond increasing institutional visibility, the event generated promising opportunities for academic-industry partnerships, student career pathways, internship and onboard training placements, and future collaborative initiatives. Equally important, it provided OLFU representatives and students with valuable exposure to emerging trends, sustainability practices, and global trends shaping the maritime and offshore sectors.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, OLFU’s active participation in major industry platforms reflects its ongoing effort to ensure that its educational programs remain aligned with the needs of employers, regulators, and the international maritime community.
