GOVPH

Maritime Education Collaboration Cited as Strong Pillar in Philippines-Netherlands Relations

THE HAGUE 16 July 2024 – The significant contributions of some 10,000 Filipino seafarers serving in the Dutch merchant fleet was highlighted during the visit of Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya to the Nova College at its Ijmuiden campus on 12 July 2024 in view of its ongoing educational collaboration with the Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT) in Leyte Province on maritime education.

Ambassador Malaya was received by the College’s Executive Board Chair, Mr. Florus Roelofsen, Velsen Municipality Mayor Frank Dales and other officials.

The Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR) entered into a partnership with the Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT) in 2001 on a maritime educational program, wherein support is extended to the maritime courses and nautical training to the latter’s students. Dutch shipping companies, which are part of the KVNR, then consider, recruit and deploy the graduates of this program to serve as deck officers and engineers. The Nova College, on behalf of the KVNR, provides the expertise to maintain the high-standard of PIT’s maritime education programs, including the dispatch of instructors. The Nova College’s shipping department is located in Ijmuiden, a port and harbor town along the Netherlands coast and the North Sea canal.

In his remarks during the meeting, Ambassador Malaya described the PIT-KVNR-Nova College partnership as “mutually beneficial, ensuring steady source of well-qualified deck officers and engineers for Dutch vessels, and good jobs for Filipino seafarers.” He called “the PIT-KVNR-Nova College collaboration as among the strong pillars in the Philippines-Netherlands partnership.”

Executive Board Chair Roelofsen affirmed that the Nova College is “committed to maintaining its excellent standard to meet the global demands for highly-skilled seafarers, and continuously provide affordable training, foster intercultural collaboration and network, and open career opportunities,” and that Nova College will continue to partner with the PIT and KVNR to fulfill these goals.

Nautical Expert Evert van Leeuwen, the KVNR Project Manager for PIT maritime programs, made a presentation on the KVNR-PIT partnership, from the intake of prospective students at the PIT campus in Leyte until the competitive selection process conducted by Dutch shipping companies from among the graduates of the program. He commended the high-quality of PIT cadets, noting that Dutch shipping companies value their skills and capabilities as well as their dedication and commitment to the profession.

Director Annet Koster of the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners also addressed the group through a pre-recorded video.

Following the meeting, Ambassador Malaya was given a tour of the Nova College facilities, showcasing its state-of-the-art engine, inland vessel, and full mission simulators, which enable students to develop the skills to handle various real-life navigational situations.

The other officials in attendance were Nova College’s Director Jan Wiegor, Training Manager Michel Renique, and Public Affairs Officer Lucas Land. Embassy First Secretary and Consul Nomer B. Ado II and Embassy Information Officer Kieren Roevi Batiles accompanied Ambassador Malaya during the visit.

The Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT) is a state college in Leyte, the Philippines which provides professional and engineering courses as well as higher vocational, professional, and technical instruction and training in trade and industrial education. The Nova College Shipping Department (https://www.novacollege.nl/contact/vestigingen/nova-college-scheepvaart/) offers a wide range of courses and training for the maritime professional. The courses cover the areas of safety, security, navigation and professionalization. The KVNR (https://www.kvnr.nl/home) represents shipping companies involved in merchant shipping and sea towage. END