Hanjin, Philippine Academy to Set up Naval Architecture Course

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT - As part of its continuing effort to become one of the leading naval educational institutions, the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) recently met with officials of South Korean giant Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) (KSE:003480) for the inclusion of Naval Architecture and related disciplines to its roster of courses.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Feliciano G. Salonga, who accompanied HHIC-Philippines Managing Director Myung Goo Kwon to meet with PMMA President Rear Admiral Fidel Dinoso, said the SBMA has been working closely with the PMMA to provide actual on-board experience to its naval cadets.

Salonga disclosed the SBMA acquired this year a total of seven vessels as part of the port modernization project, and PMMA is providing the necessary training required in manning the said vessels.

An honourary alumnus of PMMA himself, Salonga also shared that he is more than happy to assist Korean shipbuilder HHIC, which is the biggest investment in the Subic Freeport, in trying to meet with the PMMA and bring up the need to establish a course in Naval Architecture.

"The Hanjin Shipbuilding plant in the Subic Freeport is by far one of the biggest shipbuilding plant in the region and their presence means more job opportunities. A Naval Architecture course can help make world-class ship planners and builders who can work for Hanjin," he said.

At present, construction is underway for the 2.3 million square metre shipyard located in Sitio Agusuhin, which is adjacent to the Subic Bay Freeport.

The project, which is seen as a fitting statement showing the strong relationship between the Philippines and South Korea, complements the ongoing construction of the new container port under the Subic Port Development Project, as well as the Subic-Clark Toll Road Project that are both being funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

Meanwhile, Dinoso said that they are pleased with the HHIC's proposal and is in line with their thrust to add more naval related courses at the PMMA.

"We will soon be signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the HHIC. This proposal to add more courses will give our naval cadets a competitive edge in their training as Maritime officers," he said. (PNA)