IBA, Zambales — Zambales 2nd District Representative Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz has renewed efforts to realize a tie-up training project between the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) and Carnival Corporation Ltd., the world’s largest cruise company.
On September 24, Rep. Maniquiz, along with PMMA and Carnival Corp. officials, met with Cabinet Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. to discuss the PMMA-Carnival Cruise Line Training Facility Project, which will provide specialized training for maritime professionals and build a pipeline of Filipino officers and crew for Carnival-operated cruise ships.
Maniquiz said her office had already committed funding for Phase 1 of the training center project, while Sec. Abalos had promised to help secure government funds for Phase 2 until the project’s completion.
“It is important to push through with the PMMA-CCLTF project because it would open up job opportunities and provide world-class training for PMMA cadets and local seafarers,” Maniquiz said.
“With this project, we can hope for Zambales to be recognized as a global center for world-class maritime training,” she also said.
The PMMA-Carnival training facility project already broke ground in July 2024 at the PMMA Campus in San Narciso, Zambales.
The training partnership includes Carnival Corp., which accounts for nearly 40% of the global cruise market; Crossworld Marine Services, Inc., a global maritime crew management and ship operations agency based in the Philippines; and STI Educational Services, which would provide tie-ins for culinary and housekeeping training.
The dedicated training program includes cadetship opportunities, scholarships, and specialized instruction and equipment to prepare trainees for careers in the cruise line industry.
Last March, PMMA and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also discussed setting up TESDA-accredited training and assessment in the academy in connection with the PMMA-Carnival Corp. training project. – Taktikom News & Features
COVER PHOTO: Cong. Maniquiz (3rd left) and Cabinet Sec. Benhur Abalos (middle) meet with PMMA and Carnival Corp. officials to discuss the training center project.
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