ADDRESSING THE OFFICERS SHORTAGE THROUGH THE BRIDGING PROGRAM
Elizabeth Orola Salabas
President, VMA Global College
Presented at the PAMI-PAMTCI Round Table Discussion,
June 23 – 26, 2010
ABSTRACT
In response to the worldwide shortage of qualified marine engineers, the Philippine
Government through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in collaboration with the
Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), the Maritime Training Council (MTC), Overseas
Workers’ Welfare Association (OWWA) which later extended incentive to sponsoring
companies and in consultation with qualified experts from the academe and the maritime
industry, designed an educational and training program for the graduates of Bachelor of Science
Mechanical Engineering to earn a degree in Marine Engineering and qualify for the PRC
licensure examination for Marine Engineer, OIC Level.
Piloted by the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), fifteen (15) other
CHED recognized and certified as STCW compliant maritime institutions were authorized as
program providers: VMA Global College (VMA), Technical Institute of the Philippines (TIP),
Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS), Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF)
– Baras & Legaspi, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Northern Phil. Col. For Maritime
Educ. & Tech’l Studies, Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy (PaMMA), John B Lacson
Colleges Foundation University-Molo , University of Cebu-METC, Capitol University, DMMA
College of Southern Philippines, Dr. Yanga’s Francisco Balagtas Colleges, FEATI University and
University of Perpetual Help-Rizal.
With the efficient support of manning companies, the Bridging Program produced cadets,
who demonstrated competence and on-the-job readiness with majority extended onboard
promotions. Likewise with the aid of review centers, the Bridging cadets gave very satisfactory
passing performance from 2008 to present. More importantly, with loyalty and discipline
inculcated in them through rigid academic, physical and psychological training, the Bridging
Program has produced competent Marine Engine Officers, now continuously serving their
respective sponsoring companies.