ONE of the leading training centers in the country, the Southern Institute of Maritime Studies Inc. (SIMS), opens its Bohol branch targeting seafarers from Bohol, Cebu and other Visayas areas for safety courses.
The area, within the Eastern Visayas and nearby provinces, is credited with a large number of communities populated mostly by seafarers and their families.
SIMS Bohol was launched on Dec. 1 in the municipality of Baclayon by Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan, Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado, Albuquerque Mayor Don Ritchie Buates and Glenn Mark Blasquez, SIMS vice president.
n Participants to the three-day Year-End Performance Assessment and Planning Conference held in Batangas from Nov. 27-29, 2024. PHOTO FROM MARINA
The new branch is set to offer essential maritime safety and refresher courses, providing enhanced access to quality training for aspiring and active seafarers in the province.
“The opening of SIMS Bohol will inspire more Boholanos to pursue careers at sea, become the country’s sailing ambassadors, and contribute to the economy and progress of the province,” Malaluan said.
“The milestone underscores SIMS’ commitment to advancing maritime education and safety standards in Baclayon, Bohol. With this, Marina looks forward to the positive impact of SIMS Bohol in nurturing a new generation of maritime professionals and fostering growth in the region’s maritime industry,” Marina stated in an official statement.
Meanwhile, Governor Aumentado emphasized SIMS-Bohol’s alignment with the Provincial Government’s Strategic Change Agenda, which promotes competitiveness, job creation and economic growth through education and innovation. He highlighted the center as a beacon of opportunity, offering world-class training that strengthens Bohol’s economy and global maritime presence.
“Because of SIMS-Bohol our Bolanon seaman no longer needs to go to Manila and Cebu for the required training and upgrading because it is already in Bohol. We are with Dr. Glenn Mark Blasquez, the vice president of SIMS, together with his parents Engr. Jorge Blasquez and Ma’am Norma Blasquez, and Jubac-Blasquez families,” Aumentado said. An official statement from the Provincial Government of Bohol’s social media page added that “the center enhances Bohol’s role as one of the nation’s top seafarer producers, contributing significantly to the maritime industry and global trade.
“Aumentado is also committed to collaborating with SIMS for Tesda training and providing support for youth pursuing education.”
“As the first and only Marina-accredited training center in the province, this facility will significantly ease the burden on seafarers by eliminating the need to travel to other provinces for their training. This initiative will help them save time, money and resources while allowing them to focus on developing their skills and advancing their careers,” Mayor Buates said.
“This event marks not just the inauguration of a facility but the beginning of a brighter future for the maritime community in Bohol.
Congratulations to everyone who made this project possible — your dedication and vision will leave a lasting impact on countless lives and the development of our province!” he concluded.
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