A major step toward strengthening maritime leadership education in the Philippines was formally marked today as Asian Institute of Management and DMMA College of Southern Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)during a formal ceremony held at the AIM Campus in Makati City.

The partnership officially launched the Postgraduate Certificate in Maritime Leadership and Officer Development Program, an executive-level academic initiative designed to enhance leadership, communication, management, and decision-making skills among maritime officers, educators, and industry professionals.

The agreement was formally signed by Gloria S. Uriarte, President of DMMA College of Southern Philippines; Florence Alejandre, Vice President of DMMA College of Southern Philippines; and Alberto G. Mateo Jr., School Head of the School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning (SEELL) of the Asian Institute of Management.

The event gathered representatives from various sectors of the maritime industry, including maritime stakeholders, manning agencies, shipping companies, maritime organizations, academic institutions, and media groups. International representatives connected with the Norwegian maritime sector and NSA were also present during the ceremony, highlighting the growing international interest in leadership development within the Philippine maritime industry.

The newly established program aims to prepare maritime professionals for leadership responsibilities both onboard and ashore. The initiative focuses not only on technical competence but also on strengthening professional values, organizational leadership, communication skills, operational management, ethical leadership, and team development.

Officials from both institutions emphasized the importance of developing maritime leaders who can adapt to the continuously changing demands of the global shipping industry. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving the quality of maritime education and producing globally competitive maritime professionals capable of handling both operational and management responsibilities.

The ceremony also highlighted the increasing importance of executive education within the maritime sector as shipping companies and maritime organizations continue to seek officers and professionals with stronger leadership and strategic management capabilities.

Industry participants present during the event described the partnership as a positive development for Philippine maritime education, noting that leadership training and continuous professional development have become essential in today’s international maritime operations.

The collaboration between AIM and DMMA is expected to create additional opportunities for maritime officers and professionals seeking advanced education and leadership training while supporting the long-term growth of the Philippine maritime sector.

The MOA signing further demonstrated the continuing cooperation between academic institutions and maritime industry stakeholders in promoting professional excellence, leadership development, and global competitiveness among Filipino maritime professionals.