Design and Development of Desalination Plant Powered by Solar Energy in Unisan Island, Guimaras, Philippines
This project is anchored on the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (R.A No. 9513). This Act affirms the Philippine government’s commitment to accelerating the utilization of renewable energy (RE). The utilization of solar energy will enable the operation of a Fresh Water Generator to produce potable water for the residents of Unisan Island, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines.
This project focuses on SDG No. 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure—promoting innovation by designing a freshwater generator powered by solar energy. The new feature of this freshwater generator will enable the residents of Unisan Island to have potable water sourced from seawater.
This project is based on SDG No. 17: Partnership for the Goal, strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development. It involves collaboration with local manufacturers, the local government unit, and government agencies. The establishment of this type of freshwater generator will allow different stakeholders in the maritime university to collaborate and conduct studies focused on sustainable freshwater solutions for Unisan Island, Guimaras.
Dr. Elsie Gancia reads her paper “Assessing the Relationship Between Reading Achievement and Academic Performance in Marine Engineering Freshmen Cadets: A Quasi-Experimental Approach” at the 44th Thailand TESOL International Conference on January 24-25, 2025.
The Breakthrough/ Innovation Research Workshop: A Collaboration with DOST-WVCIEERD was conducted last December 6 & 13, 2024, at JBLFMU-Molo, Inc. Iloilo City participated by the three academic units of JBLFMU and the invited resource persons are from Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas.
On November 25 to 29, 2024, a team from JBLCF-Bacolod, composed of 3E Bernard M. Sorbito, Jr., Quality Assurance Manager; C/M John Erll N. Destacamento, PhD, Dean of the College of Maritime Education; and 2O Nestor A. Herpacio, Jr., On-Board Training Supervisor, visited shipping companies and manning agencies in Makati, Metro Manila for the biennial Industry Satisfaction Survey. The purpose of the visit was to gather vital feedback on the performance of JBLFMU graduates, the challenges facing the maritime industry, and potential future trends. This survey not only provides insights into how the institution can adapt to industry needs but also guides JBLFMU in refining its priorities to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. By fostering strong partnerships with industry leaders, JBLFMU remains committed to shaping maritime education that benefits its graduates and the global maritime community.
Companies Visited:
Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC, Inc.)
PHILCAMSAT (Training Center) – Partner of PTC, Inc.
Amaya Shipping Incorporated, Sealanes Marine Services Inc., and Pandiship Corporation
Var-Orient Shipping Co., Inc.
Marimar Shipping Agency Corporation
BW Shipping Philippines, Inc.
Synergy Group Operations, Inc.
Arctic Shipping Corporation
Torm Shipping Philippines, Inc.
Dalisay Shipping Corporation
Bouvet Shipping Management Corporation
Phoenix Maritime Corporation
Crossworld Marine Services, Inc.
Seacrest Maritime Management and Songa Crew Management
Laurel Carriers Philippines, Inc.
Dakila Ship Management Corporation
F. A. Vinnen Philippines, Inc.
Eaglestar Marine Services
Alster International Shipping Services
Parola Maritime Agency Corporation
Epsilon Maritime Services, Inc.
KJCM Maritime Corporation & Epsilon Maritime Services, Inc.
Net Ship Management Inc.
DOHLE Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.
Friendly Maritime Services, Inc.
The Industry Satisfaction Survey 2024 conducted by the team yielded several key insights regarding the performance and preparedness of its graduates in the maritime industry. Here are the summarized key points gathered from the feedback:
General Observations
Stakeholders stressed the need for JBLFMU’s curriculum to align with the evolving demands of the maritime sector, highlighting that continuous engagement with industry leaders is essential for adapting educational programs to better prepare graduates.
Specific Feedback Highlights
Industry feedback highlighted several key areas for improvement regarding graduate preparedness:
Graduate Preparedness: While graduates demonstrate foundational skills, there is a recognized need for enhancement in practical applications and essential soft skills for maritime operations.
Training Infrastructure: Observations from training centers indicated a necessity to upgrade training facilities and methodologies to provide students with relevant hands-on experience aligned with current industry practices.
Networking Opportunities: There is a call for improved networking initiatives, particularly aimed at female cadets, to boost job placement prospects for graduates.
Areas for Improvement
Curriculum Development: Feedback pointed to specific competencies, including advanced technical skills and leadership training, that need greater emphasis in the university’s training programs.
Industry Challenges: Stakeholders discussed various challenges facing the maritime sector, such as regulatory changes and technological advancements, indicating that the university should prepare students to navigate these complexities.
Positive Feedback
Strengths of Graduates: Several companies acknowledged the strong theoretical foundation of the university’s graduates, particularly in maritime regulations and safety protocols, which are critical in the industry.
The biennial Industry Satisfaction Survey conducted by the team from JBLCF-Bacolod has provided invaluable insights into graduates’ preparedness for the maritime industry. The feedback gathered underscores the importance of aligning educational programs with industry demands, particularly in enhancing practical skills and soft competencies. Additionally, improved training infrastructure and networking opportunities have been highlighted as essential for better graduate outcomes. By addressing these areas and fostering strong partnerships with industry stakeholders, the institution is well-positioned to adapt its curriculum and training methodologies, ultimately ensuring its graduates are equipped to meet the challenges of an evolving maritime landscape. This commitment benefits students and strengthens the maritime sector as a whole, paving the way for a more competent and competitive workforce.
The two-day training workshop “Employing AI in Qualitative Research: A Practical Workshop,” held on November 21-22, 2024, brought fresh ideas on how AI can be utilized as a welcome addition to promoting qualitative research in JBLCF-Bacolod.
Designed to address the challenges qualitative researchers face in today’s data-rich environment, the workshop highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline the analysis of complex textual data, as traditional methods can be time-consuming and subjective. Throughout the workshop, the participants engaged in a comprehensive intellectual journey that included foundational concepts of AI in qualitative research and hands-on sessions that allowed them to apply AI techniques, such as text preprocessing and visualizing thematic structures through multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis, directly to their work.
Turning Knowledge into Practice
With the new knowledge and skills learned from the training workshop, the JBLCF-Bacolod participants have committed to forming another valuable Core Group in Research specializing in the production of Qualitative Research while utilizing AI-assisted technologies such as Orange Data Mining Software in processing and analyzing data analysis and Mendeley in organizing references. Another workshop intended to strengthen our familiarity with and use of these technologies will be conducted at the start of 2025, inviting more participants from the unit also to join.
