JBLFMU Hosts IAMU Orientation and Recognition Ceremony during its 78th Foundation Week

In a consistent drive to excellence and international engagement, the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) conducted an Orientation on the IAMU Conference Manual and Recognition of IAMU Peer Reviewers and Paper Presenters at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University on 3 February 2026.

The activity was held as part of the institution’s 78th Foundation Week celebration, marking a significant milestone in JBLFMU’s growing role in global maritime education and research. The event was graced by key leaders, including Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian, Chief Executive Officer of the John B. Lacson Foundation System; Capt. Luis G. Evidente, Ph.D., Member of the Board of Trustees and Consultant for External Affairs; and Capt. Yusuke Mori, Ph.D., Deputy Executive Director of IAMU.

IAMU Conference Manual Orientation: Preparing for IAMU 2027

The first part of the program focused on the IAMU Orientation on the Conference Manual, spearheaded by Capt. Mori, who provided detailed guidance on IAMU conference standards, operational procedures, and hosting requirements. This orientation was particularly significant as JBLFMU is being considered as a potential host of the IAMU 2027 Conference, positioning the institution as a prospective venue for one of the most prestigious global maritime academic gatherings.

The session equipped JBLFMU administrators, faculty-researchers, and organizers with critical knowledge on IAMU conference protocols, reinforcing the university’s preparedness and capability to host large-scale international academic events.

Recognition of IAMU Peer Reviewers and Paper Presenters

The second part of the program highlighted the formal recognition and awarding of IAMU Peer Reviewers and Conference Paper Presenters, led jointly by Dr. Sebastian, Capt. Evidente, and Capt. Mori, honoring outstanding scholarly contributions to international maritime research.

Among those recognized were:

  • Brian Gil S. Sarinas, Ph.D., Research Director of the John B. Lacson Foundation System, who was recognized as an IAMU Peer Reviewer for 2024, underscoring the JBLF System’s sustained contribution to global research evaluation.

Roderick R. Germo, Ph.D., who served as an official IAMU Peer Reviewer for 2025, reflecting international trust in his expertise in maritime education, research methodology, and academic quality assurance.

  • Loren Steve G. Glumalid, 2/M, who was formally awarded on 3 February 2026 for his research paper presented during the IAMU Conference in October 2025, recognizing the quality and international relevance of his scholarly work.

A Milestone in JBLFMU’s Global Engagement

The IAMU orientation and recognition ceremony served as a highlight of JBLFMU’s 78th Foundation Week, symbolizing the university’s expanding leadership in international maritime research, conference hosting readiness, and academic governance.

Through active participation, peer-review leadership, and award-winning research presentations, JBLFMU-Arevalo and the JBLF System continue to affirm their position as globally competitive, research-driven maritime institutions, ready to host and contribute to world-class academic platforms such as IAMU 2027.

PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTHERN ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY

The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Molo), Inc. and Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on August 22, 2025. at the JBLFMU-Molo Audio Visual Room, strengthening their partnership in research and academic development.

The event highlighted projects on ship heeling systems, refrigeration units for fishing vessels, and upgrades to marine sewage treatment plants. The program concluded with the official signing of the agreements, marking the beginning of the institutions’ collaborative academic and research initiatives.

PARTNERSHIP WITH JEJU NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Molo), Inc. and Jeju National University formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 20, 2025. The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in innovation and research, particularly in artificial intelligence, engineering, and environmental technology. The signing ceremony was led by Administrator Engr. Roberto Neal Sobrejuanite, along with representatives from Jeju National University—Prof. BYUN Yung-Cheol, Director of the RISE Office for High-Intelligent Service; Prof. Kang Chung-ul, Vice President for Research Affairs; and Prof. Kim Yong-woon, researcher.

JBLFMU–Arevalo Shines at the 2025 Regional CBMS Convention and Data Festival

Championing Research Excellence and Innovation in the Maritime Community

The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University–Arevalo (JBLFMU–Arevalo) proudly marks another milestone of academic and research excellence after its remarkable performance at the 2025 Regional Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Convention and Data Festival, organized by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office VI. The prestigious event was held on September 23–24, 2025, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City.

StatShots Competition Winners

JBLFMU–Arevalo cadets showcased their analytical prowess and creativity in presenting statistical insights through visual storytelling.

First Place: Mdpn. Lee Harvey P. Gumban (Polaris 2A)

Third Place: Mdpn. James Russel Amatorio (Polaris 2A)

Their winning entries, mentored and guided by Dr. Roderick R. Germo, who served as coach and statistics data consultant, impressed the judges with clarity, precision, and impactful data presentation.

Student Research Paper Session Winners

In the Student Research Paper Session, JBLFMU–Arevalo cadets once again demonstrated academic excellence and innovation through research that contributes to sustainable development and maritime community welfare.

First Place: “The Impact of Port Development on Coastal Communities’ Livelihood, Environment, and Health”
Presenter: Mdpn. Mark Jason Ablanzar
Team Members: Mdpwn. Ella Mae Mabulac, Mdpwn. Bea Katrina Fernandez, Mdpn. Kenth Alan Jamili, Mdpn. Wyndale Klein Sumagaysay, Mdpn. Louiejun Carman, Mdpn. Romar Angelo Minerva, and Mdpn. John Andrew Magan
Adviser: Dr. Roderick R. Germo

Second Place: “Talisay Tree (Terminalia catappa L.) Bark Powder as Algae (Chlorella vulgaris B.) Inhibitor in Water Enclosures”
Presenter: Mdpn. Kyle Martin D. Biluan
Team Members: Mdpn. Jemar Louise P. Agabe, Mdpn. Jair C. Broce, Mdpn. John Kenneth Gonzales, Mdpn. Brent Anjo S. Punsaran, Mdpn. Olsen F. Gumia, Mdpn. Vince Peter L. Magbanua, and Mdpn. Josh Karl E. Ticar
Adviser: Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas

These victories underscore the university’s unwavering commitment to fostering a strong research culture and empowering cadets to address real-world maritime and environmental challenges through evidence-based inquiry.

Leadership, Mentorship, and Excellence

Behind these outstanding accomplishments stands the steadfast leadership of Sir Robert O. Parcia, Administrator of JBLFMU–Arevalo, whose continuous encouragement and support have inspired faculty and students to pursue innovation and scholarly excellence.

Likewise, the guidance and mentorship of research advisers Dr. Roderick R. Germo and Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas reflect the Research Department’s vision of nurturing critical thinkers, innovators, and future maritime leaders who can make a meaningful impact on society.

These achievements not only bring honor to JBLFMU–Arevalo but also reaffirm its position as a leader in maritime education and research excellence, committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge for sustainable development and community empowerment.

 Anchored on excellence. Driven by innovation. Sailing toward a sustainable future.

JBLFMU–GHF University Excellence Workshop: Raising the Bar toward Global Maritime Leadership in Research

loilo City, Philippines — The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), in collaboration with the Global Health Focus (GHF) University Excellence, successfully conducted a two-day hybrid Excellence Workshop titled “Raising the Bar toward Global Maritime Leadership in Research.” The event was held via Zoom on October 24, 2025, and continued onsite at the JBLFMU Interview Rooms A and B on October 27, 2025.

The workshop brought together faculty members, staff, and students, all united in their pursuit of strengthening the university’s research culture and global academic competitiveness.

The highlight of the event was the session led by Dr. Don Eliseo L. Prisno III, MD, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director of GHF University Excellence. Dr. Prisno, a globally recognized maritime and public health scholar, delivered an insightful lecture on the current research and journal publication landscape. His discussion provided participants with an in-depth understanding of international publishing standards, scholarly impact, and strategies to elevate the visibility and quality of institutional research outputs.

On October 27, the focus shifted to practical skill-building sessions facilitated by Mr. Jericho B. Ogaya, Program Manager, and Mr. Christian Joseph N. Ong, Program Associate of GHF University Excellence. Their session introduced participants to Bibliometric Analysis — a powerful research method for mapping, quantifying, and analyzing trends in scholarly literature. This innovative approach, as emphasized by the speakers, can serve as a gateway for producing high-quality and Scopus-indexed publications.

Throughout the two-day seminar-workshop, participants actively engaged in discussions, collaborative exercises, and hands-on research simulations. They were guided in developing their own full-paper bibliometric analyses, integrating modern research tools and techniques.

The workshop was described by attendees as inspiring, enriching, and transformative, emphasizing the university’s continuing commitment to research excellence and innovation in maritime education. It further reflects JBLFMU’s dedication to becoming a world-leading maritime research university, cultivating scholars who will advance global maritime knowledge and leadership.