Category: Featured

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–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.

JBLCF-BACOLOD LEADS COLLABORATION AMONG MARITIME INSTITUTIONS

📍New AVR, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Bacolod), Inc. | October 14, 2025

In a milestone event that underscores the power of collaboration in maritime education and research, JBLCF-Bacolod initiated the effort of forming this alliance and spearheaded the Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with four esteemed maritime institutions — VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc., Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, University of Antique, and St. Therese-MTC Colleges.

The activity aimed to strengthen joint research initiatives in the next five years and conduct studies that respond to the dynamic needs of the maritime industry.

Key highlights of the program included the rationale delivered by Dr. Emeliza Torrento Estimo, JBLCF-Bacolod Research Coordinator, who emphasized the value of collaboration in advancing maritime research, and the welcoming message of Engr. Sylvino Tupas, PhD, Administrator of JBLCF-Bacolod, who expressed optimism about building a shared culture of research excellence. The presidents and representatives of partner institutions also shared messages of commitment and support toward the collective vision of innovation in maritime education. Dr. Brian Gil Secondes Sarinas, OIC Director for Research and Development & Community Extension Services, delivered the message of goodwill on behalf of JBLFMU.

This meaningful collaboration was initiated by the JBLCF-Bacolod Research and Development Center, in partnership with the College of Maritime Education under the leadership of Dr. Estimo and Dr. John Erll Destacamento, Dean.

Dr. Emeliza Estimo, Unit Research Coordinator of JBLCF-Bacolod, spearheaded the initiative with the full support of the JBLCF-B Administrator, Engr. Sylvino V. Tupas, Ph.D. According to Dr. Estimo, this collaborative effort signifies a progressive shift in how maritime institutions approach research and innovation.

“We have to truly extend and reach out to other institutions and not see them as competitors in the industry, but as partners and collaborators,” Dr. Estimo emphasized. “By sharing expertise, resources, and best practices, we can collectively elevate the quality of maritime education and research in the country. Collaboration fosters not only stronger research outcomes but also a culture of trust and shared purpose that ultimately benefits our students and the maritime sector as a whole.”

The ceremony concluded with the signing of the MOA, exchange of tokens, and a fellowship lunch — symbolizing not only a formal alliance but also a strong commitment to advancing research-driven maritime education.

As JBLCF-Bacolod and its partners sail forward, they carry a shared vision of a stronger, more connected maritime research community. The next five years promise not only studies that respond to the evolving needs of the industry but also meaningful collaborations that shape minds, inspire innovation, and uphold the legacy of maritime excellence. With passion as their wind and partnership as their compass, these institutions are set to explore new frontiers where research becomes both a voyage of discovery and a beacon of progress.