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.
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.
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.
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.
Theme: Cultivating a Culture of Research — Advancing Excellence through Mentorship, Creativity, and Innovation
📅 October 17, 2025 | 🕢 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM | 📍 JBL Hall
In its continuous mission to promote academic excellence and a vibrant culture of inquiry, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. successfully conducted the In-House Research Capability Training and Workshop on October 17, 2025, at the JBL Hall. The event carried the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Research: Advancing Excellence through Mentorship, Creativity, and Innovation” and was spearheaded by Dr. Roderick R. Germo, OIC-Research Coordinator, together with his dedicated research team.
The day-long program gathered faculty members, student researchers, and institutional leaders to enhance research competence and encourage innovation in maritime education and allied disciplines.
The program began with solemnity through the Invocation, Philippine National Anthem, Iloilo Hymn, and JBLFMU Hymn, followed by the Safety Protocol presented by 2M Karl Danielle H. Sira, MMM, CCSSM, Safety Officer. Mr. Robert O. Parcia, MSMM, Administrator of JBLFMU (Arevalo), delivered the Opening Remarks, emphasizing the university’s continuing thrust toward academic distinction through relevant and impactful research.
In his Overview Message, Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, OIC-Director for Research and Community Extension Services, underscored the vital importance of collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning in nurturing both faculty and student researchers toward excellence.
🔹 Plenary Session: Strengthening Research Competence
The plenary sessions featured a remarkable lineup of distinguished speakers:
Dr. Felipe P. Vista IV, University Director for R&D Services, Northern Iloilo State University, discussed the intricacies of Qualitative Research.
Engr. Sammy V. Militante, PCpE, Director of the Statistical and Knowledge Management Center, University of Antique, tackled Quantitative Research and Creative Works.
Dr. John Erwin P. Pedroso, Associate Dean, College of Education–Graduate School, West Visayas State University, inspired participants through his session on Innovation in Research, highlighting creativity, relevance, and the transformation of ideas into impactful solutions.
An Open Forum followed, where participants actively engaged with the speakers, leading to meaningful discussions on research challenges and innovations. The morning session concluded with the presentation of certificates to the guest speakers in recognition of their expertise and valuable contributions.
🔹 Breakout Sessions: Research in Action
Breakout Session 1 (JBL Hall):Presentation of Due-to-Write Research Proposals by faculty members, covering diverse topics from maritime education and environmental sustainability to institutional development and technology-driven innovation.
The research presentations reflected the university’s dynamic research environment, featuring studies such as “Tracking of Graduate Attributes,” “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Onboard Navigational Training (M/V Capt. John B. Lacson),” “Sustainability Challenges in Seagrass Conservation (Puerto del Mar),” and “Exploring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Institution.”
Breakout Session 2 (JBL Hall Lobby):Student Research Forum with the Speakers, an engaging exchange where aspiring student researchers received insights and mentorship from the guest experts.
🔹 Closing and Reflections
The training culminated with Closing Remarks by Dr. Roderick R. Germo, who emphasized that cultivating research excellence requires continuous mentorship, collaboration, and passion for discovery. His leadership and commitment, along with the support of the research team, were instrumental in ensuring the success of the event.
Guided seamlessly by Mr. Carlos Manuel V. Mañas and Ms. Rein Gabrielle N. Naive as masters of ceremonies, the event stood as a testament to JBLFMU’s unrelenting pursuit of research excellence and innovation.
The In-House Research Capability Training and Workshop reaffirmed JBLFMU’s vision of steering maritime education toward the frontiers of innovation — fostering a research culture anchored on creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
