#Philippines #MOL Magsaysay #Maritime Academy #Dasmariñas #Kiyoshi Kaneko

Japanese Minister Visits MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy

On August 12, 2026, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, Mr. Kiyoshi Kaneko, paid a visit to the MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy Inc. (MMMA) in the Philippines. This institution is jointly operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., under the leadership of President Shotaro Tamura, and the Magsaysay Group. MMMA represents a significant collaboration aimed at nurturing maritime personnel who are equipped with world-class skills to ensure safe navigation, showcasing the educational partnership between Japan and the Philippines.

The visit was part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to strengthen ties with the Philippines. During his time at MMMA, Minister Kaneko observed the state-of-the-art facilities, including the “Ship in Campus,” which replicates the structure of an actual vessel, and the simulator training rooms. This visit allowed the Minister to gain insight into MMMA's practical maritime education programs, which align with the STCW Convention standards for international training and certification of seafarers.

Minister Kaneko took a moment to express gratitude to MMMA staff and stakeholders for their longstanding commitment to fostering maritime talent between Japan and the Philippines. He engaged in discussions with students about the various career opportunities available to Filipino maritime professionals, emphasizing the significant potential for these individuals to thrive in the maritime industry both in Japan and globally.

The Philippines is one of the world's largest suppliers of seafarers, with many Filipino sailors supporting maritime transport worldwide, particularly in Japan. MMMA was established to contribute to the training of such talent and has successfully graduated numerous students who are now working in various capacities across the maritime sector. Recently, there has been a notable increase in female admissions, contributing to the development of a diverse range of maritime professionals. In the 2026 academic year alone, the academy welcomed a record 31 female students (17 in navigation and 14 in engineering), bringing the total of female enrollees since the school's inception in 2018 to over 100.

In addition to the Minister's visit, students and staff participated in a tree-planting ceremony, symbolizing their hopes for the continued collaboration between Japan and the Philippines in maritime training and workforce development. Through MMMA, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and its associated group are committed to nurturing the next generation of maritime professionals, supporting the growth of the industry.

Overview of MMMA

• - School Name: MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy Inc. (Four-year maritime university, full boarding)
• - Location: Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines (approximately 30 km south of Manila)
• - Student Capacity: Up to 300 students per year (approximately 150 in navigation and 150 in engineering)
• - Established: August 2018
• - President: Dr. Alex M. Enriquez

The STCW Convention, established in 1978, outlines international standards for the training and certification of maritime personnel. The growing number of female cadets at MMMA is a testament to the academy's commitment to equality and diversity in maritime education and is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry.