ILOILO – Western Visayas has emerged as the country’s leading producer of seafarers, supplying nearly 70,000 maritime professionals worldwide and strengthening the Philippines’ position as the top global source of seafarers.
Data from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) showed that as of January 2025 alone, 12,274 seafarers from the region are deployed overseas. The surge reflects not just the resilience of workers, but also the strength of maritime education in Region 6, home to 13 accredited schools offering maritime programs.
“Yes, we consider Western Visayas as the leading maritime producer, especially in Iloilo,” said C/E Reynold Libiano, OIC Dean of the College of Maritime Education at the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU)-Molo.
JBLFMU, the first maritime university in the Philippines established in 1948, has since expanded into campuses in Arevalo, Bacolod, and Molo, producing generations of globally recognized seafarers.
“Generations of seafarers have been trained within the university’s walls, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to embark on maritime careers across the globe,” Libiano added.
C/M Genesis Jowi A. Nique, Dean of the College of Maritime Education at Iloilo Merchant Marine School (IMMS), echoed this: “Based on my analysis, waay gakawad-an seaman nga halin sa Western Visayas.”
Enrollment Surge, New Institutions
The demand for maritime education continues to grow. JBLFMU expanded its first-year capacity, enrolling 570 cadets this year compared to 400 last year, according to faculty member 3/E Ian Ben Christi C. Tan.
The school now accommodates up to 650 first-year students, with 382 in second year and 371 in third year.
IMMS, a newer institution based in Pavia since 2015, has also risen to prominence. It now has more than 1,000 students enrolled in maritime programs, with over 100 graduates already deployed to sea.
“Despite being relatively new, our school is gaining recognition in the industry due to the quality of our graduates,” Nique said.
Job Security and Industry Links
Educators attribute the popularity of maritime programs to strong employment prospects.
“The course is in demand not only among Ilonggos but also among students from other provinces. One reason for this is the international-based programs we offer, which include opportunities for our students to secure jobs even while they are still in school. This may involve sponsorships that can help them successfully transition into their careers after graduation,” Tan said.
Libiano emphasized JBLFMU’s industry partnerships: “From their first year to third year, students often get involved with shipping companies… By the time they graduate, they’re not looking for jobs; they already have offers.”
He also highlighted the role of their instructors in ensuring quality training: “The demand and partnerships with shipping companies are continuously increasing due to the quality of education offered by John B. Lacson. Our faculty consists of experienced educators who have recently transitioned from industry to teaching, which means they bring current knowledge to the classroom. Many of our instructors are up-to-date on the latest machinery and are eager to share their expertise with students.”
IMMS shares the same advantage, with agencies actively recruiting cadets.
“Most of our enrollees come from Iloilo but also from Palawan, Mindanao, Zamboanga, Cagayan, Samar, and Leyte. This diversity indicates that the quality of education in Western Visayas is top-notch,” Nique said.
Women at the Helm
Both JBLFMU and IMMS are breaking gender barriers in maritime education.
“Right now, we are actively promoting the message that the fields of Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation are not solely male domains or paternal courses; they are equally open to women as well,” Tan said, noting more than 10 female cadets in engineering programs. IMMS has 17 women enrolled as cadets.
“We practice equality as one of our core values here in the institution and approach toward inclusivity in fields historically dominated by men,” Nique added.
Senior High Track
At IMMS, even Senior High students are given hands-on training. Denmark Z. Paguntalan, Officer-in-Charge Principal, said: “One of the reasons they choose this track, aside from the demand for employment, is their family background in related work.”
He added that students in Grades 11 and 12 are exposed to quality machinery to enhance their skills before transitioning to college.
Economic Backbone
Beyond education, stakeholders stressed the indispensable role of the maritime industry in sustaining the economy.
“The marine industry is essential, especially for our islands, as it connects various regions and facilitates travel,” Tan said.
Nique added: “The maritime sector demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic when many sectors collapsed. Without shipping, economies would face significant disruptions.”
As Western Visayas continues to lead in maritime education and manpower, the region is not only producing skilled professionals but also ensuring the Philippines maintains its global edge in seafaring—an industry vital to trade, economic growth, and connectivity./PN
