problems in the maritime industry. There is a shortage of qualified
seafarers. We adhere to the adage of IMO which is "Safer shipping and cleaner
oceans." We want to solve the problems of unemployment. Being newly industrialized
economies, we have to transport raw materials and finished products through the seas.
There is a felt need that developing countries, like these in the region, can create equal
opportunities for each other if only the countries join together in achieving a common
goal. The likeness present in the region, would serve as the vehicle in realizing the
phase of industrialization through cooperation and supporting one another. in order to
achieve all of these, the establishment of a regional maritime school should be given
priority. This would be the emergence of the BIMP-EAGA Maritime Academy.
Object, Aim and Plan of the BIMP-EAGA Maritime Academy.
One of the foremost considerations when establishing a regional
maritime academy is the convenience of its location or site. The Philippines, being an
archipelago is a natural maritime nation. To show its approval and undertaking to the
development of the BIMP-EAGA Maritime Academy, a very fitting location for the said
institution is hereby presented by the municipality of Jolo, Sulu in southern Philippines.
Jolo is just a few hours navigation by boat to Sandakan, Malaysia and Sandakan is very
approachable to the different towns of the region. With the initiative that the
municipality of Jolo has undertaken, the creation of the Regional Academy is not
improbable more so with the cooperation, commitment and dedication of the members of the
BIMP-EAGA. The area is enough for an ideal set-up of a maritime institution complying with
all IMO requirements for crew/ratings training. Transportation is not a problem. Food
stuffs and other personal essentials are readily available outside the compound
Members of the BIMP-EAGA are very welcome to join in the operation and
management of the said Academy. The Government of the Philippines is very willing to
embark on laying the foundation and initiate the inaugural courses. The other maritime
schools in the Philippines, together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine
Navy (PN), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the National Maritime Poytechnic
(NMP) and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) are very enthusiastic in ofering
their services and personnel to the needs of the Academy. Personalities with managerial
skills and technical expertise in the operation and management of nautical schools are
always available should there be a need.
At present, personnel from the MARINA and the PMMA are laying the
foundation and technical preparation on the establishment of the said institution. Many
government officials of the municipality of Jolo are very enthusiastic for the fulfillment
of such project which would benefit BIMP-EAGA member countries. These very same officials
are coordinating for the much needed technical assistance with other government agencies
to complete the technical preparation as soon as possible.
