VMA Global College EVP Dr. Remedios Johanna Salabas Cargas VP Dr. Carlitos Orola Vice Chairman Danilo Cruz, Chairman Dr. Elizabeth Orola Salabas, President Capt Niño Elson Orola Salabas and VP for Training Centers Ellisther Niña Salabas Ligna, Hiroshi Fukuda and Capt. Makoto Kono (l-r) at the inauguration.*Ronnie Baldonado photo
VMA Global College in Bacolod City inaugurated and blessed its new Marine Engineering Building on Tuesday, July 29.
It is a milestone in the institution’s pursuit of excellence in maritime education, a press release from the college said.
This landmark development was born out of the vision of the college president Capt. Nino Elson O Salabas’ expansion and modernization project, in response to the significant rise in student enrollment and the growing demands of the maritime industry, it added.
The former Marine Laboratory could no longer accommodate the expanding needs of the program, particularly the advanced engine simulators donated by the College’s generous industry partners.
The construction of the new facility became both a necessity and a commitment to provide future marine engineers with a world-class learning environment, the press release said.
Construction of the building commenced in March 2024, coinciding with the appointment of the College’s new president, whose leadership helped drive this transformative initiative forward.
The College’s journey into simulator-based training began with the first donation from Tokunori Ishibashi, president of Daihatsu Diesel Mfg. Co., Ltd., made possible through the dedicated efforts of Masashi Taga, President of Santoku Senpaku Co., Ltd.
This foundational contribution marked the beginning of a valuable partnership between VMA and the international maritime community, the press release.
Recently VMA also received a the Diesel Plant Simulator 1. A state-of-the-art training system designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern merchant marine engineering.
This world-class simulator, the first of its kind globally, was made possible through a joint initiative by JSU, AMOSUP, IMMAJ, and PJMCCF. VMA extends its deepest gratitude to KLMA and its president, Capt. Edgardo Baratang, whose unwavering support made this multimillion-peso donation a reality.
“Today, the Marine Engineering Building stands not only as a facility but as a symbol of collaboration, vision, and shared commitment to shaping the future of maritime professionals,” the press release said.
“VMA Global College remains deeply grateful to its partner industries for their continued support in delivering globally competitive education. With the generous spirit of its benefactors, the College invites and encourages future contributions to further enrich the training of its future seafarers ready to answer the call of the world,” it added.*