Bohol’s first maritime training center opens

By Leo Udtohan

Seafarers from Bohol no longer have to go elsewhere for the required maritime training and upgrading.

The Southern Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)-Bohol, the first and only maritime training center in the province, was inaugurated on Sunday, Dec. 1, to increase the capabilities of maritime professionals in the country.

Located in Barangay Cambanac in Baclayon town, SIMS-Bohol aims to provide seafarers with the knowledge and skills required in the maritime industry.

Dr. Glenn Mark Blasquez, SIMS vice president, said seafarers from Bohol need not go to Manila or Cebu for training and upgrading as the training center in Bohol, the fifth country’s producer of seafarers, would help seafarers tackle the changing trends in the industry.

“It signifies our unwavering commitment to excellence in maritime institutions. It stands as a beacon of knowledge providing our maritime students with skills and quality training necessary to navigate the vibrant and complex world of maritime operations,” added Blasquez, also the president of the Association of Technical Schools in Manila and a member of CHEd Maritime Curriculum Review Committee.

SIMS-Bohol is the branch of SIMS – Cavite, which was established on October 18, 2000.

The inauguration was graced by Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia Malaluan, Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Alburquerque Mayor Don Ritchie Buates, lawyer Melita Adame, Jubac-Blasques clans, and other officials.

Aumentado said the training center is a long-awaited facility dedicated to addressing the specific needs of Boholano seafarers.

“This center symbolizes hope and opportunity providing our local workforce with world-class training and a competitive edge. It also strengthens our local economy, creating jobs and fostering growth,” he added.

For Malaluan, more Boholanos will be interested in pursuing careers in maritime because of the training center in the province.

She also said SIMS-Bohol is becoming the premier provider of world-class maritime training, exceeding international standards and making Bohol a cradle of the next generation of competent seafarers.

She added that seafaring is the only profession where international standards are developed and strictly implemented through the international maritime organizations and administrations of the International Maritime Organization’s member states.

In 2023, more than 578,000 Filipino seafarers were deployed overseas, supplying more than 25 percent of the world’s requirements. They have an annual average dollar remittance of US$ 6.5 billion.

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DFA brings services to Bohol with new office

By Leo Udtohan

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) opened its 41st consular office in Bohol on Friday, which will initially cater to at least 150 passport applicants daily.

It temporarily caters to walk-in clients on the 5th floor of Alturas Mall in Tagbilaran, while applicants can schedule an appointment via the DFA website. 

The opening of the consular office spares Boholanos from too much expenses going to DFA in Cebu and Dumaguete. 

Tresha Gift Pamisa, 22, said she was grateful that the DFA-Tagbilaran is now in Bohol.

“I am thankful that there is now a DFA in Bohol. I can’t spend a lot of money to go to another place to get a passport,” said Pamisa, the agency’s first client. 

Rep. Edgar Chatto of Bohol's first district  lobbied for the consular office even when he was a governor. 

Chatto said the much awaited government facility will provide convenience to Boholanos, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), in new passport application and renewal as well as other consular services.

"This was only a dream. Now, it is a reality," said Chatto. 

He said there were many challenges along the way and it took years to get approval because of the rigid criteria to follow to qualify as a DFA consular office.

"Concerns of Boholanos overseas and foreign nationals who are in the province as residents or tourists can now be addressed through the office," he said. 

Friday’s event was attended by DFA Team led by Usec. Jesus “Gary” Domingo and  Asec. Adelio Angelito Cruz, Marlito Uy of Alturas Group of Companies (AGC), Gov. Aris Aumentado, Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap, Balilihan Mayor Pureza Chatto, former Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap, and other officials.

"This can be a template on how a consular office can be created in our provinces and regions...This can be a model consular office," said Domingo.

Uy said it was a "gift" from AGC to the Boholanos in celebration of its recent 50th anniversary.

Aumentado said the opening of the consular office was a significant moment for the province’s history since for many years Boholanos have long yearned for its presence.

Cruz also presided over the oath of office of the 15 newly hired DFA-Tagbilaran  personnel. 

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