THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) assured maritime cadets that their academic records will remain secure and accessible in the event that their maritime school closes.
In a meeting between Marina and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), the agencies guaranteed that the closure of a maritime school or maritime program will not be a hindrance to the future of its students.
During the said meeting, regional director Dr. Farida Cunanan of Marina Regional Office 9 and Dennis Encarnacion of CHEd RO 9 discussed measures to ensure that student records remain complete, accurate, and easily accessible.
Among the issues discussed were the proper turnover, validation, and safekeeping of academic records to protect the rights of students and prevent any disruption to their studies and entry into the maritime workforce.
The two agencies also agreed on recommendations and mechanisms that will strengthen coordination and expedite responses to issues related to student records.
Marina and CHEd reaffirm their commitment to ensure that institutional challenges do not become obstacles to students continuing their education and achieving their dreams in the maritime industry.
In 2023, 15 maritime programs have been shut down by CHEd due to noncompliance with maritime standards. The agency also said that it will not lift the five-year moratorium on opening new programs imposed in 2022 to allow the government to focus on existing ones.
These are among the assumed responsibilities of Marina when maritime education and training (MET) was officially transferred to the agency last January 2026 by virtue of the Republic Act 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. Based on its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), Marina, in consultation with CHEd and other concerned agencies, shall assume and perform functions related to MET.