...the educator

Ilongga educator conferred the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit award

By TARA YAP

October 19, 2011

Manila Bulletin

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines — The chairperson of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) has been awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.

Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo was given the Nordic award for “outstanding service in the interests of Norway” by Norwegian Ambassador Knut Solem.

Solem recognized the JBLFMU through Lacson-Arcelo’s “sterling leadership” as one of the world’s leading maritime educational institutions that have produced competent seafarers serving on board Norwegian ships sailing worldwide.

Solem also emphasized that because of the efforts of Lacson-Arcelo, the relationship between the Philippines and Norway have been strengthened with the common tradition of seafaring.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian ambassador challenged the JBLFMU to improve even further its academic standards to enable its graduates to be highly qualified in the international shipping industry.

Earlier this year, the Norwegian Maritime Foundation of the Philippines Inc. disclosed that the world shipping industry is facing a looming global shortage with approximately 50,000 competent seafarers needed. The shortage is expected to double by 2015.

Lacson-Arcelo assured the Norwegian ambassador that the JBLFMU will continue to be among the top maritime educational institutions with the capacity to produce competent cadets and officers with its academic policies.

The institution currently enforces a strictly high-standard screening policy which requires a 70% passing rate for students enrolling in its maritime courses.

Dr. Ronald Raymond Lacson Sebastian, JBLFMU chief executive officer, also disclosed that the university maintains a linkage with the Norwegian Training Center to integrate the latest maritime technology in training cadets to be at par with international standards.