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IMO Secretary-General Visits NYK Training Center and Maritime Academy in the Philippines

On February 18, as part of the official engagements with maritime stakeholders in the Philippines, Arsenio Antonio Domínguez Velasco, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), visited NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training Inc. (NETI)* and NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA),** the NYK Group’s training center and maritime academy in the Philippines.

The visit included a tour of NETI’s advanced simulator facilities, showcasing cutting-edge maritime education and training technologies that support global shipping operations. At a forum with NTMA cadets, the secretary-general delivered an encouraging address, followed by an open and candid exchange of views with future seafarers. Cadets had the opportunity to directly raise questions with the secretary-general on maritime safety, environmental sustainability, as well as the advancement of women and career development.

Front row, from left,
Samuel L. Batalla, Executive Director, STCWO, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
Hideaki Hamanaka, Country Head, NYK
Teodoro Locsin Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Kingdom
Arsenio Antonio Domínguez Velasco, Secretary-General, IMO
Sonia B. Malaluan, Administrator, MARINA
J. Roberto C. Delgado, Founder & Group Chairman, Transnational Diversified Group
Josephine J. Francisco, President, TDG Ship Management and Manpower Division
Jean Ver Pia, Head, Asia & Pacific Section, IMO

Discussion with NTMA Cadets during the Forum


A commemorative tree-planting ceremony was also held as a symbol of joint efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable maritime transport.

From left,
Josephine J. Francisco, President, TDG Ship Management and Manpower Division
Sonia B. Malaluan, Administrator, MARINA
Arsenio Antonio Domínguez Velasco, Secretary-General, IMO
Teodoro Locsin Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Kingdom
Hideaki Hamanaka, Country Representative, NYK


The visit concluded with a campus tour of NTMA and a formal send-off attended by
government officials, diplomatic representatives, and maritime industry leaders.

The engagement reaffirmed the Philippines’ vital role in the global maritime workforce and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in advancing maritime education, safety, and sustainability.

We remain committed to steadily advancing human resource development in line with international standards, enhancing seafarers' competence through practical education and training, and proactively adopting innovative practices to achieve safe and sustainable maritime transport.


* NYK-FIL Maritime E-Training, Inc.
A wholly owned subsidiary of NYK-Fil Ship Management Inc. The company was founded in 2000 to train Filipino seafarers on NYK-operated vessels.

** NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA)
Established: June 3, 2007
Number of students per year: 140 per academic year in two academic disciplines, 70 in marine navigation, and 70 in marine engineering
Total Enrollment: 431 (as of February 2026)— of which female students account for about 9%
Cumulative graduates: 1,707 (15 cohorts)
Instructors and staff: 94
Location: Canlubang, Calamba City
Curriculum: Four years, including three years of academic study and one year of onboard training
Mission: To foster global seafarers through world-class, high-quality education by focusing on building an individual’s sense of humanity and providing training in practical maritime technologies

*** Transnational Diversified Group (TDG)
A business group established by Chairman J. Roberto C. Delgado. Business activities include vessel agent services, seafarer manning, training, and cadet education, as well as other logistics businesses. TDG and NYK have maintained a cooperative relationship since the establishment of TDG.

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