THE first batch of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program (NOSP) grantees who availed the Bridging Program from Mechanical Engineering to Marine Engineering finished their six-month training and graduated at VMA Global College and Training Center in Bacolod City recently.
The graduates include Keenith Estoza, Larry Flor, Jr., Carlo Miguel Magallanes, Reymond Colacion, Marc Anthony Dolendo, Joelex Christian Geronaga, Greg Huervas, Jefferson Tenebro, Lynard Justine Corridor, Raymund Entierro, Ross Flores, Marvin Cloyd Rosal, and Franz Andi Tumbos; they graduated together with other registered Mechanical Engineers who belonged to CBP Batch 24.
This program is a “study now, pay later” scheme for licensed mechanical engineers who graduated from different schools and opted to shift to maritime engineering at the VMA Global College and Training Center for six months.
After graduation, they will start their shipboard training with their respective employers namely, Phoenix Maritime Corporation, Island Overseas Transport Corporation and Leonis Navigation.
The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental through the NOSPD paid for the tuition and other fees of the scholars amounting to almost P180,000 per student.
The scholars were also recipients of academic excellence and special awards; Ross Flores graduated 3rd Honors and Larry Flor Jr. graduated 4th Honors, while Franz Andi Tumbos received the Proficiency in Lifesaving and Swimming award.
Atty. Juan Orola Jr., president of the VMA Global College and Training Centers Inc., said that he is thankful to the sponsors of the students, particularly to Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., for the scholarship program.
He said that he is happy for the opportunity to train and support professionals that will contribute to the shipping industry.
Also present in the activity were Dr. Remedios Johanna Vargas, VP for Academic Affairs and Gilbert Juesna, Dean of the Maritime Studies. (PR)