DORMITORY ACCEPTANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CEBU

June 10, 2013 - 213 new cadets were accepted in University of Cebu Dormitory through the Norwegian Shipowners' Association - NSA Philippine Cadet Program. In the welcome remarks delivered by Chief Engr. Godiardo Gabisan, University of Cebu's Chairperson for the College of  Marine Engineering,  he sincerely extended  his greetings to the parents of the new cadets who lead their kids to this program that transformed many lives and dreams into reality.

        These cadets are official  Batch 2017, 21st batch of scholars that NSA Program has been supporting in University of Cebu since 1993. NSA Program Manager, Mr. George Meljoe Frange in his inspirational message uplifted the morale of the cadets as he stressed " thousands of applicants from all over the Philippines wanted to be in your shoes but you have proven your worth and you were chosen. This is a life changing moment for you.  You have chosen a noble profession, but life as a cadet is not a bed of roses. You will undergo rigid  trainings, you'll face challenges along the way and you must find reasons to continue.., you are here for a certain purpose, for a reason, and that reason must be clear in your mind. NSA will provide  you support and develop your potential. The only limitation will be yourself; so be the best that you can"

          After several speeches,  they commenced the amazing race type of challenges. Freshmen students were divided into groups with 2 to 3 mentors from the second level. The first three groups who successfully finished the challenges were awarded with NSA souvenir items.

            After lunch break, all of them were faithfully accepted in the 5-storey L-type dormitory building, inaugurated in August 13, 2008 for the NSA program. Dormitories 1 and 2 can accommodate 700 students at a time;  this will serve as the cadets' second home, a strong four-walled foundation to shelter and witness their journey to success.

STUDENT-PARENT ORIENTATION

         At 2:00 PM, University of Cebu's new AVR was jam-packed with students and parents. As the orientation begins, students were briefed of the expectations from them by the university and NSA.  They were also  oriented of dorm regulations, what to do and what's not. Parents were  also reminded  to guide and support their kids to fully realize their dreams.

 

 

ATTY. GO SPEAKS

          In a well applauded speech by the University owner, Atty. Go reminded the scholars  and their parents on how fortunate they are that there's a scholarship program as good as the NSA  Philippine Cadet Program.

        To quote he says " Where can you find an organization who will send your kids to school, provide their needs,  give the best education and training and hire them afterwards?"  You are indeed lucky! The parents of those maritime students that are not part of this program pay for the tuition fees of their kids and  provide their basic needs despite the fact the they are merely looking on chances that their sons and daughters  will land a job after graduation. And what kind of job? There's no assurance at all!

         In NSA, these cadets are the future captains of the Norwegian ships, future engine officers, their future is secure. (Addressing the cadets ) You cadets, you do not have to worry about anything, you only have to study and be good. I am telling you parents, you will cry when you see your sons and daughters became captains..... you will cry for joy! This opportunity is so wonderful! 

       Teary-eyed parents and thrilled     student applauded him, full of appreciation for his enlightening speech.

       

         Finally Atty. Go shared his enthusiasm  to increase the percentage of Filipino seafarers around the world to 50%. And with this passion, he commits the University would be of continuous support to the NTC-M and NSA's common goal to improve the quality of maritime training and education in the Philippines.

WOMEN IN MARITIME

        Shipping and maritime is a history of male dominance, a tradition that runs long and deep. Today more and more female are getting into the world  highly dominated  and controlled by male.

       This batch holds the record; having the most number of female cadets in UC, 12 Engine and 3 in Deck, total of 15 female taking up BS Marine Engineering under the NSA Philippines Cadet Program. The number is growing, showing 25% contribution to the total women population since the commencement of the program in 1993. The batch  also reflects 27% increase vs. last year and 200% increase  vs. the annual average number of female cadets in  all batches combined. Maritime is not an exemption as more female

           As we embrace changes and promote  gender equality we cannot undermine the women's  capability to perform duties normally entrusted to men.  In the near future, we expect to see more female to swerve their careers to the maritime industry.

HOW TO BE AN NSA CADET?

           The Norwegian Shipowners Association Scholarship program better known as NSA Philippine Cadet Program was established in 1993 through the Norwegian Maritime Foundation of the Philippines  Inc. This aims to enhance the quality of maritime education in the Philippines, create a pool of highly competent Filipino seafarers  who can serve as future maritime officers in Norwegian owned and controlled fleets.

             The advocacy has been serving the Filipino community for 20 years now; scholars who have been qualified in the program were able to enjoy one of the best available scholarship perks in the country  that offers  BS Degree in Marine Transportation or Marine Engineering in prestigious maritime university in the Philippines, free board and lodging, opportunities to travel worldwide and an overall transformation through the NSA's meaningful leadership and career development program.

                 The scholarship program is open to all natural born Filipino citizen, 16 to 22 years old, single, physically and mentally fit  and no derogatory records. To be qualified, interested applicants need to pass the written and oral APRO examinations.

                 For more info, you can visit www.ntcm.com.ph or call +632 894-5389.