SCMBT Partners with Vessel Organizations to Award Scholarships to Outstanding Students, Implementing PROJECT SAIL

PROJECT SAIL is a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower families, particularly in regions like Mindoro, through maritime education. By partnering with leading shipping lines and institutions like SCMBT, the project offers full scholarships to deserving students, covering tuition fees, miscellaneous expenses, uniforms, training, and licensure fees. Upon graduation, these students are guaranteed employment as seafarers, providing a sustainable and rewarding career path, ideally producing one seafarer for every underprivileged family.

Following a rigorous selection process involving interviews, exams, and academic evaluations, five exceptional students have been awarded scholarships under this collaborative effort, embodying the spirit of PROJECT SAIL. The scholars, who are required to maintain a minimum grade of 85 throughout their studies, include Athelstan Tabalan, Christian Delizo, John Lloyd Erazo, and Dave Laderas from the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) program, and Renz Fetalcorin from the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) program.

The scholarship package, consistent with the comprehensive support offered by PROJECT SAIL, covers the tuition fees, miscellaneous expenses, monthly allowances, staff house accommodation, uniforms, specialized training, officer certification, and examination fees. By addressing both educational and practical needs, the program ensures that financial challenges do not hinder the scholars' progress and equips them with the skills necessary for their future careers in the maritime sector. This aligns with PROJECT SAIL's objective of reducing the financial strain on students and their families, allowing them to focus on their studies.

Beyond academic support, the program emphasizes professional readiness with hands-on training and certifications critical for officer roles. Scholars will receive mentorship and guidance to prepare for life at sea, setting them on the path to success in a competitive global industry. This focus on practical skills and career readiness reflects PROJECT SAIL's commitment to not merely providing financial assistance, but also ensuring graduates are well-prepared for employment.

SCMBT’s partnership with vessel organizations, now enhanced by the implementation of the PROJECT SAIL concept, reflects a shared vision of empowering young talent and strengthening the maritime workforce. Through this program, the scholars represent a bright future for the industry, serving as an inspiration to aspiring maritime professionals and a testament to the transformative power of education and collaboration, echoing the PROJECT SAIL vision of “Isang Marinong Pilipino sa kada Pamilyang Mindorenio” (One Filipino Mariner per Mindoro Family). This initiative is a step towards expanding PROJECT SAIL’s horizon beyond BSMT and BSMarE programs to include various fields in the maritime industry, such as culinary sectors, logistics, and other business-related professions, further maximizing its impact on the community.