On Monday, June 29, 2026, the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Department of the School of Accountancy and Business at Saint Mary’s University proudly formalized a partnership with Great Seas Mariners Training and Assessment Center (GSMTAC) to advance maritime education and training.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by the SMU Administration, led by University President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, Academic Dean Dr. Regina D. Ramel, CPA, and Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, HTM Department Head. The signing was attended by the GSMSAC management team, headed by President C/E Procis C. Aquino, along with Capt. Alejandro C. Aquino, Chief Operations Officer; 2E Renante S. Nacionales, Training Director; Ms. April Sheena Omela, Chief Business Development Officer; and Ms. Andrea Nicole Napiza, Business Development Staff.

Before the signing, Mr. Ibarra and Mr. Mark Ian J. Soriano, a faculty member and incoming department head, conducted an ocular visit to GSMTAC’s main office and training facilities. They also engaged in a roundtable discussion to explore additional maritime industry opportunities for SMU-HTM students.

In recognition of their dedication, the administrators of Great Seas Mariners Training and Assessment Center were awarded a certificate of appreciation and an SMU token. The success of this event was made possible through the efforts of SMU-HTM instructors Mr. John Rey C. Piñera and Mr. Mark Ian J. Soriano, who meticulously prepared all necessary documents and ensured students were well-prepared before the official training commenced.

This collaboration advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by supporting Goal 4: Quality Education, through providing enhanced, industry-relevant maritime training, and Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by equipping students with skills that improve employability and promote sustainable careers in the tourism and maritime sectors.

This partnership exemplifies how SMU-HTM prepares its students to be future-ready and job-ready, fully embodying the department’s tagline: Inspire, Innovate, and Influence, and the institution’s mantra: Inspired by Mission, Driven by Excellence.

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