In photo: NTMA’s senior leadership team, PBCWE staff, cadets and cadettes
22 October 2025, Canlubang, Laguna — PBCWE officially welcomed NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) as its 52nd member during a welcome event held at the NTMA campus in Canlubang, Laguna. The event brought together the academy’s senior leadership team, PBCWE staff, and over 380 cadets to celebrate a significant milestone in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in one of the country’s most male-dominated industries.
Ma. Aurora “Boots” Geotina-Garcia, Founding Chair of the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN) and Chair of the PBCWE Governing Council, commended NTMA’s trailblazing efforts:
“NTMA is taking bold steps in maritime education—appointing its first woman president, Ms. January Asuncion, and welcoming its first female cadettes in 2024. The addition of a women’s dormitory reinforces NTMA’s commitment to inclusive education. Joining PBCWE is a meaningful next step, and with our support, NTMA can further its impact. We look forward to a strong partnership that champions DEI and fosters workplaces where every voice is heard and valued. Together, we can build a more inclusive and thriving Philippines. Welcome aboard!”
In photo (L-R): Jennifer A Dimapilis, NTMA General Manager Support Center; Capt. Esrael J. Torres, NTMA Head, Department of Marine Transportation; Capt. Michael S. Carls, NTMA Vice President and Dean, College of Academic Affairs; Ms. January Asuncion, NTMA President, Ms. Julia Abad, PBCWE Executive Director; Christopher C. Lim, NTMA Vice President for Cadet Affairs; Alfred A. Araya, Jr. NTMA Registrar
NTMA President January Asuncion, the academy’s first women head, emphasized the significance of the partnership with PBCWE and the school’s ongoing transformation:
“I’m very excited about this collaboration with like-minded organizations such as PBCWE. As you may know, we recently welcomed our first women cadets to NTMA—a reflection of our commitment to building inclusive education in the maritime sector. At NTMA, we are proud to contribute to this progress because we believe women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields like maritime. Partnering with PBCWE will help us strengthen this mission and create a more inclusive future for maritime education.”
Maya Juwita, Director of Workplace Gender Equality (WGE) at Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government, highlighted the global challenges faced by women in the maritime workforce and praised NTMA’s bold strides toward DEI:
“Women comprise just 1–2% of the maritime workforce, mostly in non-technical roles. They face barriers such as discrimination, harassment, certification difficulties, and workplace isolation. Addressing these challenges requires stronger policies, institutional support, and cultural change. Maritime academies like NTMA can lead by offering scholarships, inclusive curricula, mentorship, and a strong equality framework.”
In photo: NTMA’s senior leadership team, and PBCWE staff
NTMA’s membership in PBCWE signals a new era for the academy—one that recognizes the value of women’s leadership and talent in driving innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
