VMA History:

        The Visayan Maritime Academy was founded by former Ambassador Roberto S. Benedicto in 1974, the only school in the Visayas with its own shipping company and eventually became one of the top ten maritime schools in the country. Its program offering was limited to Associate in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering. The Academy temporarily ceased operations in 1985-86 and re-opened in 1987 under the management of Asian Mari-Tech Development Corporation (AMTDC).

 In June 1988, VMA was included in the TOP TEN SCHOOLS offering maritime education per results of survey conducted by  the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions  (PAMI) in cooperation with the Department of Education,   Culture and Sports (DECS) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

 In 1991, the school expanded its  program to include  training  in Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) at the practicum site in Barangay Pahanocoy and eventually earned a Certificate of  Merits issued by the DECS for School Year 1991-‘92  for having the “THE MOST IMPROVED SCHOOL FACILITIES.”

 The following year, the Maritime Training Council (MTC) issued a permit to operate the Visayan Maritime Academy Training Center (VMATC) which conducted training to VMA students as well as to students of other schools.

 In the same school year, VMA added to its course offerings, BASIC MERCHANT MARINE COURSE major in Stewardship and Culinary Arts, now reamed SEAFARERS’ CATERING & STEWARDSHIP COURSE, followed by Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant management and Bachelor of Science in Tourism.

 On February 08, 1994, VMA lease was extended to 20 years, however, conscious of the need for a more permanent base for its plan of modernization and upgrading and with the support for the manpower training needs of the family corporation, OROPHIL Shipping International, AMTDC purchased the school properties in May 1996.

            Since then, the Board of Trustees has endeavored to meet the IMO standards through the requirements imposed by the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) for the school and the Maritime Training Council (MTC) and the Maritime Industry Authority for the training center. Both institutions are ISO 9001:2000 certified by the Det Norske Veritas, recently by the American Bureau of Shipping.

In 2005, more non-maritime courses were offered, hence the need for a change of name of Visayan Maritime Academy to VMA Global College.

     Placement of graduates include:

·         Maritime Courses :  Shipping/Manning Agencies, both Overseas and  Domestic; 3 Shipyards in  
                                          Japan (for Welding)
·       HRM & Tourism     :   International Practicum in Singapore (6 mos.),  Summer Job and 
                                          Travel Program in the U.S.A.   (Dream Search International
·         Other Courses     :   Local and Orobless International Recruitment Agency Services, Inc.                 
                                          Scholarship Programs:  Sponsored by members of the Phil-Japan Manning 
                                          Consultative Council (PAMMAS, INTERMAP, FAME)

VISION

VMA Global College/ VMA Training Center sees itself as a leading center of excellence in Quality Education and Training, providing highly and skilled work force responsive to the needs and demands of the global market, where all stakeholders share the benefits of their endeavors.

MISSION

At the core of the College and Training Center's vision is CREDO stating that VMA and VMA-TC aim to develop:

C ompetent and well- trained professionals through
R elevant education and training in an
E nvironment of excellence and
D iscipline, realizing global career
O pportunities with a viable placement program.

ACTION

• Continuing Enhancement of Faculty/ Staff Competencies
• Development of programs for continuing accreditation to meet industrial trends and standards.
• Upgrading of instructions, instructional materials and assessment tools.
• Maintaining conducive learning environment
• Strengthening discipline in work

Institutional Scholarships:

This Section includes provisions & guidelines on scholarships, grants, financial aids, merit grants and discounts.

1. General Implementing Guidelines

a. Scholarships are awarded only to qualified students of good standing
and are non-transferable.

b. Application for scholarship grants, whether new or for renewal, should
be filed at the Scholarship Office not later than two (2) weeks after the
start of the regular term. Failure to do so automatically disqualifies the
candidate.

c. Scholarships for the next semester can be maintained, increased, de
creased or canceled, depending on compliance with criteria set by the
College and the sponsoring group.

d. Institutional Scholarship is cumulative up to 100% on tuition fees only.

e. Unless otherwise provided, scholarships are to be granted on tuition
fees only. All miscellaneous fees are paid in full by the grantees.

*The granting of a scholarship is a privilege. The administration reserves the right to grant scholarship to students and to with-hold/withdraw the same for cause as determined by the school administration.

2. Types of Scholarship or Grant

a. Entrance Scholarship Grants

1) High School Valedictorian - 100% tuition fee subsidy
2) High School Salutatorian - 100% tuition fee subsidy
3) 1st Honorable Mention - 75% tuition fee subsidy
4) 2nd Honorable Mention - 75% tuition fee subsidy
5) 3rd Honorable Mention - 75% tuition fee subsidy
6) 4th-10th Honorable Mention - 75% tuition fee subsidy

Entrance Scholarship is availed of during the freshman year only and is valid for two regular terms. Subsequently, the student can apply for the scholarship awarded for Academic Honors and will be given the corresponding subsidy based on computed general average earned for the first year. In addition, the student must meet the following conditions:

All entrance scholars are required to have full load during the initial semester of scholarship and a general average of at least 85 with no grade below 80. Failure to do so, automatically means forfeiture of the scholarship for the succeeding semester.

Disciplinary sanctions and/or committing grave offense/s during the semester will be cause for immediate termination of the scholarship grant.

Failure to meet the academic standing for academic honors (based on entry level) will not automatically rescind the grant for the succeeding semester/s, provided that the minimum requirements (85 GPA, no grade below 80) are met. However, in order to avail of subsequent scholarships (under Academic Honors), the student must re-apply and meet the grade requirements.

b. Top Ten Qualifiers in the Entrance Examination

1) 1st Placer - 50% on tuition fee for one (1) semester
2) 2nd Placer - 25% on tuition fee for one (1) semester
3) 3rd Placer - 15% on tuition fee for one (1) semester
4) 4th-10th Placers - 10% on tuition fee for one (1) semester

c. Academic Honors

1) One hundred percent (100%) tuition fee subsidy: Average of 93% or
higher for the semester with no grade below 88%
2.) Seventy five percent (75%) tuition fee subsidy: Average of 90% or
better with no grade below 85%;

3.) Fifty percent (50%) tuition fee subsidy: Average of 88% or better
with no grade below 83%

The total number of grantees shall not exceed 15 students in any given semester. Grantees in the higher category shall be satisfied first before grantees in the lower category. If all grantees fall in the higher category, no scholarships may be granted in the lower categories, once the stipulated number of grantees is satisfied. The grant is renewable every semester provided the conditions are met. Amount of subsidy may change depending on the average earned during the previous term.

d. Government/Company Grants

The government provides financial assistance, in the form of scholarships to students subject to its own rules and policies (e.g. PESFA Grants, PGMA Scholarships, Veteran's). Some private companies subsidize the educational expenses of the children of their employees subject to their own rules and policies. Both of these schemes are subject to billing/paying arrangements with the College.

e. Shipping Company Grants

Annually, some shipping companies such as Magsaysay Shipping Lines, Veritas, etc. conduct scholarship examinations to select student-grantees who meet their standards of academic excellence. Apart from the tuition subsidy, these Companies also provide full financial assistance to deserving Maritime students in the form of board & lodging, uniform and book allowances.

f. Working Student Grants

The College annually selects fifteen (15) poor but deserving students for its Working Student Program. These students enjoy full subsidy of tuition and miscellaneous fees for a maximum of 15 units per semester for purely lecture subjects or 18 units per semester for those with laboratory subjects. The beneficiaries are required to render service to the college with the number of hours and duties performed made explicit and agreed upon.

Services are scheduled in a manner that is not detrimental to the academic concerns of the student since a failing grade incurred in any subject means automatic forfeiture of the grant.

Please refer to the SPS or Scholarship Office for the criteria, guidelines and other details pertaining to the grant.

g. Sports Scholarship

Members of the varsity team in basketball and swimming are eligible for partial/full scholarship grants upon the recommendation of the Sports Coordinator, subject to the criteria set forth by the Student Personnel Services Office. Refer to the Sports Coordinator and SPS Office for details.

h. Publication Scholarship

The funding for the editorial board scholarship grants are taken from the publication budget for the semester. The Editor-in-Chief gets 100% discount on tuition fees. The other members of the editorial board get allocations applicable to their tuition fees. Please refer to the SPS or Scholarship Office and Wheelhouse for details.

i. Student Supreme Government (SSG)

SSG reserves a certain percentage of their budget for scholarship. The SSG President is awarded 100% tuition fee subsidy. The other officers are given allocations applicable to tuition fees. Please refer to SPS/Scholarship Office and SSG for details.

j. NSTP Scholarship

1. Section 8, R.A. 9163
The Department of National Defense (DND) shall formulate and adopt a program and/or incentives to ROTC students.
2. Section 9, R. A. 9163
Special Scholarship Program for qualified NSTP students will be administered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

k. VMA Global College Alumni Foundation, Inc. Scholarship

The VMA Alumni Foundation, Inc. awards full /partial scholarships to children and siblings of VMA alumni. The criteria for selection are determined by the Officers who may likewise comprise the screening committee. Funding is taken from the Alumni Trust Fund. Details are available at the SPS or Scholarship Office and the VMA Alumni Foundation, Inc.

L. Orophil Shipping Scholarship

Qualification:
1. Sons of Orophil Officers/Crew with 15% discount in tuition fee
2.Must maintain grade of 80%  and above
3. must be endorsed by the President of Orophil Shipping International Company Inc.

        The seal embodies the values and philosophy of VMA Global College. It is circular in shape which symbolizes the college stability and continuity anchored on its history and tradition, meeting the demands of the present and gearing for the challenges of the future. The circle further represents wholeness of spirit and character.

A. White

The white color symbolizes the transparency and accessibility of top management to the school constituents, namely- the students, the parents, faculty and staff, the community in general.

B. Blue

The blue color symbolizes the strength of character of the people who comprise the school- the students, faculty, staff, and administration officials born out of their spirit of self-discipline and personal excellence in their individual endeavor.

C. The Characters: VMA

The fluid lines symbolize movement and dynamism and the willingness to adapt to the challenging times and environment. The imaging of the characters-VMA symbolizes the integration of the tripod of learning-administration, faculty, and student, who are working together toward the attainment of common goals. The centerpiece of logo-VMA- is a stark symbol of teamwork.

Onward Visayan Maritime Academy;
Onward to the call of fame and victory;

You are the bright star that guides our way
A shining VMA

I have walked alone in your walls and pathways;
I've sat down beneath your greeny-greeny trees

I've marched across your fields and byways;
I have loved you VMA.

Alma Mater VMA;
There you're in grace with God Almighty

Thanking you is all we can say
Keep us stronger day by day.

Alma Mater VMA;
There you're in grace with God Almighty

Thanking you is all we can say
Keep us stronger day by day.

Wherever I am I will keep remembering;
My mentors and my friends, my classmates and our dreams

You are my comfort and be my strength
Our success is still your aim

Alma Mater VMA;
There you're in grace with God Almighty

Thanking you is all we can say
Keep us stronger day by day.

Alma Mater VMA;
There you're in grace with God Almighty

Thanking you is all we can say
Keep us stronger day by day.

1989 -    Adjudged as one of the Top Ten Maritime Schools in the Philippines by joint team of PAMI &MARINA
             * Midpn Ramil Infante won as National Model Cadet;
             * Midpn Tito Espartero won as First Runner Up in the National Model  Cadet Selection

1992 -     Established VMA Training Center, the only maritime training center in Negros Island
              * Given endorsement by TESDA to operate the Basic Merchant Marine Course (BMMC)

1994 -     VMA Training Center was accredited by the Maritime Training Council       

1995 -     Changes the name from Basic Merchant Marine Course (BMMC) to Seafarers Rating Course (SRC)

1998 -     Certified   by   the   American   Bureau   of Shipping to have fully complied with the Certification Requirements of ISO 9002

1999 -     Included in the CHED List of IMO-Compliant Schools

2001-     Mini Hotel inaugurated included on the CHED LIST of STCW compliant maritime school in BSMT & BSMARE here in Region VI
* Changes the name from Seafarers Rating Course (SRC) to Seafarer Catering/ Stewarding Course (SC/SC)

2002 -     Launches its Disaster Preparedness Program at VMATC
                * creating Civic Action Group for Emergency Response Services (CAGERS) as a core group for VMA Global College Community Extension Services Programs
                * Chosen by the Job Corp. Program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
               * Certified by DNV to have fully complied to the Certification Requirements of ISO 9001:2000

2004 -     HRM/Tourism Program for International Practicum in Singapore.
                Accreditation given by SSM Maritime Services, Inc.
              * Launching of six (6) months Family Health Care Giver Program at VMATC.

2005 -     Selected as One of the 15 Preferred Maritime Schools by the Philippine Seafarers Promotion Council (PSPC)). From survey financed by the Phil-Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC)
               * Accredited VMAGC as the Training Provided by PQTVET
               * Orientation of Administration Accreditation of school as Training provider Seminar/training and accreditation of Assessors.
               * Global Call Center Education Program.
               * Model Cadets Regional Level
                  - Mdpn. Gioven M. Calsado – 1st Runner up, Deck
                  - Mdpn. Raffy A. Doroteo – 1st Runner up, Engine
               * Most Outstanding Maritime Educator, National Level – 2/M Gilbert V. Juesna
               * July 07, 2005 – Official endorsement of Daihatsu Diesel Mfg. Co.,
                 (Gen. Set Engine)
               * Launching of the German-supported SMEDSEP (Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program) for tourism-focused training   
                 programs and business services with VMAGC as one of the training providers.

2006 -     Change of Name Visayan Maritime Academy to VMA Global College per SEC approval
               * DNV (Det Norske Veritas) implementation audit of VMA’s and VMA Training Center’s Academy’s Management System in compliance with the Rules for Maritime Academies resulting to successful presentation and documentation.
                
2006 -  Accredited by CHED to offer Bridging Program
              * Accreditation of VMA Global College by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)
              * Accreditation by Dream Search International as provider/ implementor of Student Exchange Work & Travel program in U.S.A.

2007 - Mdpn. Elbert Nufable ranked second nationwide and ranked first the whole Visayas during the Philippine Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCC) national examination to all maritime schools in the country, Mdpn. Jordan Paglomutan ranked 8, Mdpn. Marvin Molabin ranked 11, and Mdpn. Ryan Magbanua ranked 39 in the national level.
           * VMA Global College signed MOA with Sum-ag National High School as adopted school.
           * The VMA Global College Poseidon Dance Theater won as the 2007 Most Outstanding Contemporary Dance Group of the Philippines and Grand Champion of the 6th 
              Mindanao National Competition held in Koronadal South Cotabato.
           * A CHED funded research entitled “Establishing Baseline Data for Mangrove Development in Barangay Punta Taytay: Basis for a Livelihood Program was launched; Dr. 
             Raul C. Alvarez, Jr. as project leader with associate researchers from LCC-B and UNO-R.
           * VMA has re-certified its ISO 9001:2000 with the American Bureau of Shipping Quality evaluations, Inc. (ABS-QE) Management System Certification for both Maritime
             Academies and Training Centers.

2008 - VMA’s Tourism Club, Mock Travel Agency (MTA), represented by Ma. Riza Sigueza and Oliver Cabalhin, won fist place in the province wide contest entitled “Smart Buddy Big Shot Academy”. MTA got P25, 000.00, plus VIP seats for the Bamboo Concert and two (2) slots for the 20th Philippine Ad Congress at Subic, Bay, Zambales.

            * An 882 sq. meter-area building was inaugurated; it houses the Offices of the Chairman, President, Vice President, Deans, EDP and STO. It has also a Mock Travel Agency and complete HRM facilities.  
            * Gladys Esmane and Aimee Sacare, (Cocktail Mixing-Tandem) and Keneth Alfred Hulleza Mocktail Mixing Individual), BS HRM students were proclaimed Grand
               Champion in the Gaisano City’s Blazing Skills Battle of the Bottles.
            * The Wheelhouse Editors (Marie Rose Morales & Mia Grace Purcia) bagged awards in the Regional College Press Conference and Awards 2007 by the Philippine
               Information Agency.

2009 - Marie Rose Morales (EIC, TWH) of BS Tourism 2 won 1st place in Editorial Writing during the 2nd Panay News Writing and Speaking competition.

2010 -The VMA Global College Business Education Department was proclaimed as champion during the Hotel and Restaurant association of Negros Occidental (HRANO) Skills Olympics 2010 with a theme “Masskara”, held at Robinson’s Place, Bacolod City

            * The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) visited VMA Global College for ISO 9001:2000 certification for both Maritime Academies and Training Centers.

2011 – The Wheelhouse, VMA’s school publication, received awards as most Promising Artist in Individual photo and Promising Artist in Photo Essay.

            * Jonathan Villarma was adjudged as Silver Medalist in the National Food Showdown in Bartending category hosted and organized by ABS-CBN held in Metro Manila.
            * Niño Elson Orola Salabas, Valedictorian and 837th NROTC Unit Corps Commander of VMA Class of 2001, ranked Top 2 in the November 3-4, 2011 PRC Licensure
              Examination for Master Mariners.
2012 -
            * Arnold R. Villarosa, VMA Class of 2002, ranked Top 1 in March 3 – 4, 2012 PRC Licensure Examination for Chief Mate.