John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Bacolod), Inc. (JBLCF-B) concluded the Regular Monitoring Visit conducted by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), on October 20–23, 2026.
In line with its commitment to continual improvement and pursuit of excellence, JBLCF-Bacolod continues to welcome audits, assessments, and monitoring visits as opportunities to evaluate existing practices, identify areas for improvement, and further strengthen the quality of its educational programs and services.
The four-day monitoring visit focused on the institution's compliance with applicable regulatory requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) programs. The evaluation covered various areas, including program and course design, faculty qualifications, teaching and assessment methods, facilities and equipment, onboard training, student admission and retention, and the institution's quality standards system.
The institution extends its sincere appreciation to the MARINA Monitoring Team, headed by Engr. Ronnie D. Gernato, Lead Evaluator, together with Capt. Jan Marvin C. Dela Cruz, Ms. Monita T. Dela Cruz, and Ms. Antonieta C. Alcover, for their time, thorough evaluation, and constructive findings, recommendations, and suggestions.
JBLCF-Bacolod recognizes the importance of these findings in identifying areas that require further attention and improvement. The institution assures the evaluators that their recommendations will be carefully reviewed and addressed through appropriate corrections and corrective actions. These will serve as valuable inputs in strengthening institutional processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and further improving the delivery of its MARINA-regulated maritime programs.
The institution likewise expresses its gratitude to the Monitoring Team for acknowledging the following four Noteworthy Efforts during the visit:
- TOMSP Hall of Fame Recognition – JBLCF-Bacolod's achievement of producing winners of the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) for ten consecutive years.
- Nautical Institute Recognition – The election of CM John Erll N. Destacamento to the grade of Associate Fellow of The Nautical Institute on July 23, 2025.
- Ludeke Prize 2025 – The recognition of Danny Christian Jumayao as joint runner-up for The Nautical Institute Maritime Student of the Year Award.
- International Maritime Research Contributions – The presentation and publication of research during the 24th and 26th Annual General Assemblies of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) in 2024 and 2026, respectively. These included studies on maritime students' mental wellness and the development of an innovative training module for automation in a ship's bilge pumping system.
The acknowledgment of these noteworthy efforts reflects the continued dedication of the institution's students, faculty, and personnel to academic excellence, professional development, research, and innovation.
Finally, JBLCF-Bacolod extends its heartfelt appreciation to the entire Lacsonian community, particularly the School Administration, College of Maritime Education, faculty members, administrative personnel, OBMI Annex Chairpersons, process owners, MARINA Monitoring Visit Working Committee, students, and all concerned offices for their cooperation and contributions throughout the preparation and conduct of the monitoring visit.
The successful completion of this institutional undertaking was made possible through the collective efforts, commitment, and support of everyone involved.
As the institution moves forward, JBLCF-Bacolod remains committed to addressing the findings and recommendations of the evaluators and utilizing them to further strengthen its programs, services, and institutional processes.
For JBLCF-Bacolod, audits and monitoring visits are not merely regulatory requirements but opportunities to learn, improve, and continuously work toward the delivery of quality maritime education.
PHOTOS BY: TRIDENT