High hopes for women in high seas
Filipino women are strengthening their sea legs as they aspire for leadership positions in the maritime industry—as ship captains or chief engineers.
Although graduates of professional seafaring courses are still few, aspirants—at least at the MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy (MMMA) in Dasmariñas, Cavite—have increased almost tenfold since the school opened in 2021, from 100 to 956 in 2024.
The most recent graduates of MMMA included two women trained for future leadership positions in commercial vessels. Shaina Moriones, who graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) degree, will start her professional career in the maritime industry as third officer for the Princess Cruise Line.
Fellow graduate Alissa Jean Evasco will be working below deck, in the engine room, with her BS in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) degree.
With their newly acquired credentials, the women have the chance to rule the bridge above deck or have command of the engine room below deck.
Michael Morales, MMMA president, notes that there is a growing number of women holding the highest ranks attainable in the deck and engineering fields.
“Women are given the same chances as men in their career advancement,” he reports.
These include a few Filipino women who have broken glass ceilings in the shipping industry to become captains or chief engineers.
Both Evasco and Moriones, who had to complete a year of practical work aboard vessels as a requirement for graduation, feel confident that, like those before, gender would not be an issue when they do become full-fledged seafarers.
Moriones said, “I did not feel any discrimination as a woman [when I did my apprenticeship]. It is easy to be accepted by showing that I am capable of doing the job.”
Although initially she sensed some reservations about her ability to work on ship engines—including murmurings that women should be in offices—Evasco says she was able to convince them she was up to the task.
This year’s graduation is the second to be held by MMMA, a joint undertaking of Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and the Philippines’ Magsaysay Maritime Corp. (Magsaysay).
A total of 80 BSMT and 72 BSMarE graduates received their diplomas. They are all guaranteed employment onboard ships with partner shipping companies MOL and Magsaysay.
Although female graduates with BSMT and BSMarE degrees remain very low, interest in those courses is growing, as indicated by the significant increase in the number of women applying for MMMA admissions.
This growing interest by women in doing more challenging jobs on board seagoing vessels other than the traditional galley and passenger services work coincides with the increasing gender-neutrality in the industry.
Morales adds, “Based on the demand of [MOL] and [Magsaysay], the status/attitude toward women seafarers is very positive. Both companies require 20 to 30 female cadets to join their companies this academic year 2025-2026. Since more female cadets are being required, there is no discrimination based on gender.”
He admits that women professional seafarers still remain a very insignificant part of the industry. “Women constitute less than 2 percent of the global maritime workforce, so there is a pressing need to address the gender imbalance … Recruitment at MMMA remains open to all qualified students, and we recognize the underrepresentation of women in the maritime industry,” Morales adds.
“During the early years of MMMA, only 5 percent of applicants were women. Thus, as much as we wanted to accept more women, financial, cultural and structural barriers remained major challenges for women entering the academy,” he says.
By actively promoting the seafaring career among high school students, through MMMA’s extension program, YLC (Youth Leadership Challenge), Morales notes, “Over time, these initiatives led to a significant rise in female enrollment, reflecting our ongoing dedication to breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive maritime workforce.”
But, so far, the school has graduated only 11 women—six with BSMT degrees and five with BSMarE degrees. The reasons women did not complete the courses were the same as for male cadets (as the students are called): health and financial, or opting for a different career path.
Acknowledging that “given the historically male-dominated nature of the maritime industry, female cadets may face unique challenges in adapting to the culture of maritime work,” Morales says the school try to help as much as possible.
“To support our female cadets, MMMA provides mentorship, leadership development programs and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, safe space and confidence among female students,” he says.
During the MMMA graduation ceremonies, former Sen. Manny Pacquiao, the guest speaker, encourages newly minted professional seafarers “to leave a legacy of helping and inspiring future generations.”
He reminds the graduates that they carry the name of the Philippines and Filipinos were known for their industriousness and ability.
Doris Magsaysay Ho, group president and chief executive officer of A. Magsaysay Inc., says having overcome various challenges during their schooling, the graduates have acquired the strength to “face any storm that life may bring.”
Toshiaki Tanaka, representative director, among other things, of MOL, says MMMA upholds the high standards of the global shipping industry, and the graduates are a testament to the school’s pursuit of excellence, discipline and service.
