VMA History, Mission & Core Values
Maritime college history helps students and families understand how VMA developed its education, training, mission, and institutional values.
VMA’s history and mission are inseparable — one shaped the other for over 52 years. VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. began as Visayan Maritime Academy in 1973, the first maritime school established in Bacolod City. Today, it is one of the most trusted educational institutions in the Philippines — recognized not just for its maritime programs, but for the values, discipline, and global readiness it instills in every graduate. Because of this foundation, VMA continues to grow stronger year after year.
Explore VMA’s current college news and updates and learn about Philippine higher education through CHED.
1973
VMA Global College is committed to becoming a leading educational institution recognized both in the Philippines and internationally for producing globally competitive professionals — individuals who are not only technically skilled, but disciplined, principled, and ready to lead.
What We Commit to Deliver — The CREDOE Promise
Guided by the principle of ANCHORED
Altruism
Neutrality
Candor
Honor
Order
Responsibility
Excellence
Discipline
These VMA core values are not aspirational posters — they are daily practice. Shipping companies, employers, and institutions worldwide recognize VMA graduates precisely because these values show in everything they do.
Governance, transformational leadership, and financial stability
Faculty–staff welfare and continuous capacity building
Academic and technical excellence across all programs
Building a strong research program and publication culture
Student welfare, safety, and holistic development
Progressive alumni relations and community involvement
Sustainable partnerships with industry and institutions
Continuous technological and physical advancement
As an ISO 21001:2018-accredited institution and CHED-recognized college in Bacolod City, VMA Global College is committed to quality education and training that bridges classroom theory with real-world application. Our quality policy is built on eleven guiding principles — from learner-centered focus and visionary leadership, to evidence-based decision-making, data security, and social responsibility.
In addition, this commitment extends beyond accreditation. It is reflected in how we hire faculty, design curriculum, upgrade facilities, and engage with the communities we serve. Because of this systematic approach, VMA has maintained its ISO certification across multiple cycles since 1999 — a testament to consistent, measurable quality.
From Visayan Maritime Academy to VMA Global College
In 1973, Ambassador Roberto Salas Benedicto — owner of Northern Lines shipping company and a passionate advocate for Filipino seafarers — established the Visayan Maritime Academy as the first maritime school in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. It was a groundbreaking institution built on a simple belief: that Visayan students deserved world-class maritime education close to home.
After a period of closure, a group of visionaries under Asian Mari-Tech Development Corporation (AMTDC) restored and relaunched VMA in 1987. Under the leadership of Mrs. Elizabeth Orola-Salabas, the school quickly regained its standing — earning recognition from PAMI, MARINA, and DepEd as one of the Top 10 Maritime Institutions in the Philippines within just two years.
In 2006, the institution was officially renamed VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. — reflecting its expanded academic programs, international partnerships, and broader mission. From one maritime course in 1973, VMA now offers six degree programs, a MARINA-accredited training center, and a TESDA-certified skills center, serving over 4,360 students annually.
Founded as Visayan Maritime Academy
Re-established as a maritime institution
Recofnized among top maritime institutions
VMA Training Center accredited
ISO certification milestone
Became VMA Global College & Training Centers, Inc.
Student welfare, safety, and holistic development
From maritime school established in 1973, VMA has grown into a comprehensive educational institution offering maritime and non-matitime programs, supported by world-class facilities, modern training equipment, and a strong commitment to excellence, service, and global competitiveness.
Our traditions, songs, and values unite us as one VMA family – anchored in excellence and driven by purpose.
A tribute to our heritag, ideals, and the VMA spirit
Marching forward with pride, unity, and honor.
Discover programs that prepare you for a future at sea, on land, and beyond. Join a community commited to excellence, service, and global impact.
