After 15 years, two campuses and thousands of seafarer graduates, PNTC Colleges is ready to go all out with its international hospitality courses, while remaining one of the country’s top producers of seamen.

In a grand revelry, PNTC Colleges recently celebrated its momentous 15th year anniversary simultaneous with the blessing of its newly renovated Corporate Office at the Intramuros campus, as well as the inauguration of its International Hospitality Management programs and Bridge Navigational Simulator Courses.

"We started out as a Maritime Training Center," shared Frederick Pios, marketing and corporate communications director of PNTC. "But for the Maritime Training Center, we’re still carrying the old name, Philippine Nautical Training Institute (PNTI), because that’s the name that’s been known for quite some time already."

Pios said that among the highlights of the event was the blessing of a full-deck simulator they have recently purchased. "It’s the most expensive and high-tech in the country."

After almost perfecting its curriculum on maritime courses and seafaring training, PNTC Colleges is venturing into another field that Filipinos also excel in: Hospitality management.

"Basically, we have three major core businesses," explained Pios. "First is the Maritime Training Center, courses (of which) are geared towards those who want to be seafarers. They have to undergo all these certain trainings before they’re given a seaman’s book. Second is the college, the PNTC, including the one in Cavite, which they opened five years ago. Both campuses offer courses such as BS Marine Transportation, BS Marine Engineering, BS Customs Administration Major in Logistics Management and BS Business Administration, major in marketing management or operation management.

"And the third is a new one, a tie-up with North American Colleges. We’re offering International Hospitality Management and other allied courses," he added.

The international programs include diploma courses in International Hospitality Management and Cruise Ship Services Management, as well as other certificate courses and training programs.

"What’s good about these programs is that graduates will also get diploma certificate from North American Colleges. That’s why we also have our own mock hotel. And we are constantly improving and creating other facilities that will be hosting these courses," enthused Pios.

So, what sets it apart from the courses offered in other hotel restaurant management schools?

"An HRM course (is) usually a four-year course. Our courses are a lot shorter and more relevant and responsive to the shipping industry," answered Pios. "For example, if you want to be a bartender in the ship, you get courses that specially geared to train you. And, of course, because of our network, you’ll have an easier time getting employed in cruise ships."

Pios added that their graduates have the option to work in cruise ships, or since they have the necessary training, they can also work land-based. "After the first year, they can already work as a steward depending on what they want to take. And there will also be leveling. On the second year, they can become supervisors, or vie for a management level on their third year."

He also added that although they’re still working out if they can provide certificates for every year a student finishes, the skills and qualifications are already there and enough to land them a good job.

With the new addition to the facilities and the ongoing renovations in the Intramuros Campus, it is surprising that PNTC is still able to maintain the competitiveness of its tuition fees.

"We are proud of our tuition fees," smiled Pios. "Our training courses are one with the lowest tuition fees, considering that our facilities here are one of the best, if not the best, in the country. We’re also very proud of our facilities. We offer a lot lower tuition fees than other schools."

PNTC’s edge, however, is providing students with an institution that considers learning through simulation important. This is why they make sure their campuses are prepared for it.

For its international hospitality courses, PNTC boasts of a mock hotel that has all the amenities of a luxury hotel room. Taking inspiration from the country’s five-star hotels, the mock hotel has the look and feel of a real one. The lobby comes complete with impressive doorway, reception and lounge area. It also has a bedroom, toilet and bath for a complete luxury feel.

As for its seafarers, it has launched its state-of-the-art full mission navigational bridge simulator that aims to provide maritime students with upgrade in classroom and practical trainings.

As if these were not enough, PNTC is also proud to be offering its Primer on Maritime Security and ISPS code designed for maritime officers and directors.

"Only one other institution offers this course," revealed Pios. "One of the very big concerns right now is maritime security. Maritime ships or US flag-based ships cannot dock in any port without an ISPS or International Ship and Port Facility Security Code."

As part of its mission to provide deserving Filipino youth a better future, PNTC also gives a huge deal to scholarship grants. "We continually look for deserving scholars," said Pios. "We’ve tied up with manning agencies and shipping companies for this."

With the new addition in its facilities as well as the new courses being offered, PNTC, although bent on holding the fort as one of the best maritime colleges in the country, is now ready to set sail to new and exciting possibilities.

PNTC Intramuros, Manila campus is located at fifth floor, Intramuros Corporate Plaza, Recoletos St., Intramuros, Manila. For information, call 526-4374, fax 526-2146 or 526-0144, e-mail pntcinternational@pntc.com.ph. Dasmariñas Cavite campus is located at Zone III, Lt. Cantimbuhan St., Poblacion, Dasmariñas Cavite, with tel. (046) 416-5111, (046) 686-4440, telefax (046) 416-2584, e-mail pntc@pntc.com.ph and Web site www.pntc.com.ph.

Back to top

For comments about this website:Webmaster@tribune.net.ph
The Daily Tribune © 2006