The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) have strengthened their partnership with the turnover of an upgraded bridge simulator designed to enhance the training of future Philippine Navy officers.
PMA and MAAP formalized the donation and turnover of the upgraded Bridge Simulator with Electronic Chart Display and Information System during a ceremony at the PMA Navy Laboratory on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The deed of donation was signed by retired Vice Adm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos, president of MAAP, and Vice Adm. Caesar Bernard N. Valencia, superintendent of PMA.
The project upgraded the bridge simulator donated by MAAP in May 2025 by integrating ECDIS technology, providing cadets with a more realistic and advanced platform for navigation training.
The enhanced simulator allows PMA midshipmen to conduct more immersive exercises in bridge operations, navigation, and watchkeeping using systems employed in modern maritime operations.
PMA said the upgraded capability is expected to strengthen the practical training of midshipmen and better prepare them for future service as officers of the Philippine Navy.
The turnover also reinforced the longstanding partnership between PMA and MAAP in developing competent maritime leaders.
While MAAP trains professionals for the maritime industry, PMA develops future naval officers tasked with safeguarding the country’s maritime interests.
Through the partnership, both institutions continue to advance maritime education and training in support of national development and security.
The upgraded bridge simulator also forms part of PMA’s modernization efforts to provide world-class military education by incorporating contemporary maritime technologies into cadet training and preparing future naval officers for an evolving maritime environment.