About
Merchant Marine Academy of Caraga, Inc. (MMACI) is an educational institution committed to producing skilled seafarers and professionals through hands-on training, industry partnerships, and values-driven instruction since its founding.
Our Story
Service with a Heart
The Merchant Marine Academy of Cariga, Inc. (MMACI) is a rising educational institution in Southern Philippines that aspires to bring first-class maritime education and other disciplines to the Northern part of Mindanao.
Its founding takes form from the association of noble causes among change makers, dream weavers, and forward-looking maritime professionals way back in 2017. This paved the way for the official founding of MMACI in 2018, taking ground as a maritime educational institution.
April 17, 2018
On this date, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued the Certificate of Incorporation.MMACI partnered with CREST Maritime Inc., the largest Maritime Training & Assessment Center provider in Central Visayas, and became part of its Board of Directors. This partnership defined the academy as a prime industry network in maritime education, providing the financial and intellectual capital to acquire permits, facilities, and equipment to operate as an educational institution.
December 18, 2018
The Department of Education - Caraga issued the permit to operate the Senior High School Program with six (6) strands: STEM-Pre-baccalaureate Marine Specialization, TVL Maritime Specialization, STEM, HUMSS, ABM, and GAS. Senior High School officially opened on June 10, 2019.
2019
February – TESDA - Agusan Del Norte issued the Permit to operate Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I and NC II. First training batch began on May 7, 2019. July – CHED & MARINA approved the offering of BS Maritime Transportation (BSMT) & BS Marine Engineering (BSMARE). First day of classes was on August 19, 2019. December – TESDA certified MMACI to offer Japanese Language and Culture (Nihongo). Classes started January 13, 2020.
April 2, 2020
The school was granted ISO 9001:2015 Certification under Det Norske Veritas - Germanischer Lloyd (DNV-GL).
2022
CHED granted permits to operate additional programs: BS Criminology (BSCrim), BS Information Systems (BSIS), BS Physical Education (BPEd), and BS Library and Information Science (BLIS). >MMACI also received CHED-MARINA Government Recognition for its BS Maritime Programs, being enlisted among the 82 Recognized Maritime Schools nationwide.
2023
CHED granted the Recognition Permit to operate BSCrim, BSIS, and BLIS. On March 28, 2023, SOCOTEC awarded MMACI the ISO 9001:2015 Certification with the scope covering Tertiary, Technical, and Basic Education including Practical Assessment, Administrative and Student Services, Research, Extension, and Academic Support Services.
Looking Ahead
MMACI ensures graduates are qualified and competent through Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) and workplace-relevant assessment systems. The school continuously exposes students to innovations aligned with Industry 4.0, preparing them for evolving industry standards.Future plans include offering programs in Information Technology, Criminology, Education, Business, Hospitality & Tourism, Arts & Sciences, TESDA Diplomas, and Junior High School in Basic Education.
Our Mission
MMACI shall commit to:
- Provide knowledge and skills in critical-thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, information and media literacy, and computing and ICT literacy, cross-cultural understanding, and career and learning self-reliant.
- Establish a strong research culture in the institution and design multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary researches that are publishable and contribute to nation building.
- Inspire and uphold a service-oriented organization that nurtures the community and God’s creations.
Our Vision
MMACI, as a leading 21st - Century Institution, envisions to produce globally competitive individuals founded with excellence in instruction, research, and extension.
Core Values
Leadership
MMACI community values the development of highly competent professionals honed to become self-propelling leaders and solution-driven innovators.
Excellence
MMACI community values greatness of mind and heart – upholding a culture of “hands-on, minds-on and hearts-on” to achieving academic excellence. The hands-on, minds-on and hearts-on approach of Odyssey encourages the students to experience and engage in learning with their hands, analyze with their minds, and invest with their hearts as they are deeply involved in their learning process.
Service
MMACI imbibes the principle of genuine concern for others, and generosity for the community to make a difference in society.
Meet Our Leadership
Dedicated Administration Guiding Our Educational Excellence
MMACI's leadership is composed of experienced maritime educators and industry professionals committed to delivering high-quality instruction, student-centered services, and strong industry partnerships. Our administration focuses on outcomes-based education, continuous improvement, and ensuring graduates are workplace-ready and ethically grounded.
7+
Years of Excellence
100+
Faculty & Staff Members
98%
Student Success
Dr. Dennis P. Mausisa
School President
A seasoned educator and administrator with over 20 years in higher education, Dr. Mausisa leads MMACI's strategic vision and industry partnerships to advance maritime training and student success.
Dr. Ian S. Tampan
Vice President for Administrative Affairs
Dr. Tampan oversees institutional operations and campus development, ensuring efficient administrative services and compliance with regulatory and quality assurance standards.
Dr. Jocelyn Ramos
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Ramos leads academic strategy and program quality at MMACI, overseeing curriculum design, accreditation efforts, and faculty professional development to ensure high academic standards.
Joshua Lacaran
Head, Human Resource
Joshua oversees HR strategy and employee development, leading recruitment, performance management, and staff training to build a capable and motivated workforce.
Engr. Derek Mar Montallana
Dean, College of Maritime Education
Engr. Montallana directs academic programs within the College of Maritime Education, leading curriculum implementation, practical training, and industry-aligned competency assessments for future seafarers.
Jhun Mark Patlunag
Dean, College of Criminology
Dean Patlunag leads the College of Criminology, overseeing program delivery, practical training, and alignment with professional standards to prepare competent criminal justice professionals.
Dr. Emiliana Lozano
Dean, College of Business and Tourism Management
Dr. Lozano heads the College of Business and Tourism Management, shaping industry-relevant programs, fostering experiential learning, and building partnerships with local industries and tourism stakeholders.
Daniel Nemesis Espina
Finance Director
Daniel oversees MMACI's financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal controls, ensuring transparent accounting practices and sustainable resource allocation to support the academy's operations and growth.