The Holy Cross of Davao College continues to strengthen its international linkages in maritime education as Ms. Sheryl J. Urdaneta, Head of the Center for Linkages, Internationalization & Language Studies, and HCDC Erasmus+ Coordinator, participated in the Erasmus+ Week hosted by Vilnius Tech University (VTU) – Faculty of Lithuanian Maritime Academy (LMA) in Klaipėda, Lithuania.
The event, which was held from April 7 to 11, 2025, gathered Erasmus+ Coordinators, Internationalization Officers, and maritime education experts from Vilnius Tech-LMA partner universities in Bulgaria, Georgia, Montenegro, Romania, Ukraine, and the Philippines. Ms. Urdaneta’s participation was made possible through the Erasmus+ staff mobility training program, funded by the European Union (EU).
Throughout the week, delegates engaged in a series of academic and institutional activities, including meetings with Vilnius Tech–LMA management, discussions with programs and departments, and benchmarking sessions among participating institutions.
As part of the week’s highlights, Ms. Urdaneta also delivered a talk at the hybrid international conference on Maritime, Offshore Energy, and Logistics (MOEPL) held on April 10. Her presentation, titled “Meeting Global Standards: Advancing Maritime Education in the Philippines,” was attended by maritime students, researchers, and representatives from the industry.
In between the meetings, Ms. Urdaneta had the opportunity to sit down with executives from the Lithuanian Shipowners’ Association and Limarko Shipping Company AB, to explore academe-industry collaboration.
As it continues to expand its collaboration within the Erasmus+ framework of cooperation, HCDC remains steadfast in its commitment to provide quality maritime education that is at par with international standards.