MANILA, Philippines — The Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA) officially launched the Saga Academy on February 2, 2026, marking a key milestone in its partnership with Saga Cruises. The academy is designed to provide structured culinary training for Saga’s current and former crew members, supporting the cruise line’s commitment to consistent, high-quality service. The program is also set to expand to include Food and Beverage and Housekeeping training, further strengthening skills development and career opportunities for crew members.
The launch reinforces MIHCA Manila’s role as Saga Cruises’ exclusive training partner in the Philippines. The academy offers industry-led instruction tailored to cruise ship galley operations, equipping participants with practical skills that meet Saga Cruises’ standards while upholding MIHCA’s commitment to excellence in hospitality and culinary arts training.
The first batch of the program consists of 20 culinary arts trainees, who will undergo training from February 2 to 13, 2026. Participants include a mix of newly hired and former crew members, ranging from assistant cooks, first and second cooks, to sous chefs. Two additional batches are tentatively scheduled for later this year.
“What is wonderful about this partnership and the investment in this academy is that it reflects the strong relationship we have built and continues to grow,” said Saga Cruises People Director Jana Harrison. “It also shows the investment we want to make in our crew, not only in the excellent service they provide our guests, but in their personal and professional development.”
Echoing this sentiment, Saga Cruises Head of Hotel Operations Nigel Stewart added, “This training program is very close to my heart. It is all about being a family and making things happen. It’s great that we’re on this journey together. I can already see the vision going forward — more training, more people passing through — and that is truly something remarkable to behold.”
The launch was attended by key executives from Saga Cruises and the Magsaysay Group, including Magsaysay Group President & CEO Doris Magsaysay Ho, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (MMC) Executive Chairman Marlon R. Roño, Saga Cruises People Director Jana Harrison, Saga Cruises Head of Hotel Operations Nigel Stewart, Saga Cruises F&B Director Abram Santonil, MIHCA President Paolo Guevara, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (MMC) President Arnold Javier, MMC Cruise Group Head Nori Leonidas, MMC Fleet HR Director Elver Esquivel, and MMC Senior Fleet HR Officer Christian Carpena. Their presence highlighted the joint commitment of MIHCA and Saga Cruises in developing the next generation of skilled culinary professionals.
“Nothing is more amazing than coming together to launch this long-awaited academy,” said Magsaysay Group President and CEO Doris Magsaysay Ho. “This will truly help all of us achieve our goal of delivering the best and most wonderful guest experience on board.”
The initiative reflects MIHCA and Saga Cruises’ shared focus on professional development, combining MIHCA’s training expertise with Saga Cruises’ operational standards to provide career opportunities while enhancing service quality onboard.
