MATE Senior High School voyage to fruition started when Capt. Lester J. Pasco, MSM, introduced the idea of putting up an educational institution to Chief Marine Engr. Alfredo T. Barte while they were sailing together onboard an Oil-Chemical Tanker vessel as Ship Captain and Chief Engineer, respectively.

Having earned their degrees from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), the desire to give back to the community was inherent in them. Further propelled by their shared passion to mentor and help others fulfill their dreams of becoming ship officers, they had agreed to establish an educational institution geared specifically for the purpose of inspiring the youth to explore the rewarding careers at sea and to prepare them in their future roles as Ship Captains, Chief Marine Engineers, or Coast Guard officers.

Capt. Lester J. Pasco, then invited young and active management level ship officers, to join them in their voyage of putting up MATE Senior High School. Chief Marine Engr. Jessie M. Acierto, himself an experienced maritime instructor, assessor, and chief engineer, was the first to heed the call. Capt. Kristian Angelae G. Merilles, immediately followed the tide then Capt. Richard A. Bolilan, an experienced Ship Captain on bulk carrier ships and certified ice navigator, joined aboard shortly. Chief Marine Engr. and Electrical Engineer Arnold V. Mayo, one of the few dual license officers in the country, also embarked to share his expertise. Capt. Michael A. Salvilla was the last to board but definitely not the least.

This group of active and experienced Ship Captains and Chief Marine Engineers believe that the best people to teach and prepare future seafarers are actual seafarers of today.