Stakeholders back move to strengthen NMP’s role in seafarer training

Stakeholders back move to strengthen NMP’s role in seafarer training
Reyan L. Arinto June 16, 2026 https://pia.gov.ph/news/stakeholders-back-move-to-strengthen-nmps-role-i...

Maritime stakeholders from across the Visayas participate in a public consultation in Palo, Leyte on the proposed strengthening of the National Maritime Polytechnic. (Photo courtesy of NMP).
TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — As global demand for highly skilled Filipino seafarers continues to rise, maritime stakeholders across the Visayas have expressed strong support for efforts to strengthen the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), recognizing the institution’s critical role in preparing Filipino seafarers for the evolving demands of the international maritime industry.

Representatives from government agencies, academe, maritime organizations, and the seafaring community gathered in Palo, Leyte, on June 9 for the first nationwide public consultation on the proposed reconstitution of NMP as an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The consultation, attended by 48 stakeholders from across the Visayas, focused on a proposed Executive Order (EO) aimed at enhancing NMP’s institutional capacity, improving operational efficiency, and enabling it to respond more effectively to the needs of Filipino seafarers and the global maritime sector.

For many participants, the proposal represents more than an organizational restructuring.
“NMP has been at the forefront of maritime training for nearly five decades. Strengthening the institution means strengthening the future of Filipino seafarers and ensuring that they remain globally competitive,” said NMP Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario.

Established in 1978 through Presidential Decree No. 1369, NMP serves as the country’s premier maritime training and research institution. It became attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in 1987 and was later transferred to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11641 in 2021.

Del Rosario emphasized that the proposed reconstitution is designed to equip the institution with greater flexibility and capability to address emerging industry challenges.

“This initiative is not solely about strengthening NMP as an institution. More importantly, it is about ensuring that we are better equipped to serve Filipino seafarers and support the continued growth of the Philippine maritime industry,” he said.

He added that the maritime sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technological advancements, digitalization, decarbonization, and evolving international standards.

“Filipino seafarers remain among the most sought-after maritime professionals in the world. To sustain that position, we must continuously enhance our training programs, research capabilities, and support systems,” Del Rosario said.

Stakeholders from DMW, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA); Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); Philippine Information Agency (PIA); Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev); Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); educational institutions; media organizations; and maritime groups actively participated in discussions and workshop sessions.

Their recommendations and sectoral perspectives will be consolidated into a consultation report that will help refine the draft EO before its final submission.

According to Del Rosario, stakeholder participation is vital to ensuring that the proposed reforms are responsive to the needs of the maritime community.

“We want this process to be inclusive and consultative. The insights and recommendations of our stakeholders will help shape a stronger and more responsive NMP that can better serve generations of Filipino seafarers,” he said.

The proposal aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda of strengthening workforce development, improving government service delivery, and enhancing support systems for overseas Filipino workers, including the country’s more than 500,000 seafarers.

During the consultation, stakeholders also signed a Manifesto of Support, signaling broad backing for measures that seek to further enhance maritime education, training, and research in the country.

“The support shown by our stakeholders today reflects a shared commitment to investing in our seafarers. By strengthening NMP, we are helping ensure that Filipino maritime professionals continue to excel in the global shipping industry,” Del Rosario said.

The Visayas consultation marked the first of four public consultations scheduled nationwide, with succeeding discussions set in Davao, Cavite, and the National Capital Region.

For participants, the consultation was not merely a policy discussion but an opportunity to help shape the future of an institution that has trained generations of Filipino seafarers and contributed significantly to the Philippines’ standing as one of the world’s leading suppliers of maritime professionals. (RLA/PIA Eastern Visayas)