NMP invests P261M to upgrade seafarer training facilities in Tacloban

NMP invests P261M to upgrade seafarer training facilities in Tacloban
Joey A. Gabieta - October 28, 2026 https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2331912/nmp-invests-p261m-to-upgrade-seafa...

Department of Migrant Workers and National Maritime Polytechnic officials lead the groundbreaking for projects aimed to upgrade maritime training facilities and improve services for Filipino seafarers. —Photo courtesy of the National Maritime Polytechnic
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — Filipino seafarers training in Eastern Visayas are expected to benefit from improved accommodation and upgraded safety training facilities as the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) rolls out P261 million worth of infrastructure projects at its Tacloban complex.

The projects, unveiled on Tuesday, Oct. 27, form part of the government agency’s modernization efforts to strengthen maritime education and training and help Filipino seafarers meet the changing requirements of the global shipping industry.

The NMP broke ground for a P109-million ratings’ dormitory and presented five other projects at its main office and training complex in Barangay Cabalawan.

These include the P89.9-million rehabilitation of the officers’ dormitory, P32.1-million construction of a training pool, P19.8-million firefighting area with a mock-up firehouse, P7.7-million road network improvement, and P3-million parking area.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, representing Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, led the ceremony with Assistant Secretary Augusto San Diego, who handles sea-based overseas Filipino worker concerns.

NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said the upgraded facilities would provide trainees with safer and more comfortable accommodations while improving their access to practical training in maritime survival, firefighting and other essential safety skills.

“Improved roads, parking areas, and upgraded training facilities will make our campus safer, more accessible, and better equipped to serve,” Del Rosario said.

Olalia said the investments were timely, noting that the NMP had received substantial infrastructure support under the present administration as the maritime industry undergoes rapid changes.

Established in 1978, the NMP is a government maritime training and research institution based in Tacloban City. It provides specialized training and conducts research to help improve the competence and employability of Filipino seafarers in the international maritime industry.

The infrastructure projects support Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2024. The law provides a framework for protecting seafarers’ rights and promoting quality maritime education, training and skills development.

The NMP said modern training facilities are important in helping Filipino seafarers maintain their competitiveness and meet international maritime standards. /cb