DMW, NMP to host maritime summit

DMW, NMP to host maritime summit
Yashika F. Torib September 24, 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/09/24/business/maritime/dmw-nmp-to-host...

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) are set to host a national Maritime Research, Education, and Training (MRET) Summit as a strategic call-to-action for the urgent challenges hounding the maritime crewing sector.

The MRET Summit is slated on Sept. 25-26, in time with the National Maritime Week and the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo).

“The maritime sector moves the world. Through this Summit, we will move together — with unity, urgency, and purpose — to prepare our people and policies for the future,” NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said.

In contrast with other forums, NMP stated that the MRET Summit commits to provide action-driven and research-backed approach to identified industry challenges. It aims to produce a Strategic Roadmap and Indicative Action Plan that will be presented to the Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC).

These recommendations are expected to be backed with national implementation steps in 2026.

“Amid mounting industry challenges — from decarbonization, digitalization, to seafarer mental health and global workforce shifts — MRET Summit 2025 aims to be more than a dialogue. It is a strategic call-to-action for multi-sectoral cooperation, policy alignment, and industry resilience,” NMP said in a statement.

It added that among the items to be tackled is the Philippine Maritime Manpower Issues Monitor 2025, a landmark rapid assessment of the industry pain points.

The summit will also discuss the implications of decarbonization, automation, and global trading patterns; action plans to address skill shortages, cadet training gaps, and low female representation on ships; mental health of seafarers, welfare packages, and harassment prevention onboard; and the practical implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.