PMMA, NMP partner for maritime research

PMMA, NMP partner for maritime research
Yashika F. Torib February 22, 2023 https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/02/22/business/maritime/pmma-nmp-partne...

THE Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) and the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) tapped into the expertise of one another to strengthen maritime research in the country.

Officials of the PMMA, led by Victoria Paraggua, director of the Department of Research, Development and Extension, visited NMP in Tacloban on February 9 to share best practices and explore potential areas for collaboration.

"We are here today to learn from NMP's successful concepts and methods on how they do their research. As both NMP and PMMA are government-owned institutions, it is important that we collaborate and work together to make the Philippines a better research country," Paraggua said.

The group had an extensive discussion on the procedures and processes employed by NMP in the conduct of its maritime research and initiatives.

PMMA is a pioneer institution in maritime education in the Philippines. It was originally named "Escuela Nautica de Manila" when it was founded in 1820. It is based in San Narciso, Zambales.

NMP is a maritime training and research center based in Barangay Cabalawan, Tacloban City.

During the visit, Paraggua presented the details of PMMA's multi-role training vessel project, which is designed to address the shortage of shipboard training opportunities for maritime students.

The use of the said vessel is extended to NMP seafarer-trainees for their shipboard training as well as to NMP faculty members for their immersion and a better understanding of ships.

The project proposal is currently with the National Economic and Development Authority for review.

The PMMA officials also offered their graduate school programs to the NMP faculty who are looking to advance their education and careers in the maritime industry.

Meanwhile, NMP shared its plan of reviving the publication of its Philippine Journal on Maritime Education and Training (PJMET) this year. PJMET features studies and papers related to maritime education and training, with contributions from local and international authors.

NMP intends to tap PMMA as a peer reviewer of the publication.

The PMMA officials also toured the NMP Complex and visited the Boat Davit area, where they observed practical exercises and assessments taking place, the Training Pool, and several simulators located in the NMP Training Building.

The visit demonstrated the importance of partnerships between institutions in the maritime sector and the benefits they can bring to students, faculty, and the maritime industry as a whole.