PBBM’s push on seafarer training drives NMP record high

PBBM’s push on seafarer training drives NMP record high
Reyan L. Arinto December 24, 2025 https://pia.gov.ph/news/pbbms-push-on-seafarer-training-drives-nmp-recor...

TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), based in Barangay Cabalawan in this city, has achieved a record-breaking 22,741 seafarers trained in 2025, the highest number since its establishment in 1983.

According to NMP Executive Director and Undersecretary Victor del Rosario, this milestone reflects the success of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration’s push to upgrade Filipino maritime skills and strengthen the country’s leadership in the global shipping industry.

“The increase in trainees can be attributed to the full implementation of the Maritime Industry Authority’s (MARINA) maximum trainee intake, the expansion of training batches, and the signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with partner institutions across the country. These efforts have extended NMP’s reach, allowing more seafarers to access essential maritime training,” del Rosario said.

Del Rosario highlighted that the Marcos administration’s focus on seafarer training is directly aligned with the growing global demand for highly skilled Filipino seafarers.

“The President’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure Filipino maritime professionals continue to meet the highest standards of competence, resilience, and professionalism, making them the top choice among shipowners and operators worldwide,” he added.

This vision was further emphasized during President Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to NMP, where he reaffirmed the importance of enhancing the competencies of Filipino seafarers, thereby ensuring the country’s position as a leading maritime supplier.

Starting on Dec. 5, 2025, NMP began accepting enrollees for the 2026 training programs through online enrollment and onsite admissions at the NMP Main Office in Tacloban and its Manila Liaison Office in Makati.

NMP will offer 56 training courses from January to June 2026, including 22 STCW-mandatory courses and 34 non-mandatory programs. Of these, 32 courses will be free of charge, providing enhanced opportunities for maritime professionals to improve their skills and qualifications.

NMP also reminded trainees that those who fail to attend the first session of paid courses will be delisted from the batch and may re-enroll in a future session. Grantees of free training who miss the first session will not be allowed to re-enroll for one year, ensuring that training slots are maximized for all deserving participants.

As the sole maritime training and research institution in the Philippines, NMP remains central to the country’s success as the world’s leading supplier of seafarers, contributing an estimated 25 to 30 percent of the global maritime workforce. (RLA/PIA Eastern Visayas)