TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) will conclude the year serving a total of 22,972 active and aspiring Filipino seafarers, marking the highest number of successful trainees since the start of its training operations in 1983.
According to NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario, the record-breaking achievement reflects the agency’s sustained efforts to expand access to maritime education and training nationwide.
“Each year we continuously develop new and responsive training courses, we opened additional batches and classes to accommodate more enrollees, and we partnered with various institutions, particularly schools offering maritime and allied programs across the country, to expand training delivery,” he said.
Further strengthening its service delivery, NMP was granted MARINA accreditation as an assessment center, providing greater access to assessment services for seafarers in Eastern Visayas and nearby areas. This development eliminates the need to travel to distant assessment centers, ensuring a more accessible, efficient, and convenient process.
Beyond training and assessment, the agency also completed three major research projects this year: Profile of Filipino Women in Maritime, Phase 2; Navigating Health and Wellness: Filipino Seafarers in Focus; and the Philippine Maritime Workforce Issues and Challenges: A Rapid Assessment, further strengthening policy development and evidence-based maritime programs.
Complementing these achievements is the agency’s strong fiscal performance, with its budget utilization rate projected at 99 percent, reflecting prudent and responsible use of public funds.
The training and research institution is also poised for further growth as it is set to receive its highest budget allocation in history amounting to Php427-million under the 2026 budget of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
This will support major infrastructure upgrades, including the rehabilitation of two dormitories, construction of a new training pool, and establishment of a firefighting area with a mock building.
Reflecting NMP’s commitment to service excellence, the institution posted an excellent Client Satisfaction Rating of 99 percent, highlighting the trust and confidence of Filipino seafarers in NMP’s training and services.
As part of its expansion effort to enhance accessibility of maritime training, NMP is actively moving forward with plans to establish new office and training center in Cavite and Davao City, currently supported by a continuing feasibility study in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).
Strengthening collaboration across the maritime sector, NMP hosted the first Maritime Research, Education, and Training Summit (MRETS) on September 25-26 in Manila Hotel. This landmark event convened key decision-makers from across the maritime sector including representatives from crewing agencies, shipowners, training institutions, maritime associations, technology providers, welfare advocates, among others to tackle emerging challenges and address urgent priorities critical for the future of Filipino seafarers.
In another milestone this year, the NMP honored its first-ever Outstanding Alumnus, conferring the Natatanging Marinong Pilipino award to Chief Salvador Calipes Esquibel, Jr. This recognition will be sustained as one the highlights of the National Maritime Week celebration every September of each year.
Capping off the year was the first official visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., together with DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, signaling strong national support for the modernization of maritime training in the country.
During the Presidential visit on December 12, NMP conducted a brief technical demonstration of the new advanced simulation systems, which include the Php40-million Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Php10-million Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator, and upgraded Engine Room Simulator Software worth Php2-million.
“We express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of our journey to serve our modern-day heroes. We have come a long way, yet there is still much we can accomplish together,” said Del Rosario.
As the only state-run maritime training and research institution in the country, NMP is committed to ensure that every Filipino seafarer is globally competitive and future-ready, sustaining the country’s position as the world’s leading supplier of maritime professionals.
Established in 1978, its main office and training complex is located in Cabalawan, Tacloban City, with a Liaison Office at Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) Building in Makati City. (PR)
