TACLOBAN CITY – Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and reintegration of Filipino seafarers and displaced overseas workers, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) took part in the National Reintegration Network Regional Fair held on Wednesday at Leyte National High School.
The event, themed “Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa,” served as a vital support hub for displaced and repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), particularly those affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
It brought together various government agencies in a unified “one-stop-shop” approach, offering reintegration assistance, employment opportunities both local and overseas, and onsite consultations.
His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graced the activity highlighting the administration’s strong commitment to the protection and reintegration of OFWs.
He was joined by key officials from various agencies, including Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Secretary Sonny Angara of the Department of Education (DepEd), CHED Commissioner Shirley Agrupis, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, and NMP Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario.
As the training and research arm of the DMW, NMP has extended a special assistance package aimed at supporting affected OFWs n their transition back to the maritime workforce and in gaining global employability.
To ease the financial burden on returning workers, NMP is offering full scholarship support through zero tuition fees for selected maritime training programs, complemented by free accommodation for the entire duration of training.
According to NMP Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario, the initiative is designed to ensure that OFWs, whether sea-based or land-based, are equipped with the necessary competencies to renew their certifications and strengthen their global competitiveness without incurring training costs.
The package includes access to essential and refresher maritime courses such as Basic Training (BT), Training Course for Instructors (IMO Model Course 6.09), Mental Health Awareness for Seafarers (MHAS), Updating Course for BT, and Refresher Courses on BT, Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (SCRB), and Fast Rescue Boat (FRB).
Interested OFWs may submit their applications via email to nmp.middleeastresponse@gmail.com, indicating their full name, contact details (including email address and mobile number), and preferred training course.(PR)
