TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar Representative Nikko Raul Daza has thrown his support behind the proposed record budget for the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) in 2026, citing the crucial role of Filipino seafarers in sustaining the global maritime industry.
Under the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), NMP is slated to receive P407.578 million — a 78 percent jump from its current P228.402 million allocation. This would be the highest budget in the agency’s 46-year history.
During the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on September 12, Daza, who also serves as assistant minority leader, said NMP’s mandate to train and upgrade the skills of Filipino seafarers makes it indispensable. “This is about the very large contribution of our seafarers. They are the backbone of our industry and economy,” Daza said, urging colleagues to fully support the DMW budget.
NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said most of the new funds will finance the upgrading of its Tacloban City training complex, including the replacement of two condemned dormitory buildings. He said the expanded facilities would allow NMP to roll out more advanced courses and accept more trainees.
Of 86 maritime training institutions accredited by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), NMP remains the only government-owned training and research center. It offers 56 courses, including 21 of the 40 mandatory Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses prescribed by the International Maritime Organization.
Del Rosario added that NMP has already piloted a new STCW training course and plans to expand offerings once it acquires additional facilities and instructors.
House budget sponsor Rep. Johanne Monich Bautista also backed the increase, saying Congress is working to ensure sufficient funds for NMP.
The Philippines supplies about 25 to 30 percent of the world’s maritime workforce, with Filipino seafarers prized globally for their competence, resilience, and professionalism — making institutions like NMP central to maintaining the country’s competitive edge.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
