Tacloban city: The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) will begin offering all 55 of its regular maritime training courses free of charge starting August 3, as announced by its chief on Friday. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s policy to empower Filipino seafarers and has been approved by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac through DMW Memorandum Order No. 360.
According to Philippines News Agency, NMP Executive Director Victor del Rosario highlighted the significant reduction in the financial burden associated with mandatory maritime training while enhancing the global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers. Previously, the NMP's basic training course, required for seafarers to obtain a Seaman's Book, was offered at PHP2,700, which was already the lowest in the sector compared to private institutions that charge between PHP6,000 and PHP7,000.
The 55 courses encompass STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers)-mandated programs, including Deck, Engine, Specialized, and Safety, Security, and Medical courses, as well as non-STCW courses designed to further enhance the competence and employability of Filipino seafarers.
To manage the anticipated increase in enrollment, the NMP will issue implementing guidelines covering admission and eligibility standards, a prioritization system, and enrollment procedures. Priority enrollment will be given to active seafarers and maritime professionals, followed by maritime cadets and students, and then maritime professionals from government and private sector partners with existing agreements with NMP, such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
The NMP also extends eligibility to maritime allied professionals like hospitality, security, and medical graduates targeting deployment on passenger and cruise ships. Additionally, the NMP's online enrollment system allows seafarers to enroll remotely from anywhere in the country, with at least seven courses being developed for online distance learning pending MARINA's approval.
The NMP, headquartered in Tacloban City, is conducting feasibility studies in collaboration with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to establish regional training centers in Cavite and Davao. Since 1995, NMP has owned a 2.2-hectare property in Tanza, Cavite, and in 2021, it was granted a 5,000-square-meter parcel of land within the proposed Davao Regional Government Center through a deed of convenience under Presidential Proclamation No. 1354.
The expansion has been mandated since NMP's founding charter in 1978 but had not been acted upon until the current administration. Del Rosario emphasized the strategic importance of satellite centers in Luzon and Mindanao, noting that Calabarzon and the National Capital Region each account for 14 percent of seafarers nationwide.
To support these expansion plans, Del Rosario urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to approve NMP's proposed PHP337,672,231 budget for fiscal year 2027. This funding is deemed critical for sustaining high-quality training and meeting the growing demand under the free training program.
During the press conference, seafarer Ian Ramo, an NMP trainee, expressed that the free training program would alleviate the financial strain on seafarers during their limited shore leave. He noted that the free courses significantly benefit seafarers, who already face multiple financial obligations during their vacation time.
Established in 1978, NMP has issued nearly 500,000 training certificates and completed 67 maritime research studies over its 48-year history.
