President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday visited the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) in Tacloban City, where he inspected the training center’s upgraded equipment and facilities.
Established by the President’s mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, the NMP offers maritime training courses and conducts research and studies on industry issues.
President Marcos inspected the modern training equipment that were completed early this December and will be used starting January 2026, namely the Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator, and Engine Room Simulator Software Upgrade.
The President was briefed on the use of the simulators that replicate real-world vessel operations, providing trainees with hands-on experience to develop competencies in navigation, cargo handling, engine room operations, emergency response, and decision-making.
President Marcos is focused on modernizing the equipment and facilities of the NMP to ensure Filipino seafarers’ training can keep pace with international standards, said Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
“Ayon sa Pangulo nagsisikap ang pamahalaan upang gawin mas modern ang training equipment at facilities ng National Maritime Polytechnic upang makipag sabayan ang mga marinong Pinoy sa pandaigdigang pamantayan,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.
“Para kay Pangulong Marcos Jr. una ang mga Pilipino, una ang mga marino,” Castro added.
The Full Mission Bridge Simulator allows trainees to experience real-world navigation, ship handling and bridge operations.
The Liquid Cargo and Handling Simulator enables hands-on training for the safe operation of pumps, valves, pipelines, and auxiliary equipment.
Meanwhile, the Engine Room Simulator Software Upgrade involves comprehensive simulations of the ship’s main propulsion plant, electrical power generation systems, and auxiliary machinery.
The NMP was created under Presidential Decree No. 1369 issued in 1978. The training center was placed under the Department of Migrant Workers in 2021 under Republic Act 11641 or the Department of Migrant Workers Act. (PND)
