Photo from National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP)
The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) is set to close 2025 after training a record 22,972 active and aspiring Filipino seafarers, the highest since it began operations in 1983.
NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said the milestone reflects the agency’s sustained commitment to expanding access to quality maritime education and training nationwide.
“Each year, we continuously developed new and responsive training courses, opened additional batches and classes to accommodate more enrollees, and partnered with various institutions, particularly schools offering maritime and allied programs across the country, to expand training delivery,” Del Rosario said.
A key factor behind this year’s achievement was NMP’s accreditation by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) as an assessment center, which allows seafarers in Eastern Visayas and nearby areas to undergo evaluation without traveling to distant locations.
The agency also reported a strong fiscal performance, with a projected budget utilization rate of 99 percent, highlighting prudent and responsible management of public funds.
Looking ahead, NMP secured its highest budget allocation to date—PHP427 million—under the 2026 Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) budget to fund infrastructure upgrades and expansion projects.
Planned improvements include the rehabilitation of two dormitories, construction of a new training pool, creation of a firefighting area with a mock building, and establishment of new offices and training centers in Cavite and Davao City.
Capping the year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited NMP on Dec. 12 to witness demonstrations of its advanced simulation systems, including the PHP40-million Full Mission Bridge Simulator, the PHP 10-million Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator, and upgraded Engine Room Simulator software worth PHP 2 million.