By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – More than 10,000 seafarers have availed free training at the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) since the state-run institution waived training fees last August.
In an interview late Tuesday, NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said the number will rise to 15,000 by year-end as more seafarers become aware of free, quality maritime education.
“With free training, seafarers from Luzon and Mindanao come to Tacloban to be trained since it is expensive in private institutions,” he told reporters.
Training fees for officers cost PHP30,000 per course in private centers, while fees for non-officers range from PHP7,000 to PHP8,000.
The NMP launched the free training for all its 55 training courses last Aug. 3.
The benefit covers both full and refresher courses that comply with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as well as management-level training programs.
Del Rosario emphasized that the program reflects the government’s strong commitment to investing in the professional development of Filipino seafarers and recognizing their invaluable contributions to the country’s economy.
“It is fitting that under the current administration, we are able to provide free regular maritime training supporting Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2024,” he said.
This legislation underscores the importance of accessible and affordable maritime education and training in enhancing the competence, employability, and global competitiveness of Filipino maritime professionals, according to the official.
The NMP also continues to pursue its long-term vision of expanding its operations through the proposed establishment of Regional Training Centers in Tanza, Cavite, for Luzon and Davao City for Mindanao.
Feasibility studies for both projects are currently being undertaken in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines.
A subsumed agency under the DMW, the NMP is the country’s sole government-owned maritime training and research institution, operating its main training complex in Tacloban City with a liaison office in Makati City.
