GOVERNMENT and maritime stakeholders in Mindanao fully supports the proposed reconstitution of the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) as an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The Mindanao-leg consultation last June 18 at the DMMA College of Southern Philippines in Davao has brought together representatives from national government agencies, local government units, maritime education and training institutions, industry partners, and members of the seafaring community to provide their insights, recommendations, and perspectives on the proposed Executive Order seeking to strengthen NMP’s institutional framework and enhance its capacity to serve Filipino seafarers.
Al Ryan Alejandre, Davao City councilor, underscored the importance of this initiative to support the expansion efforts of NMP, particularly the establishment of a Regional Training Center (RTC) in this city.
In 2018, under the tenure of former executive director Joel Maglungsod, NMP secured a dedicated space at the Davao Regional Government Center and was officially granted through a Dead of Conveyance in 2023 during the term of OIC-Executive Director, now Deputy Executive Director, Mayla Macadawan.
This year, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Mindanao is set to start the feasibility study of the proposed RTC here.
The consultation served as a platform to validate the proposed measure and gather inputs from stakeholders on how NMP can further improve its programs, operations, and services in response to the evolving demands of the global maritime industry and the changing needs of Filipino seafarers.
Established through Presidential Decree 1369 in 1978, NMP was created as the country’s premier maritime training and research institution mandated to upgrade the competencies and qualifications of Filipino seafarers in accordance with international standards. In 1987, it became an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through Executive Order 126 and was subsequently placed under the DMW pursuant to Republic Act 11641, or the law establishing the DMW, enacted in 2021.
In his message, NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration to harmonize initiatives and long-term plans to future-proof the Philippine maritime workforce.
“This institutional reform will strengthen the NMP’s capacity to effectively fulfill its mandate, enabling us to deliver more responsive and future-ready programs for the maritime sector. It will also ensure sustained support for our ongoing modernization and expansion efforts as we strive to maintain the Philippines’ position as the world’s leading source of highly competent and globally preferred maritime professionals,” he said.
The first leg of public consultations was held in Palo, Leyte participated by various government stakeholders and maritime professionals from across the Visayas regions. Succeeding the Mindanao leg is Calabarzon in Tanza, Cavite and in the National Capital Region on July 21 and 23, respectively.
