THE national government marked history in the Philippine maritime industry as all regular trainings at the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) will now be offered free of charge starting Aug. 3, 2026.
In a memorandum issued on June 18, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac approved the waiver of training fees for 22 existing regular training courses, the first time since the establishment of NMP in 1978.
“Filipino seafarers are among the country’s key economic contributors and ensuring access to quality and affordable training is vital and much-deserved investment for them,” said Victor del Rosario, NMP executive director.
The move expands the number of free training offerings to 55 courses, including the 33 courses already being offered free of charge and other future course offerings.
Currently, regular training fees at NMP ranges from P714 to P6,000 depending on the type, scope, and duration of training.
This initiative will cover full courses, refresher courses, and management-level courses, providing Filipino seafarers with greater access to essential maritime training, certification, and professional development opportunities. Meanwhile, Professional Development Courses (PDC) will be offered at a substantially reduced fee.
Del Rosario added that this government initiative will also provide the needed financial relief to Filipino seafarers by reducing the costs associated with mandatory training and certification requirements amid rising living expenses.
Moreover, this supports Republic Act 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2024, which recognizes the importance of accessible and affordable maritime training in strengthening the global competitiveness of the country’s maritime professionals.
NMP is currently crafting the implementing guidelines for its effective rollout, including the enrolment procedures, prioritization, and other operational requirements.
The guidelines will ensure a systematic and transparent process while promoting fair and equitable access to free training opportunities among Filipino seafarers.
Complementing this initiative, NMP is also advancing plans to expand its regional presence through the proposed establishment of Regional Training Centers in Tanza, Cavite, for Luzon and Davao City for Mindanao. Feasibility studies for these proposed facilities are currently being undertaken in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).
A subsumed agency of the DMW, NMP is the country’s sole government-operated maritime training and research institution, operating its main training complex in Tacloban City and a liaison office in Makati City.
