The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) rolled out all its regular training courses free of charge Monday, August 3, expanding access to professional development for Filipino seafarers.
The initiative complies with a June 18, 2026 Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) memorandum waiving fees for NMP’s remaining 22 regular courses. The move brings the agency’s total number of free course offerings to 55.
The fee waivers cover full and refresher courses compliant with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as well as management-level training programs. Specialized Professional Development Courses were also reduced to Php 8,000 to make instructor and assessor training more affordable.
NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said the program supports Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2024.
"It is fitting that under the current administration, we are able to provide free regular maritime training," Del Rosario said, noting the initiative reflects the government's commitment to enhancing seafarers' global competitiveness.
Seafarers hailed the financial relief provided by the initiative. 3/O Jovanne Janry Guda, 26, currently enrolled in the free Management Level Course for deck officers, said the program significantly reduces expenses during off-board leave.
"This free training is a big financial relief because it helps reduce our expenses, especially since our budget is often limited while we are off board and on vacation," Guda said.
To further expand reach, NMP is partnering with the Development Academy of the Philippines on feasibility studies to establish regional training centers in Tanza, Cavite, and Davao City.
NMP is the country's sole government-owned maritime training and research institution under the DMW. Interested applicants can view schedules and register at register.nmp.gov.ph.
