FILIPINO shipbuilding workers could receive specialized training in eco-friendly shipbuilding under a proposed training center in Zambales, which the Philippines and South Korea are exploring.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino met with representatives of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (HHI) and the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (Komeri) on Friday to discuss the proposed project, including its feasibility study, implementation direction, and areas requiring Philippine cooperation.
HHI Head Manager and Executive Shin Sang-woon led the Korean delegation during the meeting at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila.
The proposed initiative aims to strengthen Filipino workers’ skills and address manpower needs in the country’s shipbuilding industry, particularly in eco-friendly shipbuilding.
DOLE said the collaboration plans to provide workers with relevant and industry-responsive skills that could open pathways to quality employment and help build a globally competitive workforce for the shipbuilding industry.
Tolentino said the Philippines already has a strong pool of workers and skills that the partnership could develop.
“We understand the urgency of this because Asean will convene in November this year,” Tolentino said.
“Rest assured that on our end, including Tesda, we will be working double time to fast-track the mechanics and details of the agreement. We support the endeavor. This would be of great help to the Philippine shipbuilding industry,” he added.
DOLE and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will work to fast-track the necessary mechanisms and identify an appropriate site for the proposed training initiative, the labor department said.
Feasibility study
The proposed training center is still in the feasibility study stage, scheduled for the second half of 2026.
HHI and Komeri are undertaking the feasibility study under the management of the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (Motir).
DOLE will serve as the primary Philippine focal point for the proposed Official Development Assistance (ODA) project, with Tesda as a key government counterpart for workforce development and training.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s focus on international cooperation to upskill Filipino workers and create more employment opportunities.
The labor department said the Philippines’ partnership with South Korea promotes skills development and human resource development through the sharing of technical expertise.
