NMP to expand maritime training services in Luzon

THE National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) is set to expand its maritime training services in Luzon.

This strategy was sealed following an agreement signed between NMP and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office 8 (Eastern Visayas) last July 11.

The agreement aims to conduct a feasibility study on expanding NMP’s training operations to Luzon, an initiative aligned with the government’s transformational strategies in social and human development as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028.

By extending its reach to Luzon, the Tacloban-based institution can further contribute to upgrading the skills of Filipino seafarers, thereby enhancing their employability and reinforcing the Philippines as a primary source of skilled maritime professionals.

In an official statement, NMP said the primary objectives of the memorandum of agreement with NEDA include strengthening the NMP-NEDA institutional setup to support a responsive and timely expansion, conducting project preparation activities, and establishing an efficient maritime management structure for NMP-Luzon.

The agreement also outlines critical activities for advancing the project, including organizing a Project Management Development Team to prepare necessary documents. The key task is developing a comprehensive Terms of Reference (TOR) for consultancy services procurement, with a workshop on July 16, 2024. This session gathered NMP and NEDA teams to formulate TOR standards, supported by preparatory activities like writeshops and data provision.

NMP Executive Director Victor del Rosario expressed his sincere appreciation to NEDA for sealing the agreement.

“Your technical expertise in crafting a TOR for consultancy services to conduct a feasibility study for NMP’s Luzon expansion is critical. We are thrilled by successfully securing P10 million in funding, underscoring President Marcos’ commitment to enhancing maritime training post-EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency). The seafaring industry’s $7 billion annual contribution to the economy is significant, and expanding NMP’s services across Luzon aligns with our strategic national objectives,” he said.

Meanwhile, NEDA Regional Director Meylene Rosales conveyed her appreciation for the collaboration and commitment to advancing maritime training and development in the Philippines.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in NEDA, and I want to reaffirm my continued commitment to NMP, where I have been involved in special activities for the longest time. I am thrilled that NEDA Region 8 will support us on this journey, and I am also thankful to my team. With this dedicated group, I assure NMP that you have our full support,” she said.

The agreement takes effect upon signing and remains in full force unless terminated by either party with a written notice of termination, requiring the other party’s consent within thirty days of receipt of the notice. It will terminate upon the completion of the feasibility study.

This initiative builds upon NMP’s historical investment in maritime training infrastructure, with the acquisition of a 2.2-hectare lot in Tanza, Cavite, in 1995. It ensures that Filipino seafarers remain competitive and continue to contribute significantly to the global shipping industry.

Furthermore, the project underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the income-earning abilities of Filipinos, thereby contributing to the socioeconomic prosperity of seafarers and their families.