TACLOBAN CITY – A historic agreement between the Department of Migrant Workers-National Maritime Polytechnic (DMW-NMP) & the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) fostering an advanced maritime domain, was sealed during the visit of the MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan to the NMP Main Complex on 23 April 2024.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), consolidating the existing Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs) on research and training, outlines a comprehensive scope of collaboration between MARINA and NMP, covering various key areas crucial for the advancement of the maritime industry, these are: Maritime Industry Research Studies as outlined in the updated Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028; Course Development; Training and Capacity Building; and Production of the Philippine Maritime Manpower Factbook. Under the MOU, both MARINA and NMP have defined their respective roles and responsibilities to ensure effective implementation of the collaboration.

In her message, Administrator Malaluan expressed her gratitude for the realization of the MOU signing as it was an offshoot of the collaborative discussions between the two (2) offices during the early part of the year. She also emphasized MARINA’s commitment to collaborate towards excellence, innovation & sustainability: “Together we will navigate the seas of change and have a stronger, more resilient & more united maritime industry”, she said.”

Also present during the event is the MARINA Planning & Policy Service Director, Luisito U. Delos Santos, who provided the overview of the activity and the aim of the collaboration highlighting the need for academic researches that the Authority will use as basis for policy formulation and program development. He conveyed his optimism that the partnership will provide a clearer percentage contribution of the maritime sector to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) among others.

Gracing the event to represent the Department of Migrant Workers was Director Augusto B. San Diego III of the Sea-Based Accreditation Bureau. In his speech, he eloquently conveyed a message on behalf of DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Assistant Secretary Jerome T. Pampolina of the Office of Sea-based OFW Concerns, highlighting the significance of the synergy in advancing the interests of seafarers and the maritime industry.

Director San Diego in his speech said: “Let us rededicate ourselves to the vision set forth to make the NMP a beacon of excellence that serves as a catalyst for positive change within the maritime sector in alignment with MARINA’s mandate to ensure the safety, security & sustainability of the Philippine maritime industry. Together let us forge a path towards a safer, more sustainable future, one where every seafarer embarks on their journey with the assurance of returning home safely to their loved ones.”.

Further, NMP Executive Director, Victor A. Del Rosario firmly voiced in his key message the commitment to deliver the shared responsibilities outlined in the MOU in support to the implementation of the MIDP ultimately leading to and for the greater benefit of the Filipino seafarers and the maritime industry in general.

To ensure progress in the agreed commitments and deliverables, the signatories shall convene in quarterly meetings as stated in the MOU. The agreement shall remain valid for three (3) years unless sooner revoked or terminated for cause.

Present to witness the momentous occasion were officials from NMP and MARINA Central & Regional Offices. Following the activity was a tour around the NMP Training Building.

Meanwhile on the same day, Tingog Party List House Representative, Hon. Jude A. Acidre and his team visited NMP and discussed support to NMP’s development plans.

As the maritime sector continues to evolve amidst dynamic global trends, this collaborative initiative reaffirms the unwavering commitment of governments to uphold the highest standards of governance and safety at sea.