TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) is setting sail for inclusivity as it joins the National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) CY 2023. With this year’s theme: “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” NMP continues its advocacy in promoting gender equality and women empowerment in the maritime industry.

As a fitting tribute to the Filipino women who have broken through barriers and overcome challenges to make a positive impact on society, NMP put-up an NMWC Display Center at the Administration Building where it featured “Today in HERSTORY” honoring the women of every class, religion and ethnic background who have helped shape the nation’s growth and strength. It likewise portrayed “Juana Says”, a collection of inspiring quotes from Filipino women who achieved greatness in various fields and professions.

NMP also offered “Serbisyo Para Kay Juana” – Free Training and Dormitory Fees Program for female trainees for the month of March 2023, which aims to promote empowerment of Filipino women seafarers and encourage them to pursue senior management level positions.

To highlight the significant contributions of women in the seafaring profession and encourage gender equality in the maritime industry, NMP also organized a “Photography Contest” which seeks to capture compelling moments or scenes that highlight the significant contributions of women to the industry’s development and success. The contest is open to all aspiring and active Filipino seafarers wherein winners will receive recognition and prizes during the culmination of the Women’s Month celebration.

During the NMP flag raising ceremony conducted on 06 March 2023, NMP OIC Executive Director Mayla N. Macadawan shared that the Agency also took a major step towards addressing the gender gap and discrimination in the maritime sector by submitting proposed provisions on women empowerment for inclusion in the bill on Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers both in the House of the Representatives and Senate versions, 19^th Congress.

“I really hope that our proposed provisions were considered and included in the final bill. This will be a significant milestone in NMP’s advocacy for the full protection of Filipino women seafarers and a crucial step towards achieving gender equality in the industry,” she disclosed.

Moreover, as an empowering message to all women, she mentioned, “We need to assert our rights as women and make our voices heard in the industry and the community we serve. Let us strive for a balance between men and women and work towards achieving true gender equality.”  

Meanwhile, other NMP activities include playing of the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang video during flag raising ceremonies; wearing of anything purple on all the Wednesday of March; putting-up of photo booth; production and distribution of Information/Education/Communication (IEC) materials and collaterals highlighting gender equality; and uploading of the official logo and other NWMC advocacy materials in the NMP website and facebook account.