TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) Team, led by its OIC Executive Director Mayla N. Macadawan, promptly proceeded to Davao City, in response to the memorandum issued by the Regional Development Council (RDC) Davao Region, requiring all government agencies/offices with lot allocation in the Davao Regional Government Center (RGC) to conduct simultaneous documentation of the actual informal settler occupants of their individual lots.

On July 20, 2023, the NMP Team carried out the vital documentation activity, aligning with RDC Davao Region’s objective of ensuring efficient and inclusive development within the Davao RGC. The documentation process aimed to provide additional support to the City Government of Davao in the screening of qualified applicants for resettlement or relocation assistance.

At the Bureau of Plant Industry National Crop Research, Development, and Production Support Center – Davao, all agency/office representatives converged for a comprehensive briefing before proceeding to their respective lot assignments.

During the briefing, Engr. Ivan C. Cortez, Co-Chairperson of IDC XI SubCom RGC and City Planning and Development Coordinator of the City Government of Davao, expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a dream come true, to put various government offices in one place. The establishment of the Davao Regional Government Center marks a significant milestone in bringing different government agencies together for more efficient and collaborative operations.”

He also underscored that agencies with an approved budget allocation for the improvement of the allotted lots will be given priority, as funding will set the motion for the seamless implementation of necessary demolition activities.

With the valuable assistance of former NMP Executive Director Joel B. Maglunsod and Engr. Eddie D. Melodias of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Davao, the NMP Team conducted a thorough survey and identification of the 5,000-square-meter lot. This notable lot donation represents a critical milestone in NMP’s plan to establish an office in the proposed Davao RGC, allowing it to provide quality maritime training and research services closer to the public.

Along this line, NMP is committed to expedite the placement of survey monument markers to clearly indicate the reference points of the property.

With a shared vision of empowering Filipino seafarers and strengthening the country’s position in the global maritime industry, the establishment of an NMP Office in Davao holds immense importance. By bringing maritime training and research facilities closer to the public, NMP seeks to elevate the skills and knowledge of Filipino seafarers, reinforcing the nation’s role as a leading provider of seafarers worldwide.

With this, NMP remains dedicated to its noble mission of advancing the welfare of Filipino seafarers, supporting the maritime industry’s growth, and contributing to the nation’s development.