TACLOBAN CITY – With the intention of improving the visibility and enhancing the accessibility of the National Maritime Polytechnic’s (NMP) programs and services, particularly its Professional Development Courses (PDC), the Agency collaborated with the Apostleship of the Sea – Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center (AOS-SMSC) – Cebu Inc. on the conduct of Training Course for Instructors (IMO Model Course 6.09) and Training Course on Assessment, Examination, and Certification of Seafarers (IMO Model Course 3.12) in Central Visayas.

Negotiation of the partnership started in January this year and was finalized in March 2021 with the common cause of reaching out to Filipino seafarers especially during this time of pandemic.

Through the tie-up, ten (10) aspiring maritime instructors graduated from the IMO Model Course 6.09 conducted last 04 – 14 May 2021 at the AOS-SMSC -Cebu, Arellano Blvd., Gate 5, Pier 4, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.

A simple graduation ceremony was conducted on the last day of the training. The confirmation of graduates was led by NMP Executive Director, Joel B. Maglunsod and Rev. Fr. John C. Mission, Director of AOS-SMSC.

“We are glad to finally come to this day and celebrate with you in your journey as you completed the IMO MC 6.09. We hope and pray that you will continue to share your knowledge and wisdom to the maritime industry and may you contribute to the success of each and every maritime student and fellow seafarers that you will soon be mentoring as well”, Rev. Fr. Mission expressed in his Welcome Message.

Nothing but good words and appreciation were uttered by Capt. Gerwin Yap, the elected Class President, as he shared his impressions about the conduct of the training.

For the last 10 days, mixed emotions were felt and lot of challenges emerged. We learned that teaching is not an easy task yet we were able to learn despite the short period of time. The reason behind this is because of NMP with their knowledgeable and competent instructors. Thank you for all the knowledge and techniques you have taught use which we can use for the rest of our lives especially if we will begin our adventure as instructors” said Capt. Yap.

In his Inspirational Message, NMP Executive Director emphasized the important and critical role of our maritime instructors in the effective facilitation of the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies of Filipino seafarers.

“Remember that the knowledge, skills and abilities as instructors gained through the IMO MC 6.09 are significant in the transfer of knowledge and skills to the new generation of seafarers whose dreams are immense” ED Maglunsod disclosed.

He also mentioned that despite the travel restrictions, NMP continues to reach out to its clients and other interested parties by partnering with different institutions to provide continuous and efficient service to our Filipino seafarers.

“Ang NMP ay nanatiling bukas for collaborative undertakings na nagbibigay prayoridad sa ating mga marinong Pilipino and maritime-allied professionals kabilang ang maritime faculty such that they are all empowered with the technical competence as they face the challenges in these trying times” he said.

This is just the beginning of many other valuable convergence between NMP and AOS-SMSC. Ensuing schedules for the conduct of Professional Development Courses (PDC) will be posted at the NMP official facebook page (www.facebook.com/nmptrainingcenter) where all related information on NMP trainings are also available