MAKATI CITY– The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) successfully organized a Maritime Research Forum at the Berjaya Makati Hotel on 22 June 2023. The event brought together ninety-two (92) industry stakeholders representing seafarers, government agencies, maritime education and training institutions (METIs), maritime organizations, manning/crewing agencies and maritime media outlets.
The forum served as a significant platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, enabling the NMP to present the results of its two (2) completed research projects conducted in CY 2022. These projects included an in-depth study on the “Profile of Filipino Women in Maritime” and an insightful examination of the “Factors Contributory to Stress of Filipino Seafarers Onboard Oceangoing Vessels.” The forum provided a crucial opportunity for maritime stakeholders to validate these research findings and collectively explore their implications for policy and program development within the maritime industry.
NMP also took the opportunity to present its Research Agenda CY 2023-2025 during the event. This strategic roadmap outlines the Agency’s planned research initiatives and areas of focus for the coming years. Inputs and suggestions from the industry stakeholders were solicited to guarantee that research agenda reflects the diverse perspectives and ever-evolving needs of the maritime industry.
In his Keynote Message, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary for Seabased OFW Concerns, Jerome T. Pampolina, lauded the NMP’s commitment to research and emphasized the importance of the said undertaking.
“We hope that the studies presented today will educate all of us, including the government as participants, on the environment in which our seafarers are being faced with in a daily basis and collaborate to address the challenges facing the maritime industry and to shape its future, especially when it affects the Filipino seafarer. We are confident that the insights and knowledge shared in this forum will lead to a new and innovative solution that will benefit our Filipino seafarers and our policy makers,” he shared.
Meanwhile, NMP OIC- Executive Director Mayla N. Macadawan in her Closing Message expressed her gratitude to the participants for their presence and active participation during the forum. She highlighted the significance of the event as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative efforts.
“I am excited about the prospects of strengthened and fruitful collaborations between the DMW, NMP and all maritime industry stakeholders. Let us embrace evidence-based research, innovative solutions, and progressive policies, knowing that the success of our industry relies on our collective efforts and commitment to continuous improvement,” OIC-ED Macadawan said.
She further emphasized the importance of the participants’ inputs in shaping the NMP’s research agenda and ensuring its alignment with the industry’s needs.
“Your insights play a crucial role in shaping the direction of our research initiatives by identifying research gaps and potential areas of exploration, enabling us to conduct studies that have a direct and positive impact on the maritime industry,” she disclosed.
The engaged involvement and valuable inputs from participants showcased their commitment to the welfare and development of our Filipino seafarers. The forum not only validated the research findings but also opened avenues for further discussions on policy and program development.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the NMP remains steadfast in its commitment to deliver relevant and responsive research initiatives. By harnessing the collective expertise and resources of industry stakeholders, the NMP is poised to make significant strides in driving innovation and shaping the future of the maritime sector.
For more information of the NMP’s Researches, interested stakeholders may access our e-Research Portal at https://research.nmp.gov.ph/ or visit the official website at www.nmp.gov.ph to view relevant activities and updates related to our services.