NMP Guests In the “Suruswerte Ha PIA” Program
TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) attends as guest interviewee in the “Suruswerte Ha PIA” program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on 26 January 2021 with the objective of informing the public of the updates of NMP programs and services being offered despite the current health crisis.
As the only government-owned training and research center of the country and an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), it was stressed by NMP Executive Director Joel B. Maglunsod during the guesting that NMP commits to produce globally competitive and competent seafarers and other maritime-allied workforce through caliber trainings and quality researches that would lead to high skills utilization and employability outcomes.
In addition, he shared that the impact of the COVID-19 may be unfavorable to many, but for NMP, it brought new opportunities. “COVID-19 pushed NMP to modernize, innovate, and be creative in the delivery of its services to our clients”, he said.
During the lockdown period, NMP conducted repair and improvement of buildings and infrastructures. Likewise, personnel interventions were also provided to its trainers through training on upgrading the teaching methodologies particularly with the use of online platforms which led to the offering of FREE online courses on SHAPIMS, PADAMS, and GSTS.
The Head of the Maritime Training and Assessment Division (MTAD), Engr. Ponciano Trinidad also disclosed that due to NMP’s implementation of safety protocols, class intake was reduced to twelve (12) participants per class in observance of physical and social distancing per MARINA approved Post ECQ Operational Plan of NMP and that schedules of trainings are already fully booked until April 2021 specifically for refresher courses. He also emphasized that the NMP ensures security of its trainees thereby requiring seafarer-trainees to stay in NMP premises during the entire duration of the training apart from the usual practices of handwashing and wearing of face masks and shields.
Considering the effects of strict implementation of health protocols, NMP only caters its trainings to Region VIII residents but part of its priorities in CY 2021 is the expansion of NMP trainings not only for those in Region VIII but also in the major areas of the country by establishing satellite offices in Cebu and Davao cities.
Accordingly, ED Maglunsod cited that there is an on-going offering of IMO MC 3.12 in Davao City through the Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines, Inc. and in the next months, coordination will be made with schools in Cebu City for the offering of NMP trainings.
The construction of NMP’s training pool this year was also discussed which will be opened to the public especially to students with swimming classes as part of the advocacy of NMP to its community. The implementation of “Train Now Pay Later” Program was also mentioned which aims to address the need of the maritime cadets and graduates of other maritime-allied courses who are unable to undergo the required trainings for shipboard employment due to financial constraints.
Dir. Tiu expressed her admiration as according to her, NMP did not allow the pandemic to hinder the resumption of NMP services to its clients.
The said interview was featured live in all the Facebook Pages of the PIA, An Rehiyon Ocho Yana social media account, and various TV networks in Region VIII.
Further, interested enrollees to NMP trainings may visit the NMP website (www.nmp.gov.ph) or the agency’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nmptrainingcenter) where all updates and relevant information on NMP programs are available. Likewise, for information on NMP research undertakings please visit the NMP website and access the e-Research Information System Portal (www.research.nmp.gov.ph) which is designed to disseminate NMP completed researches, present the Research Agenda, and engage the industry stakeholders to collaborate in the research activities.