TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), a premier government-owned maritime training and research institution situated in Brgy. Cabalawan, Tacloban City, with a liaison office in Manila, had a strong start this year, surpassing its monthly target for the number of trainees in January 2024.
As of 31 January 2024, NMP successfully trained a total of one thousand two hundred eighty-one (1,291) trainees. Of these, 1,058 (81.95%) took Basic Courses, 127 (9.84%) enrolled in Specialized Courses, 81 (6.28%) availed Professional Development Courses, 14 (1.08%) participated in Deck Courses, and the remaining 11 (.85%) listed in Engine Courses.
This achievement marks a solid beginning for NMP as it strives to meet its General Appropriations Act (GAA) target of training ten thousand (10,000) trainees in CY 2024. Moreover, NMP is not just limiting to this target but is making best efforts to exceed this goal, aiming to train more than 15,000 seafarers.
In its commitment to quality service, NMP continues to enhance its facilities and provide maritime training in adherence to the STCW Convention, as amended in 2010. This includes offering of value-adding courses designed to boost the competitiveness and qualifications of Filipino seafarers. Additionally, NMP conducts maritime researches to formulate policies aimed at improving the manpower sector of the industry.
Moreover, NMP actively seeks collaborative undertakings that prioritize our seafarers and maritime-allied professionals, including the maritime faculty. This approach ensures that they are thoroughly equipped with essential technical competencies, preparing them to adeptly maneuver through the ever-evolving landscape of maritime operations and challenges.
In line with these efforts, in the pipeline is the acquisition of two (2) major maritime simulators: the Full Mission Bridge Simulator (FMBS) and the Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator (LCHS), which will optimize the learning experiences of seafarers. These state-of-the-art simulators are set to significantly enrich the training experience, equipping them with hands-on, realistic scenarios that replicates the challenges faced at sea.
Meanwhile, those interested to take NMP training programs may visit the Online Registration System via https://register.nmp.gov.ph, the Agency’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nmptrainingcenter) or website https://nmp.gov.ph where all updates and relevant information on NMP programs and services are available. Likewise, for information on NMP research undertakings, please visit the NMP’s e-Research 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.
Furthermore, NMP encourages Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-registered seafarers to avail themselves of the NMP-OWWA Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP) and Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), which entitle the beneficiary to receive financial assistance for training costs from OWWA.