NMP Produces New Assessors from AIFCP, Inc.

TACLOBAN CITY – Twelve (12) participants from the Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines, Incorporated (AIFCP. Inc.) successfully completed the IMO Model Course 3.12 (Assessment, Examination, and Certification of Seafarers) conducted from 25 January – 05 February 2021 at the AIFCP, Inc. Campus, Davao City.

It can be recalled that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was forged by the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) and AIFCP, Inc. in January 2021 for the conduct of IMO Model Course 3.12.

The 10-day course was facilitated by NMP’s seasoned Guest Trainers, Dr. Ariel R. Raynes and Ms. Lourdes S. Mendoza. During the training, participants were given theoretical and practical exercises relative to the applicability of international provisions concerning the training, assessment, examination and certification of masters, officers and ratings of merchant vessels.

As duly certified assessors, the graduates are now expected to be able to implement provisions under national law; analyze national assessment, examination and certification needs; assert appropriate assessment methodologies; organize administration and conduct of assessments/examinations and issuance and control of certificates.

On the last day of the training, 05 February2021, a simple graduation ceremony was held. The confirmation of graduates was led by NMP Executive Director, Joel B. Maglunsod and Mrs. Bernadeth M. Aguilar, AIFCP VP-Administration who also delivered short messages.

“Your laborious participation is about to end, and you will now embrace the new challenges as pool of assessors in this institution and in your own respective meadows. May your passion and dedication to help AIFCP or your company in elevating the potentials of new seafarers be always at the pedestal of your priorities”, said Ms. Aguilar in her Welcome Message.

Capt. Roberto V. Salcedo, one of the participants, also shared his impressions about the training. “The course was delivered with professionalism and trainers were excellent in communicating the subject. The discussions were interactive, practical, helpful, and entertaining too. It was a very interesting training session because it gave me practical tools beyond the knowledge of the specific topic”.

During his Inspirational Message, ED Maglunsod articulated that despite the health crisis, NMP ensures the continuity of the delivery of its programs and services to its clientele.

“Along the DOLE agenda on the development of human resources, and with the NMP’s mandate on the provision of maritime training programs, NMP expedites the development, revision and shifting of its existing courses to online and blended learning”, said NMP ED Maglunsod.

The improved accessibility of NMP training programs is perceived to translate into reaching more seafarers even during the health crisis and will facilitate the Agency’s transitioning to the “new and better normal” in maritime training.

ED Maglunsod also added that NMP remains open for collaborative undertakings that give priority to our seafarers and maritime-allied professionals including the maritime faculty such that they are all empowered with the technical competence as they face the challenges in these trying times.

Meanwhile, NMP continues to conduct face-to-face trainings exclusively to the seafarer-trainees residing within Region VIII, imposing strict implementation of the Maritime Industry Authority’s (MARINA) approved Post-Enhanced Community Quarantine Operational Plan and other health and safety protocols as required by the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and local government unit (LGU).

Likewise, seafarers who are interested to avail of NMP’s FREE online classes on SHAPIMS, PADAMS, and GSTS may register through this link: https://nmp.gov.ph/online-course-offerings/.

Stakeholders who wish to validate the authenticity of their seafarers-employed with NMP issued certificates may visit www.verify.nmp.gov.ph. Also, those interested in NMP research undertakings may visit the NMP website and access the e-Research Information System Portal which is designed to disseminate NMP completed researches, present the Research Agenda, and engage the industry stakeholders to collaborate in the research activities.
Accordingly, those interested in NMP research undertakings may visit the NMP. e-Research Information System Portal (www.research.nmp.gov.ph) which is designed for gathering inputs for NMP’s research, dissemination of NMP completed researches and other articles pertaining to maritime research.

Further, NMP encourages OWWA registered seafarers to avail of the NMP-OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP) and Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) which entitles the beneficiary to receive financial assistance for training costs from the OWWA.