Tacloban City- Sixteen (16) NMP Personnel underwent validation of their functions for the application for renewal of certification of entitlement to the Magna Carta benefits for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel in the government under RA No. 8439 last 23^rd of November this year.

Employees include the following; Engr. Januario U. Agravante III – Training Specialist II, Grace Marie T. Ayaso – Chief Science Research Specialist, Engr. Claro L. Coscos – Associate Professor I, Captain Chito A. Go – Training Specialist III, Engr. Gonzalo A. Manadong – Training Specialist III, Lydia S. Pacheco – Senior Science Research Specialist, Zenaida Eugenia D. Palita – Science Research Specialist II, Engr. Tomas A. Tamayo – Training Specialist III, Nancy O. Buatis – Science Research Specialist I, Daniel Jarydd S. Cinco – Computer Programmer II, Daniel Gerard P. Diaz – Information Systems Researcher, Captain Emmanuel Jesus M. Laguitan – Training Specialist V, Engr. Joseph B. Pagaduan – Training Specialist I, Engr. Lowie S. Polic – Training Specialist I, Andrew D. Soledad – Information Technology Officer I, Engr. Ponciano V. Trinidad – Training Specialist IV.

Validation team from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was composed of Assistant Secretary for Administration, Teodoro M. Gatchalian, Ph.D., Dr. Diana Ignacio, ITDI and Miss Heart Stephanie P. Casimiro.

The process of review and validation was done in pursuant to the Joint Circular No. 1,s. 2013 otherwise known as the Rules and Regulations on the Grant of Compensation-Related Magna Carta Benefits to Scientists, Engineers, Researchers, and Other Science and Technology (S&T) Personnel, and as required in the DOST Administrative Order No. 006 series of 2000 on the implementation of RA 8439. Likewise, the NMP constituted a Screening Committee to evaluate qualifications of personnel who may be considered for certification to avail of the benefits provided by the Act prior to the visitation of the DOST validation team.

As early as 2001, the NMP was recognized by the DOST as an S&T agency based on its mandate. With a number of technical personnel certified as S&T, thus entitled to the benefits under RA 8439.

On the other hand, NMP continues to upgrade its facilities and provide maritime trainings required pursuant to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention as amended in 2010 including value-adding courses towards improving the qualifications of Filipino seafarers for their employment acceptability and enhanced competitiveness. It also regularly conducts maritime studies to come up with policies for the improvement of the manpower sector of the industry.

Those interested to take NMP training programs may visit the NMP website www.nmp.gov.ph and its Facebook page (www.facebook.com\nmptrainingcenter) where all related information on NMP trainings are available.

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