NMP Undergoes Online HGDG Training

TACLOBAN CITY – As part of the National Maritime Polytechnic’s (NMP) capacity building of its personnel, a webinar on “Beyond Attribution: Use of HGDG to Mainstream Gender and Development (GAD) Elements in the Project Development Cycle” was conducted on 14 December 2020 via Zoom videoconferencing platform attended by GAD focal persons and personnel who are responsible in the implementation of various NMP’s GAD programs/projects/activities (PPAs).

The webinar aimed at increasing the knowledge and skills of the participants on assessing the gender responsiveness of the Agency’s PPAs and integrating gender perspectives in project cycle development. The discussion focused on the basic GAD concepts, project cycle development, application of Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) tools, and preparation of project proposal with gender analysis.

“We all know that the maritime industry is a male dominated sector, but we have seen the growing interest of our female counterparts. Statistics will show that there is an increasing number of women students who are joining the baccalaureate courses on maritime education both in the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) programs. NMP as the only government training and research center, would like to empower and prepare them for their employment onboard ships” said Ms. Grace Marie T. Ayaso, NMP Agency Officer-In-Charge.

She also added that there are lots of gender gaps in the maritime sector, thus, NMP should be at the forefront in providing services relative to gender and development.

“Let us ensure that the gender issues that we have identified as part of our research activities and in our participation to trainings and seminars on GAD are indeed addressed in our programs so that we can warrant the facilitation of gender mainstreaming efforts in recognition of the GAD issues and concerns” she further disclosed.

Twenty-four (24) participants attended the webinar conducted by Mr. Philip Amiel Briones Lopez, a member of the National GAD Resource Program of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).

In his discussion, Mr. Lopez emphasized the importance of gender mainstreaming in the PPAs of NMP. He also provided orientation on the use of HGDG for both generic and sector specific checklist including GAD guidelines for the Project Implementation and Management, and Monitoring Evaluation (PIMME).

“To ensure gender mainstreaming there is a need for a consultation with various stakeholders in such a way that the aspirations, wishes and needs of women and men are equally valued and favored through the project activities” said Mr. Lopez.

In her closing message, NMP GAD-Technical Working Group (TWG) Chairperson, Ms. Elena M. Santos expressed her appreciation for the very comprehensive discussion.

“With commitment and dedication of everyone, we can apply all the learnings in the forth coming year 2021 and pursue with vigor GAD advocacies and commitment that we would like to do especially that NMP is serving to what is considered as a “male dominated industry”, promoting gender equality and empowering Filipino women becomes more urgent” said Ms. Santos.

Meanwhile, NMP continues to conduct face-to-face trainings to those residents of Region VIII with 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) of Tacloban.

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

Interested stakeholders who wish to validate the authenticity of their seafarers-employed with NMP issued certificates may visit www.verify.nmp.gov.ph. Likewise, 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.

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.