The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) is set to undertake ₱261 million worth of infrastructure projects in 2026, marking a major investment in its training facilities as the government seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of Filipino seafarers in the global maritime industry.
The projects, unveiled on October 27 at the NMP Main Office and Training Complex in Barangay Cabalawan, include a ₱109-million ratings’ dormitory, the ₱89.9-million rehabilitation of the Officers’ Dormitory, and a ₱32.1-million training pool.
Also included are a ₱19.8-million firefighting area with a firehouse mock-up building, ₱7.7 million for road network improvements, and a ₱3-million parking facility.
The ratings’ dormitory project formally broke ground during the ceremony, while the five other projects were presented as part of the institution’s infrastructure development program.
NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said the improvements are intended to provide trainees with better accommodation and facilities for practical exercises, particularly in survival, safety, and firefighting training.
Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, who represented Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, described the investments as timely, citing the changing demands of the international maritime industry.
The developments come as the country implements Republic Act 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which mandates stronger protection of seafarers' rights and promotes access to quality education, training, and skills development.
The law also gives the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) jurisdiction over maritime education and training standards, including the accreditation and monitoring of institutions.
However, infrastructure spending alone does not guarantee better training outcomes.
The effectiveness of the investment will ultimately depend on the quality of instruction, proper maintenance of facilities, accessibility of training programs, and compliance with international standards.
The NMP, a government-owned maritime training and research institution, provides courses designed to meet the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
With the new projects, the challenge will be to translate the substantial public investment into measurable improvements in training capacity and the skills of Filipino maritime workers.
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