The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has partnered with South Korean experts to explore establishing an eco-friendly shipbuilding training facility in Zambales.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino met Friday with representatives from South Korea’s Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI). The two organizations were tapped to conduct an Official Development Assistance (ODA)-funded feasibility study for the project.

“This would be of great help to the Philippine shipbuilding industry,” Tolentino said, noting that while the country already possesses a strong talent pool, strategic international partnerships can further elevate local skills.

Tolentino emphasized that the Zambales facility will equip Filipinos with globally competitive expertise, strengthen international ties, and expand local career opportunities. He assured that DOLE and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will fast-track agreement details ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit this November.

The feasibility study will be managed by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE).