The Department of Labor and Employment has partnered with South Korean maritime organizations to study the establishment of an eco-friendly shipbuilding training facility in Zambales province.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino met Friday with representatives from the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., who have been asked to conduct a feasibility study for the project.

The proposed facility will be funded through Official Development Assistance.

“This would be of great help to the Philippine shipbuilding industry,” Tolentino said, citing that the country already possesses a strong workforce whose skills can be elevated through international cooperation.

Tolentino said the Zambales training center aims to equip Filipino workers with globally competitive skills while expanding local vocational training opportunities in green maritime technology.