NMP steps up modernization with P261-M infrastructure projects
TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) broke ground six infrastructure projects worth P261 million in its headquarters here aimed at improving training facilities for Filipino seafarers.
On Tuesday, October 27, NMP broke ground for its P109-million ratings’ dormitory and unveiled five other projects including the P89.9-million rehabilitation of the Officers’ Dormitory, P32.1-million construction of a new training pool, P19.8-million firefighting area with a firehouse mock-up building, P7.7-million road network improvement, and P3-million parking area.
NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said the dormitories, equipped with modern facilities, will provide trainees with a safe and comfortable place to rest and prepare.
“Our standard training pool will support the development of essential survival and safety skills. Improved roads, parking areas, and upgraded training facilities will make our campus safer, more accessible, and better equipped to serve,” Del Rosario said.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Bernard Olalia of the Adjudication Services and Regional Operations and Assistant Secretary Augusto San Diego of the Sea-based OFW Concerns, led the activity at the at the NMP Main Office and Training Complex in Cabalawan, Tacloban City.
Regional officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Maritime Industry Authority, and Department of Budget and Management, as well as representatives of Tingog Party-list, City Government of Tacloban, Leyte Province, and selected NMP trainees joined the ceremonial activity.
Olalia expressed gratitude to the present administration for its support, along with the contributions of partner national and regional government agencies, civil society organizations, and Filipino seafarers in advancing NMP’s development.
“Almost five decades na narito ang NMP, for the first time under the present administration, we are receiving a lot of projects. These are timely investments because the global maritime industry is changing rapidly,” he said.
Del Rosario said these projects support Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2024, which underscores the importance of quality maritime education and training, skills development, and access to facilities that meet international standards to help Filipino seafarers remain competitive and the most globally preferred maritime professionals.
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