NMP rolls out more free maritime training courses

Press Release
August 5, 2026

TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) marked another historic milestone in the Philippine maritime industry on Monday, August 3, with the official launch of all its regular training courses, now free of charge.

This landmark initiative is in compliance with a memorandum issued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on June 18, 2026, approving the waiver of training fees for the remaining 22 existing regular training courses, expanding the number of NMP free training offerings to 55 courses.

The expansion covers both full and refresher courses that comply with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as well as management-level training programs. Meanwhile, Professional Development Courses (PDC) are now offered at significantly reduced fees of Php 8,000, making specialized instructor and assessor training more accessible and affordable for maritime professionals.

NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario expressed his gratitude to the national government, through DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, for making the initiative possible. He emphasized that the program reflects the government's strong commitment to investing in the professional development of Filipino seafarers and recognizing their invaluable contribution to the country's economy.

"It is fitting that under the current administration, we are able to provide free regular maritime training supporting Republic Act No. 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2024,” he said.

This legislation underscores the importance of accessible and affordable maritime education and training in enhancing the competence, employability, and global competitiveness of Filipino maritime professionals.

3/O Jovanne Janry Guda, 26, from Eastern Samar said he observed significant improvements at NMP since his last training four years ago. Currently, he is enrolled in Management Level Course (Deck), one of the free course offerings.

"The facilities here have improved a lot. As a seafarer, this free training is a big financial relief because it helps reduce our expenses, especially since our budget is often limited while we are off board and on vacation. This allows us to upgrade our qualifications without worrying about the cost," Guda shared.

Beyond expanding access to training, NMP continues to pursue its long-term vision of bringing government maritime training closer to seafarers nationwide through the proposed establishment of Regional Training Centers in Tanza, Cavite, for Luzon and Davao City for Mindanao. Feasibility studies for both projects are currently being undertaken in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).

A subsumed agency under the DMW, the NMP is the country's sole government-owned maritime training and research institution, operating its main training complex in Tacloban with a liaison office in Makati City.