NMP wraps up nationwide public consultations in Manila, reinforcing support for proposed attachment to DMW

Press Release
July 25, 2026

MANILA – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) on Friday concluded the series of public consultations on the proposed Executive Order reconstituting the NMP as an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

This is the final-leg succeeding the first public consultation in Tacloban City for Visayas-leg on June 9, Davao City for the Mindanao on June 18, and Bacoor City, Cavite for CALABARZON on July 21, gathering national government agencies, maritime institutions, ship operators and shipowners’ associations, the seafaring community and unions to discuss, validate, and provide recommendations on the proposed institutional reform.

Participants included top officials and representatives from the DMW, Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association, Inc., Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, Asian Institute of the Maritime Studies, International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network, Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines, Intership Navigation Training Center, Inc., Philippine Liner Shipping Association, Philippine Interisland Shipping Association, STI Maritime Training Academy, United Filipino Seafarers, World Institute of Maritime Advanced Studies, and Far East Maritime Foundation, Inc.

In his message, Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said that proposed reconstitution seeks to further strengthen NMP so that it can more effectively and efficiently fulfill its mandate and better respond to the evolving needs of Filipino seafarers and the maritime industry.

“As the government continues to pursue organizational reforms through the Optimization Act, this proposed reconstitution provides a practical and responsive mechanism to ensure that NMP remains agile, future-ready, and capable of delivering its mandate, most especially as it advances its modernization and expansion initiatives,” Del Rosario said.

He likewise expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his steadfast support for the continued development of the Philippine maritime industry, and to DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac for his unwavering commitment to advancing the welfare, safety, and protection of our overseas Filipino workers, including the seafarers.

On behalf of the DMW Secretary, Assistant Secretary Violeta Illescas thanked all stakeholders for their active participation, assuring them that all comments and recommendations have been documented and will undergo the necessary review before being submitted to the Office of the Secretary as part of the proposed Executive Order.

She further acknowledged the proposal to establish temporary shelter and accommodation for seafarers in Manila while processing their training and documentary requirements, assuring stakeholders that the Department will study its feasibility and work toward its realization, subject to the availability of funds.
Representing the country’s largest seafarer union, AMOSUOP’s Legal Counsel, Atty. Henry Zamora expressed support for this significant reform.