In 2025, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) in Tacloban City trained approximately 19,550 active and aspiring seafarers during the first nine months, showcasing a robust demand for maritime education in the Philippines. This figure accounts for about 98% of total enrollments, which reached 19,851 across NMP’s main campus and its Metro Manila office. Notably, this enrollment number is nearly on par with the entire year’s total from 2024, when NMP recorded 19,652 trainees, indicating the institution’s consistent training capabilities.
Victor Del Rosario, the NMP Executive Director, emphasized that this achievement reflects the institution’s commitment to producing globally competitive Filipino seafarers. He reiterated the ongoing efforts to enhance training capacities in accordance with international standards, aiming to maintain the Philippines’ position as a key supplier of maritime professionals worldwide.
The NMP has seen a gradual increase in student enrollment since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, producing a total of 34,374 successful trainees in 2023 and 2024 alone. This marks a significant rise compared to just 28,674 trainees during the pandemic years from 2020 to 2022.
Currently, the NMP offers a comprehensive array of 56 maritime training programs, encompassing both mandatory and non-mandatory courses. These programs address various aspects of maritime operations, including deck and engine operations, specialized maritime training, and courses on safety, security, and medical knowledge tailored to the dynamic requirements of the global shipping industry.
As of August 2025, there are 91 maritime training institutions accredited by the Maritime Industry Authority throughout the Philippines. Among these, the NMP stands out as the only government-operated institution that provides subsidized, high-quality maritime training. Notably, 32 of its courses are offered free of charge to Filipino seafarers, furthering access to essential training.
Since its inception in 1983, NMP has successfully trained a total of 464,434 maritime professionals, significantly contributing to the Philippines’ esteemed reputation as the world’s leading supplier of seafarers. This legacy underscores the vital role that NMP plays not only in maritime education but also in bolstering the global standing of Filipino maritime professionals.
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