The state-run National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) in this city has trained some 19,550 active and aspiring seafarers in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a strong and sustained demand for maritime education in the country.
The figure represents 98 percent of the 19,851 total enrollees at NMP’s main campus in Tacloban City and its liaison office in Metro Manila from January to September this year.
The number is nearly equal to the 19,652 trainees recorded for the entire 2024, underscoring the agency’s consistent training performance, the NMP said in a statement on Monday.
“This is a manifestation of NMP’s unwavering dedication in upholding its mandate to produce globally competitive Filipino seafarers,” NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said.
“We will continue to enhance our training capacities to meet international standards and sustain the country’s position as the world’s leading supplier of maritime professionals.”
NMP has experienced a steady growth in enrollment since the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
In 2023 and 2024 alone, the institution produced 34,374 successful trainees, a notable increase compared to the 28,674 trainees recorded during the pandemic years of 2020 to 2022.
Currently, NMP offers 56 maritime training programs, including both mandatory and non-mandatory courses. These cover deck and engine operations, specialized maritime training, professional development, as well as safety, security, and medical courses designed to meet the evolving needs of the global shipping industry.
As of August 2025, there are 91 maritime training institutions nationwide accredited by the Maritime Industry Authority.
Among them, NMP remains the only government-owned and -operated institution providing subsidized, high-quality maritime training — with 32 courses offered free of charge to Filipino seafarers.
Since it began operations in 1983, NMP has trained a total of 464,434 maritime professionals, contributing significantly to the Philippines’ reputation as the world’s top supplier of seafarers. (PNA)
