NMP and PMMA Seal Agreement to Elevate Maritime Professional Development
The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) officially entered into a partnership on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, through the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA). This collaboration is designed to significantly enhance the professional development opportunities available to qualified employees of NMP, marking a strategic move to bolster the country's maritime sector.
Strategic Investment in Human Capital and Institutional Mandate
During the signing ceremony held at the NMP Manila Liaison Office in Makati City, NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario emphasized the importance of this alliance. He stated that this partnership with PMMA represents a strategic investment in both the people of NMP and the agency's core mission. By expanding access to graduate-level education, fostering research collaboration, and utilizing accredited training facilities, the initiative aims to strengthen NMP's capacity to deliver high-quality maritime training and research. This effort is crucial for meeting both national and international standards in the maritime industry.
Del Rosario expressed his gratitude to PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal for their cooperation in this endeavor. The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework for joint initiatives that will benefit both institutions and their stakeholders.
Key Components of the Memorandum of Agreement
According to the terms of the MOA, selected officials and employees from NMP will have the opportunity to enroll in PMMA's Graduate School. They can pursue a master's degree program in either Shipping Management or Maritime Education and Training, two fields critical to advancing maritime expertise.
To facilitate this educational advancement, PMMA has committed to waiving tuition fees for qualified scholars. Meanwhile, NMP will cover miscellaneous and other school-related expenses. This financial arrangement ensures greater access to advanced education and career development for NMP personnel, removing potential barriers to professional growth.
Fostering Collaboration for Broader Impact
In a statement, Commodore Joel Abutal highlighted the shared goal of maximizing support and expanding training capabilities. He urged both agencies to work together to transform the lives of Filipino seafarers, underscoring the partnership's potential to create positive ripple effects throughout the maritime community.
Additionally, NMP disclosed that the two state-run maritime agencies will establish a structured framework for joint research initiatives. This includes co-authorship and publication in peer-reviewed journals and other scholarly outlets. Such collaborative research efforts will align with the respective research agendas of both institutions, promoting innovation and knowledge sharing in the maritime field.
Background on the Participating Institutions
The National Maritime Polytechnic, a subsumed agency under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), serves as the Philippines' sole government-operated maritime training and research center. Established in 1978, NMP maintains its main office and training complex in Tacloban City, with a liaison office operating in Makati City to facilitate broader engagement.
On the other hand, the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, founded in 1820, is a premier state-run maritime higher education institution in the country. It offers degrees in Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering, preparing students for global shipping careers. PMMA also commissions its graduates into the Philippine Navy Reserve, contributing to national defense. The academy is located in San Narciso, Zambales, and has a long-standing reputation for excellence in maritime education.
This partnership between NMP and PMMA is expected to drive significant advancements in maritime professional development, research, and training, ultimately benefiting the Philippine maritime industry and its workforce.
