PGMA inaugurates P48.3-M state-of-the-art maritime training facility in Leyte

Tacloban City (20 October) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to inaugurate today the state-of-the-art maritime training simulators and equipment of the National Maritime Polytechnic.

Upon arrival at the National Maritime Polytechnic Training Building, the President will cut the ribbon at the lobby, after which, she will tour the facilities and lead in the ceremonial switching on of the simulators.

The President is expected to have conversations with several trainees and alumni of the National Maritime Polytechnic which is ISO Certified, and a premiere institution at the forefront of government efforts to upgrade the seafaring expertise of Filipino merchant marine officers and ratings.

Director Grace Ayaso of the NMP informed that it is but fitting that President Arroyo be the one to inaugurate and switch on the simulators because this project amounting to P48,33,180, was funded by the Government of the Philippines.

The project will ensure that Filipino seafarers will continue to be competitively employed in the international labor market which will help in enhancing the economic condition of Filipino families and increasing dollar remittances to the country.

This project is a tangible manifestation that the government is responsive to the need of the seafarers and that the help of the seafarers through dollar remittances to the country returns back to them in terms of projects which will further enhance their employability, thus ensure that the Filipinos continue to become the number one seafarers of the world.

The maritime training simulators, composed of the full mission bridge simulator; the full mission engine room simulator and the liquid cargo handling simulator, meet the requirements of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended, and conforms to the Standard for Certification for Maritime Simulator Systems of the Det Norske Veritas.

The President will be introduced by Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, Jr., Director Ayaso said. (PIA