The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today, March 30, 2026, in Taguig City to strengthen their partnership in developing training programs and other initiatives in the Philippine maritime sector.
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted the impact of the partnership, noting that it will help expand local shipyards and increase domestic shipbuilding. “This contributes not only to the image of the Philippines as a shipbuilding nation, but more importantly to national economic progress,” she said.
The MOA, signed by MARINA Administrator Malaluan and TESDA Director General Secretary Kiko Benitez, aims to equip Filipino maritime workers with the skills and competencies needed to meet both domestic and international industry standards, particularly in shipbuilding and ship repair. Key focus areas include ship welding, ship fitting, pipefitting, and other maritime qualifications.
Under the agreement, MARINA and TESDA will collaborate in providing relevant and necessary training for shipyard workers and the broader maritime workforce, creating more opportunities for employment.
A Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of officials from both agencies will oversee program development and monitoring, ensuring alignment with labor market needs and the Philippine Credit Transfer System (PCTS).
TESDA will facilitate labor market intelligence reports and develop trainers’ competencies, while MARINA will link TESDA to industry stakeholders and identify potential enterprises for training implementation.
Administrator Malaluan also emphasized that the partnership is not about individual agency achievements, but more importantly about providing livelihood opportunities for Filipinos and strengthening the country as a maritime nation.
As of this writing, the Philippines has 132 registered and licensed Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) entities, 146 boatbuilders serving domestic ship and boat repair needs, and over 20,000 registered ships in the domestic trade.
