The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have formalized a strengthened partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at advancing training programs and initiatives in the Philippine maritime sector.
The agreement, signed by MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan and TESDA Director General Secretary Kiko Benitez, seeks to enhance the skills and competencies of Filipino maritime workers to meet both domestic and international industry standards. Key training areas include ship welding, ship fitting, pipefitting, and other critical maritime qualifications essential to shipbuilding and ship repair.
Administrator Malaluan underscored the significance of the collaboration, highlighting its potential to expand local shipyards and stimulate domestic shipbuilding activities. She noted that the initiative will not only reinforce the Philippines’ position as a shipbuilding nation but also contribute meaningfully to national economic growth.
“This partnership is not about individual agency accomplishments, but about creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for Filipinos and strengthening our identity as a maritime nation,” Malaluan said.
Under the MOA, both agencies will work closely to deliver relevant and industry-aligned training programs for shipyard workers and the broader maritime workforce, thereby opening more employment opportunities across the sector.
A Technical Working Group (TWG), composed of representatives from MARINA and TESDA, will oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of programs. The TWG will ensure that all initiatives are responsive to labor market demands and aligned with the Philippine Credit Transfer System (PCTS).
TESDA will provide labor market intelligence and support the development of trainers’ competencies, while MARINA will facilitate linkages with industry stakeholders and identify potential enterprises for program implementation.
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 requirements, and more than 20,000 registered ships engaged in domestic trade.
This partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s maritime workforce and sustaining growth in one of its most vital industries.
